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Val Kilmer, the beloved Hollywood actor known for his roles in Top Gun and Batman Forever, has died at the age of 65. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed that he passed away from pneumonia in a statement to The New York Times.
Kilmer rose to fame as Iceman in the 1986 action blockbuster Top Gun, starring alongside Tom Cruise. He later stepped into the iconic role of Batman in 1995’s Batman Forever, cementing his place as a leading man in Hollywood.
Tributes have poured in from across the industry. Actor Josh Brolin, known for No Country for Old Men and The Goonies, shared a heartfelt Instagram post: “You were a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker. I hope to see you up there in the heavens when I eventually get there.” Frozen star Josh Gad also paid tribute, writing, “RIP Val Kilmer. Thank you for defining so many of the movies of my childhood. You truly were an icon.”
Kilmer’s career spanned decades, with notable performances in Willow, The Doors—where he portrayed legendary rocker Jim Morrison—Heat, The Saint, and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. He worked alongside Hollywood greats such as Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, and Marlon Brando, leaving a lasting impact on the film industry.
His final film appearance came in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), reprising his role as Iceman. Reflecting on their emotional reunion, Tom Cruise told Jimmy Kimmel in 2023: “I’ve known Val for decades, and for him to come back and play that character… he’s such a powerful actor that he instantly became that character again.”
Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 and later underwent extensive treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, and a tracheostomy that severely impacted his ability to speak. He candidly shared his health struggles in his 2020 memoir I’m Your Huckleberry and the Amazon Prime documentary Val, where he reflected on his life and career.
Beyond his on-screen legacy, Kilmer was a devoted father to his two children, Jack and Mercedes, whom he shared with ex-wife Joanne Whalley. The couple had met while working on Willow and were married from 1988 to 1996.
Val Kilmer’s passing marks the end of an era, but his performances and influence will continue to inspire generations of movie lovers.
