Renowned American actor Val Kilmer, famous for his roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever, and The Doors, has passed away at the age of 65. The New York Times confirmed his death on Tuesday.
His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, disclosed that he died due to complications from pneumonia. Kilmer had previously battled throat cancer following a diagnosis in 2014 but later recovered.
Originally a stage performer, Kilmer made his big-screen debut in 1984, playing a rock star in the Cold War parody Top Secret! He gained widespread recognition in 1986 as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in Top Gun, where he starred alongside Tom Cruise.
A versatile actor, Kilmer moved between major blockbusters and independent films throughout his career. He portrayed Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors, played a key role in Heat alongside Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, and took on the mantle of Bruce Wayne in Batman Forever.
Despite his success, he was sometimes described as a difficult personality in Hollywood. However, a 2002 interview with the New York Times painted him as friendly and open, contrary to the industry perception.
A Life in the Arts
Born Val Edward Kilmer on December 31, 1959, he showed early promise in acting. He became the youngest student admitted to the prestigious Juilliard School’s drama program. He later debuted on Broadway in 1983 alongside Sean Penn and Kevin Bacon.
Kilmer longed to make serious films but often found himself in commercial productions. In the 2010s, he was staging a career revival with a successful one-man show about Mark Twain before his battle with cancer altered his plans.
His 2021 documentary Val showcased his journey through Hollywood, personal struggles, and health battles. His final major appearance was in Top Gun: Maverick, where his real-life health challenges were incorporated into his character.
Reflecting on his life, Kilmer once wrote, “For more than half a century, I have been honing my art, no matter the medium—literature, movies, poetry, painting, music, or tracking exotic wildlife.”
He is survived by his two children, Mercedes and Jack Kilmer.
Source: AFP
