American actor Val Kilmer, known for his iconic roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever, and The Doors, has passed away at the age of 65. The news was confirmed by his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, who revealed that pneumonia was the cause of his death. Kilmer had battled throat cancer since 2014 and had reportedly recovered.
Kilmer’s acting journey began on stage before making his film debut with the comedy Top Secret! in 1984. His big break came two years later when he played the confident and fearless Iceman in Top Gun, sharing the screen with Tom Cruise. This role cemented his status as a Hollywood star.
Over the years, Kilmer took on diverse roles, from portraying rock legend Jim Morrison in The Doors to donning the cape as Batman in Batman Forever. Though his career faced challenges with some less successful films in the early 2000s, Kilmer remained passionate about acting and storytelling.
In the 2010s, he made a strong comeback with a stage show about Mark Twain, which he aimed to turn into a film. His life and career were later chronicled in the 2021 documentary Val, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and gave fans an intimate look at his struggles and triumphs.
One of his final on-screen appearances was a memorable cameo in Top Gun: Maverick (2021), where he reprised his iconic role as Iceman, reminding audiences of the talent and charisma that made him a beloved figure in Hollywood.
Fans and colleagues alike have taken to social media to share tributes, celebrating his incredible legacy and the unforgettable characters he brought to life.
