LOS ANGELES, CA — Val Kilmer, a Hollywood icon known for his roles in Top Gun, The Doors, Tombstone, and Batman Forever, passed away at age 65.
His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed to the New York Times that he died from pneumonia.
Kilmer, who was born in California and trained at Juilliard, became one of the biggest stars in Hollywood during the 80s and 90s. He first gained attention in Top Gun (1986), where he played Tom Cruise's rival, Iceman.
![Val Kilmer in Top Gun as Lt. Tom "Iceman" Kazansky](/sites/default/files/2025-04/screenshot2025-04-02at121332am.jpeg "Val Kilmer in Top Gun as Lt. Tom "Iceman" Kazansky")
Val Kilmer in Top Gun as Lt. Tom "Iceman" Kazansky
(Credit: facebook.com/valkilmer)
He later portrayed rock legend Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991) and became Batman in Batman Forever (1995), following Michael Keaton’s role.
Batman Forever Movie Poster Starring Val Kilmer as Batman
However, Kilmer’s career took a turn after a series of public clashes with directors and co-stars. His intense and perfectionist approach to acting earned him a reputation as difficult to work with.
In 2014, Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer, but he recovered in the years following.
In 2020, Val Kilmer shared he had been cancer-free for four years but still struggled with treatments, including using a feeding tube. In 2021, he worked with the London-based company Sonantic to recreate his voice using AI and recordings, creating over 40 vocal models for future projects.
In 2021, he reflected on his life and career in a documentary called Val, where he shared personal footage from his life and career.
Kilmer reprised his role as Tom "Iceman" Kazansky in the Top Gun sequel Top Gun: Maverick (2022)
For Top Gun: Maverick, director Joseph Kosinski confirmed they did not use the AI voice but instead used Kilmer's real voice, which was digitally altered for clarity.
Val Kilmer is survived by his daughter, Mercedes, and his son, Jack.
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