Top Gun and Batman actor Val Kilmer dies aged 65

Actor Val Kilmer has died at the age of 65. He starred in major films from the 1980s and 90s, including Top Gun and Batman Forever.

Kilmer also played Jim Morrison in The Doors and appeared in Tombstone and Heat. His daughter, Mercedes, confirmed he died of pneumonia in Los Angeles on Tuesday. She noted that he had throat cancer since 2014 but had recovered.

A tracheotomy surgery affected his voice and limited his acting career. However, he returned to reprise his role as Iceman in 2022's Top Gun: Maverick.

Michael Mann, director of Heat, paid tribute to Kilmer. He admired Kilmer's range and ability to express character. Mann expressed sadness over Kilmer's long battle with disease.

Actor Josh Gad remembered him fondly, saying he defined many childhood movies. "You truly were an icon," Gad wrote on social media. Josh Brolin shared a photo with Kilmer and said he would miss him.

James Woods praised Kilmer’s portrayal of Doc Holliday in Tombstone. He called it a dream performance for any actor. Will Kemp recalled great memories working with Kilmer, noting his kindness early in Kemp's career.

Val Edward Kilmer was born on December 31, 1959, in Los Angeles. He grew up in a middle-class family with Christian Scientist parents. At age 17, he became the youngest student at Juilliard School.

Kilmer gained fame with comedies like Top Secret! and Real Genius. He solidified his status as Iceman in Top Gun (1986), a defining film of the decade.

He starred alongside Joanne Whalley in Willow and Kill Me Again before marrying her in 1988. They had two children together.

Kilmer showcased his versatility by portraying Jim Morrison convincingly years after the singer's death. He also starred in hits like Tombstone and Heat alongside Al Pacino and Robert De Niro.

In 1995, he took over as Batman for Batman Forever but did not continue for the next film due to mixed reviews. In The Saint (1997), he played a master criminal based on Leslie Charteris' books.

Kilmer voiced God and Moses in The Prince of Egypt but faced challenges during filming The Island of Dr Moreau (1996). That film became notorious for its production issues; its director vowed never to work with him again due to difficulties on set.

He portrayed a gay private detective opposite Robert Downey Jr.'s character in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005). In 2021, Kilmer released a documentary about his life titled Val at Cannes Film Festival.

The documentary featured home recordings spanning four decades, including moments post-cancer surgery when he used a voice box. His cameo as Iceman was particularly poignant for fans.

Tom Cruise praised Kilmer’s return to the role, highlighting his powerful acting skills. Besides acting, Kilmer was also an artist who created paintings inspired by his roles.

Film critic Larushka Ivan-Zadeh noted that Kilmer’s role in The Doors captured his appeal perfectly. She described him as darkly intriguing rather than just another pretty Hollywood face.

Entertainment journalist KJ Matthews echoed this sentiment about Kilmer’s edgy persona and unconventional performances. "When Val Kilmer was attached to a project," Matthews said, "you knew something interesting would happen."