Top Gun and Batman actor Val Kilmer dies aged 65 - Channel1 News

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. His daughter, Mercedes, confirmed he passed away from pneumonia in Los Angeles.

Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 but later recovered. A tracheotomy surgery affected his voice and limited his acting career. However, he returned to play Iceman again in 2022's Top Gun: Maverick.

Michael Mann, director of Heat, paid tribute to Kilmer. He praised Kilmer's range and character expression during their work together. Mann expressed sadness over Kilmer's long battle with illness.

Actor Josh Gad remembered him as an icon who shaped many childhood movies. Josh Brolin shared a photo with Kilmer and said he would miss him. He described Kilmer as smart, brave, and creative.

James Woods admired Kilmer’s portrayal of Doc Holliday in Tombstone. Will Kemp recalled great memories working with him when he was new to acting.

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

Kilmer gained fame through 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.

In 1995, Kilmer played Batman in Batman Forever but did not continue for the next film. He also appeared as a master criminal in The Saint (1997) based on Leslie Charteris' books.

Kilmer voiced God and Moses in The Prince of Egypt and starred alongside Marlon Brando in The Island of Dr Moreau (1996). That film became notorious for its production issues.

He portrayed a gay private detective opposite Robert Downey Jr. in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005). In 2021, he released a documentary titled Val about his life and career.

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 powerful return to the role after many years apart. Besides acting, Kilmer was also an artist who created paintings inspired by his roles.

Film critic Larushka Ivan-Zadeh noted that Kilmer had a dark yet appealing persona that set him apart from typical Hollywood actors. KJ Matthews echoed this sentiment about his unconventional approach to roles.

When Val Kilmer was involved with a project, audiences could expect something interesting from him.