Val Kilmer, the legendary Hollywood actor known for his roles in Top Gun, The Doors, and Batman Forever, has died at the age of 65. Kilmer faced poor health due to a years-long battle with throat cancer, but his family announced Wednesday it was ultimately pneumonia.
Kilmer, diagnosed with throat cancer in 2016, was open about his health struggles in recent years, in the 2021 Amazon Prime documentary Val he documented his journey. Including intimate details behind losing his distinctive voice, due to his illness and subsequent treatments. Val continued to work and became a beacon of resilience to fans and friends in the industry.
Born in Los Angeles in 1959, the California native rose to fame in the 1980s and ‘90s gaining widespread attention in 1986’s Top Gun, in which he played Tom “Iceman” Kazansky opposite Tom Cruise. He continued to win fans over with roles like his portrayal of Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors (1991) and Batman Forever (1995).
Later despite his health challenges and losing his famed voice, Kilmer reprised his role as Iceman in the 2022 blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick, where his brief appearance alongside Cruise was widely praised.
Kilmer is survived by his two children, Jack and Mercedes.