Legendary actor Val Kilmer, best known for his roles as a fighter pilot in “Top Gun,” a lawman in “Tombstone,” and the Caped Crusader in “Batman Forever,” has died at the age of 65.
Kilmer’s daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, shared the news of the actor’s death with the New York Times, sharing that he passed on Tuesday in Los Angeles.
While he was a prevalent and massive star in the 80s and 90s, Kilmer remained out of the public eye at the turn of the century, and in recent years following his throat cancer diagnosis in 2015.
As part of his treatment, Kilmer underwent a tracheotomy, making it difficult for him to talk.
Kilmer was more open about his cancer and surgery in recent years, having reprised his iconic role as Iceman in Tom Cruise’s sequel to “Top Gun,” “Top Gun: Maverick.”
While speaking with “Good Morning America” in 2020, the actor opened up about his difficulties with communicating.
“It’s just like any other language or dialect,” Kilmer said. “You have to figure out a way to communicate that’s no different than any other acting challenge, but it’s just a very unique set of circumstances.”
Kilmer’s success in the 80s and 90s made him a household name among Americans, appearing in iconic roles that have become classics in the modern age.
However, after seemingly leaving Hollywood at the turn of the century, Kilmer told the Hollywood Reporter in 2012 that he wanted to do other things, like spend time with his family.
“I don’t have any regrets,” he said, adding: “It’s an adage, but it’s kind of true: Once you’re a star, you’re always a star; it’s just what level?”