Val Kilmer, best known for his roles in films such as Top Gun, The Doors, and Batman Forever, passed away on April 1, 2025, at the age of 65. The cause of death was pneumonia, as confirmed by his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer.
Born on December 31, 1959, in Los Angeles, California, Kilmer was raised in a middle-class family and was educated at Chatsworth High School. He later became the youngest student to attend the prestigious Juilliard School in New York, where he honed his acting skills. Kilmer's early career included notable performances in comedy films such as Top Secret! (1984) and Real Genius (1985), which showcased his comedic talent.
Kilmer's breakthrough came with the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun, in which he played the memorable role of Lt. Tom "Iceman" Kazansky alongside Tom Cruise. He later reprised his role as Iceman in the 2022 film Top Gun: Maverick, marking his final performance on film.
His critically acclaimed portrayal of Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone's The Doors (1991) highlighted his ability to immerse himself in complex characters. His portrayal of Doc Holliday in the 1993 western Tombstone further cemented his reputation as a talented character actor.
In 1995, Kilmer took on the iconic role of Batman in Batman Forever, a film that grossed over $336 million worldwide. Despite his success, Kilmer's reputation was sometimes marred by his intense and demanding approach to acting, which led to conflicts with directors and co-stars. However, he remained a respected figure in Hollywood for his dedication to his craft.
In the decade before his death, Kilmer faced significant health challenges, including a diagnosis of throat cancer in 2015. He underwent chemotherapy and a tracheostomy, which left him with severe vocal difficulties. Despite these challenges, Kilmer continued to act and write, publishing his memoir I'm Your Huckleberry in 2020. He also starred in the documentary Val (2021), which was narrated by his son Jack Kilmer, due to Val's difficulty with speech. The film won the 2021 Critics' Choice Documentary Award.
Several Hollywood stars have expressed their condolences on social media, including Josh Brolin, who posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, describing Kilmer as "intelligent, challenging, courageous, and an exceptionally creative spark." Josh Gad shared a tribute on Instagram, thanking Kilmer for defining many of the movies from his childhood. He posted a photo of Kilmer as Tom "Iceman" Kazansky from Top Gun, calling him a childhood hero and an icon.
Matthew Modine expressed gratitude on X, stating that he might not have landed a role in Full Metal Jacket if not for a chance meeting with Kilmer in 1985. James Woods praised Kilmer's rendition of Doc Holliday in Tombstone, saying it was what every actor dreams of achieving.
Kilmer is survived by his two children, Mercedes and Jack, with ex-wife Joanne Whalley. ~Alexandra Heilbron
RIP Val --- i loved your films
Kilmer badly screwed over director Richard Stanley on The Island of Dr. Moreau. Let's stop pretending Kilmer was a good person.
I truly enjoyed his movies.