Val Kilmer, Batman Forever & Top Gun Actor, Dies Of Pneumonia At 65 After Recovering From Throat Cancer

Veteran actor Val Kilmer, who played Iceman in Top Gun and Batman in Batman Forever passed away on Tuesday night in Los Angeles. He was 65. Several media reports have stated that he died due to pneumonia.

Kilmer is survived by their two children, Mercedes Kilmer and Jack Kilmer. Kilmer met actor Joanne Whalley on the set of Ron Howard’s 1988 fantasy film Willow, but their marriage later ended in divorce. For many years, he resided on a ranch near Santa Fe. The news of his death was confirmed by Mercedes.

Reportedly, Kilmer recovered after a 2014 throat cancer diagnosis that required two tracheotomies. Val, a documentary about his life that premiered at Cannes in July 2021, depicted him relying on a breathing tube.

Val Kilmer's journey in film industry

Kilmer's journey in Hollywood has been one of talent, versatility, and resilience. Rising to fame in the 1980s, Kilmer made his film debut in the comedy Top Secret (1984), where he showcased his ability to balance humour with charm. He gained recognition with Real Genius (1985) before skyrocketing to stardom as Iceman in Top Gun (1986), opposite Tom Cruise.

Throughout the 1990s, Kilmer solidified his reputation as a dynamic actor with powerful performances in The Doors (1991), where he embodied rock legend Jim Morrison, and Tombstone (1993), in which he played the charismatic Doc Holliday.

His portrayal of Batman in Batman Forever (1995) cemented his leading-man status. Kilmer also delivered a gripping performance in Heat (1995), alongside Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, followed by The Ghost and the Darkness (1996) and The Saint (1997).

Despite personal health challenges, Kilmer remained dedicated to his craft. His 2021 documentary Val provided an intimate look at his life, career, and battle with throat cancer.