Val Kilmer, Legendary Actor of ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Batman Forever,’ Passes Away at 65

Val Kilmer, the charismatic and intensely dedicated actor known for iconic roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever, and The Doors, has passed away at the age of 65. Kilmer died Tuesday night in Los Angeles, surrounded by loved ones, his daughter Mercedes Kilmer confirmed. The Los Angeles Times first reported the news.

Kilmer’s death was attributed to complications from pneumonia. The actor had previously battled throat cancer, undergoing two tracheotomies after his diagnosis in 2014. Despite these challenges, he continued to find purpose in his work and life, sharing in the 2021 documentary Val:

“I have behaved poorly. I have behaved bravely. I have behaved bizarrely to some. I deny none of this and have no regrets because I have lost and found parts of myself that I never knew existed. And I am blessed.”

Born in Los Angeles, Kilmer displayed artistic talent early on, becoming the youngest student ever accepted into the prestigious Juilliard School at the time. His breakthrough came in the 1984 spy spoof Top Secret!, followed by Real Genius in 1985. However, it was his role as the cocky, cool fighter pilot Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in Top Gun (1986) that catapulted him to fame. Despite initially rejecting the part, Kilmer became an integral part of the film’s success, reprising the role decades later in Top Gun: Maverick (2022).

Throughout the 1990s, Kilmer cemented his status as a Hollywood leading man. His portrayal of Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors (1991) demonstrated his dedication to method acting—he reportedly wore leather pants for a year and insisted on being called Morrison on set. He delivered a chilling performance as Doc Holliday in Tombstone (1993), opposite Kurt Russell, and later starred in Heat (1995) alongside Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. Director Michael Mann, reflecting on their collaboration, praised Kilmer’s “brilliant variability” in his roles.

Kilmer took on the mantle of Batman in Joel Schumacher’s Batman Forever (1995), but the experience was far from ideal. He described the restrictive Batsuit as isolating, making it difficult to deliver a nuanced performance. Critics were mixed on his portrayal, with Roger Ebert calling him a “completely acceptable” replacement for Michael Keaton.

Kilmer’s career saw turbulence in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with troubled productions like The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996), where behind-the-scenes chaos led to conflicts with co-stars and directors. He continued to take on diverse roles in films like The Saint (1997), Spartan (2004), and Wonderland (2003), where he portrayed 1970s porn star John Holmes. He also explored stage acting, performing as Mark Twain in his one-man play Citizen Twain.

Kilmer developed a reputation for being a challenging presence on set, something he later acknowledged. In his memoir I’m Your Huckleberry, he reflected on the friction, attributing it to his dedication to the craft rather than difficult behavior:

“In an unflinching attempt to empower directors, actors, and other collaborators to honor the truth and essence of each project, I had been deemed difficult and alienated the head of every major studio.”

Despite his reputation, many in the industry defended his passion. Director D.J. Caruso, who worked with him on The Salton Sea (2002), described Kilmer as an actor deeply committed to his roles and eager to collaborate.

Beyond the screen, Kilmer was a poet, an artist, and a deeply spiritual man. He published two books of poetry and earned a Grammy nomination in 2012 for his spoken word album The Mark of Zorro. He was also a devout Christian Scientist, a philosophy he adhered to throughout his life.

Kilmer shared a close bond with his family. He was married to actress Joanne Whalley, with whom he had two children, Mercedes and Jack. He also dated several high-profile figures, including Cher.

Tributes poured in following Kilmer’s passing. Actor Josh Brolin remembered him as “a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker.” Kilmer’s work and legacy will undoubtedly endure, inspiring future generations of actors and fans alike.

Reflecting on his journey in 2021, Kilmer expressed a sense of peace:

“I have no regrets. I’ve witnessed and experienced miracles.”

Val Kilmer leaves behind a legacy of unforgettable performances, an unwavering commitment to his craft, and a life marked by both triumph and tribulation. He will be deeply missed.