Val Kilmer, the intense and versatile actor known for his iconic roles as Iceman in Top Gun, Batman in Batman Forever, and rock legend Jim Morrison in The Doors, has died at the age of 65.
Kilmer passed away Tuesday night in Los Angeles, surrounded by loved ones, according to his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, in a statement to The Associated Press. The cause was pneumonia. Kilmer had previously battled throat cancer, diagnosed in 2014, which led to two tracheotomies and a long recovery. His death was first reported by The New York Times.
Val Kilmer: Hollywood Career and Legacy
Val Kilmer’s four-decade career blended blockbuster success with transformative roles. He broke out in the 1980s with Top Secret! and Real Genius, but it was his turn as Iceman in Top Gun (1986) that launched him into stardom.
Known for his dedication to his craft, Kilmer earned critical acclaim as Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991) and later took on the role of Batman in Batman Forever (1995). Other standout performances included Tombstone (1993), where he played Doc Holliday, and Heat (1995), alongside Al Pacino and Robert De Niro.
Even after health challenges slowed his career, Kilmer remained active as an artist, writer, and performer, making a heartfelt return in Top Gun: Maverick (2022). His legacy lives on through a body of work defined by intensity, versatility, and a fearless approach to storytelling.
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