Val Kilmer, best known for his roles in Tombstone, The Doors, Top Gun and Batman Forever, died Tuesday in Los Angeles. His daughter Mercedes told The New York Times the cause of death was pneumonia. The actor had been battling throat cancer for many years.
Born on December 31, 1959, in Los Angeles, California, Kilmer gained prominence in the 1980s and 1990s with a string of successful films that showcased his talent across various genres. Kilmer showed an early interest in acting and attended the prestigious Juilliard School, where he honed his craft. His first taste of recognition came from his stage work before transitioning to film. His breakthrough role arrived in 1984 with the comedy Top Secret!, where he demonstrated his ability to balance humor and action seamlessly.
In the mid-1980s, Kilmer cemented his status as a rising star with his role as Iceman in Top Gun (1986), opposite Tom Cruise. The film became a cultural phenomenon, and Kilmer’s portrayal of the cool and confident fighter pilot remains one of his most memorable performances.
He continued his success with standout roles in Willow (1988), The Doors (1991), where he portrayed legendary rocker Jim Morrison, and Tombstone (1993), in which he played Doc Holliday to critical acclaim. Kilmer’s commitment to authenticity was evident in The Doors, where he not only captured Morrison’s enigmatic personality but also performed his own singing.
One of Kilmer’s most high-profile roles came in 1995 when he portrayed Bruce Wayne/Batman in Batman Forever. Though the film received mixed reviews, Kilmer’s portrayal was praised for bringing a fresh take to the iconic superhero. He later revealed that the physically demanding suit made the role challenging, leading him to turn down a sequel.
Despite his early success, Kilmer’s career faced ups and downs in the 2000s. He continued to act in a mix of big-budget and independent films, such as The Saint (1997), Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005), and MacGruber (2010). However, his career took a major shift in the 2010s when he was diagnosed with throat cancer. The illness affected his voice, making it difficult for him to continue acting. He documented his health struggles and career in the 2021 documentary Val, offering an intimate look at his journey.
In 2022, Kilmer made an emotional return to the big screen in Top Gun: Maverick, reprising his role as Iceman utilizing technology and voice synthesis.
He is survived by a daughter, Mercedes and a son, Jack. Val Kilmer was 65.
Source: Variety