Val Kilmer, the charismatic and versatile actor celebrated for his roles as Iceman in Top Gun, Batman in Batman Forever, and Jim Morrison in The Doors, has passed away at the age of 65. Kilmer died peacefully in Los Angeles on Tuesday night, surrounded by family and friends, according to his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer.
Kilmer’s cause of death was pneumonia. He had previously battled throat cancer in 2014, which required two tracheotomies, but he had recovered from the illness. Reflecting on his life and career in the 2021 documentary Val, Kilmer once said, “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.”
Kilmer’s journey to stardom began at an early age. He was the youngest actor ever admitted to the prestigious Juilliard School, where he studied drama. His breakout role came in 1984 with the spy spoof Top Secret!, followed by the 1985 cult classic Real Genius. Kilmer’s comedic talents shone through in films like MacGruber and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang in the years that followed.
His career reached new heights in the early 1990s, with standout performances in films such as Tombstone (1993), where he portrayed the legendary Doc Holliday, True Romance as Elvis Presley’s ghost, and Heat (1995), where he starred opposite Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. Director Michael Mann praised Kilmer’s dynamic range in Heat, highlighting his ability to bring depth and complexity to his roles.
Kilmer’s dedication to his craft was evident in the way he immersed himself in his characters. For Tombstone, he filled his bed with ice to simulate the sensation of dying from tuberculosis. In his portrayal of Jim Morrison, he adopted Morrison’s persona entirely, insisting cast and crew refer to him as “Jim Morrison” and listening to The Doors’ music for an entire year.
Despite his talent, Kilmer was often seen as difficult to work with, a reputation he acknowledged later in life. In his memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry, he defended his approach, explaining that his passion for authenticity sometimes clashed with Hollywood’s commercial demands.
One of Kilmer’s most iconic roles, that of Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in Top Gun, almost didn’t happen. Initially uninterested in the part, he agreed to it after assurances that his character would be more substantial than originally written. He reprised the role in Top Gun: Maverick in 2022, bringing his iconic portrayal full circle.
Kilmer’s stint as Batman in Batman Forever was less well-received, with critics noting the limitations of the role and the restrictive costume. Kilmer himself admitted that the suit made it difficult to deliver a compelling performance, describing it as isolating and physically challenging.
Later in his career, Kilmer took on a variety of smaller, more introspective roles, including Spartan (2004), Joe the King (1999), and Wonderland (2003), where he played real-life porn star John Holmes. He also starred in the one-man stage show Citizen Twain, showcasing his love for Mark Twain’s wit and wisdom.
Kilmer’s personal life was marked by both triumph and tragedy. He grew up in Chatsworth, Los Angeles, alongside future stars Kevin Spacey and Mare Winningham. His younger brother, Wesley, tragically passed away at 15, an event that deeply impacted Kilmer and influenced his creative work.
In addition to acting, Kilmer was a poet, a visual artist, and a lifelong Christian Scientist. He was married to actress Joanne Whalley, with whom he had two children, Mercedes and Jack.
“I have no regrets,” Kilmer reflected in an interview in 2021. “I’ve witnessed and experienced miracles.” His legacy as a bold, passionate actor remains etched in Hollywood history, celebrated for his fearless artistry and memorable performances.