Hollywood star Val Kilmer, ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Batman’ actor, dies at 65 due to pneumonia

Veteran Hollywood actor Val Kilmer, known for his roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever, and Tombstone, passed away at the age of 65 in Los Angeles. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed that the cause of death was pneumonia. Kilmer had previously battled throat cancer, which was diagnosed in 2014 and led to tracheotomy surgeries that permanently affected his voice.

Kilmer, born and raised in California’s San Fernando Valley, studied at the Hollywood Professional School before becoming the youngest student accepted into Juilliard’s drama program at the time. His acting career began in theater before transitioning to films in the 1980s. He gained prominence with Top Secret! (1984) and Real Genius (1985) before achieving stardom as Tom "Iceman" Kazansky in Top Gun (1986). His later films included The Doors (1991), Tombstone (1993), Heat (1995), Batman Forever (1995), and The Saint (1997).

Despite his health challenges, Kilmer remained active in the industry. He reprised his Top Gun role in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), where his character's storyline reflected his real-life condition. His life and career were documented in Val (2021), a documentary featuring personal footage from his early years and his Hollywood career. His son, Jack Kilmer, voiced his narration in the film.

Kilmer’s personal life included a marriage to actress Joanne Whalley, whom he met while filming Willow (1988). The couple had two children, Mercedes and Jack, before divorcing. Kilmer lived on a ranch near Santa Fe for several years. His memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry, was published in 2020, detailing his experiences in Hollywood.

Kilmer’s films collectively grossed nearly $2 billion worldwide. His role as Doc Holliday in Tombstone remains one of his most celebrated performances. He also pursued theater, receiving critical acclaim for his one-man show Citizen Twain. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.