LOS ANGELES, USA — Val Kilmer, the magnetic and versatile actor whose roles in “Top Gun,” “Batman Forever,” and “Tombstone” made him one of Hollywood’s leading men in the 1980s and 1990s, died on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Los Angeles. He was 65.
His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed his death, stating that the actor died of pneumonia.
Kilmer, who became a global icon for his portrayal of the swaggering naval aviator Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in the 1986 film “Top Gun,” had faced significant health challenges in recent years.
In 2015, he was diagnosed with throat cancer, a battle he later overcame. However, the treatment left lasting effects, including damage from a tracheostomy that impacted his ability to speak.
In a 2021 interview with People magazine, Kilmer spoke candidly about the physical toll of his illness.
“I can’t speak without plugging this hole [in his throat]. You have to make the choice to breathe or to eat,” he said.
“It’s an obstacle that is very present with whoever sees me.”
Despite the health struggles, Kilmer made a poignant return to the big screen in 2022’s “Top Gun: Maverick,” reprising his iconic role alongside Tom Cruise nearly three decades after the original.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly at the time, Kilmer reflected on the reunion: “It was like no time had passed at all. We blew a lot of takes laughing so much. It was really fun … special.”
Kilmer’s acting career spanned four decades and a wide array of roles.
He made his film debut in the 1984 spoof comedy Top Secret! but rose to prominence after playing Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors in 1991.
He followed with acclaimed performances as Doc Holliday in Tombstone and as Batman in Joel Schumacher’s Batman Forever.
Beyond the big screen, Kilmer was deeply engaged in theatre and the arts.
He portrayed Mark Twain twice on screen and on stage in the one-man production Citizen Twain.
His affection for Twain was well known among friends and fans alike.
Actor Josh Brolin paid tribute to Kilmer in a heartfelt message on Instagram, calling him “a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker.”
Brolin wrote: “See ya, pal. I’m going to miss you. There’s not a lot left of those. I hope to see you up there in the heavens when I eventually get there. Until then, amazing memories, lovely thoughts.”
Away from acting, Kilmer devoted much of his later years to painting. His official website described him as “a talented and prolific artist in a variety of mediums.”
Val Edward Kilmer was born on December 31, 1959, in Los Angeles. He attended the Juilliard School in New York City, where he trained as a classical actor.
Throughout his career, he was known for an intense dedication to his craft, often immersing himself deeply in the characters he portrayed.
His personal life was marked by his marriage to actress Joanne Whalley, whom he met while filming Willow.
The couple married in 1988 and divorced in 1996.
Kilmer is survived by their two children, Mercedes and Jack.
Kilmer’s filmography includes standout roles in Heat, The Saint, The Salton Sea, Alexander, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Conspiracy, and Thunderheart.
He also lent his voice to the character K.I.T.T. in the Knight Rider franchise and showcased his comedic abilities in the MacGruber films.
His passing marks the end of a remarkable career defined by versatility, charisma, and an unyielding creative spirit.
