Celebrated Hollywood actor Val Kilmer, known for his intense performances and iconic roles, died of pneumonia, his daughter Mercedes Kilmer confirmed.
The American actor, famed for his performances in Top Gun, Batman Forever, and The Doors, died at the age of 65.
Kilmer rose to stardom in the 1980s and 1990s, earning a reputation for his dedication to his craft as well as on-set tensions with directors and co-stars.
“When certain people criticise me for being demanding, I think that’s a cover for something they didn’t do well,” he told the Orange County Register in 2003. “I believe I’m challenging, not demanding, and I make no apologies for that.”
His breakthrough came with the 1984 comedy Top Secret! and the sci-fi comedy Real Genius (1985), but it was his portrayal of Iceman in Top Gun (1986) that cemented his star status. Decades later, he reprised the role in Top Gun: Maverick (2022) alongside Tom Cruise.
Kilmer also took on the challenging role of Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors (1991), using his own singing voice for the film.
He was married to British actress Joanne Whalley, his co-star in Willow (1988). The couple had two children before divorcing.
Actors pay tribute to action star
In a post on Instagram, actor Josh Gad paid tribute to action star Val Kilmer.
He said: “RIP Val Kilmer. Thank you for defining so many of the movies of my childhood. You truly were an icon.”
Actor Josh Brolin, son of James Brolin, said he was going to miss his “pal”.
“You were a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker,” he said in an Instagram post.
“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.”
Namita Singh2 April 2025 06:02
Actor Val Kilmer, star of ‘Batman Forever’, dies at 65, daughter says
Top Gun star Val Kilmer has died at the age of 65, his daughter has said.In a statement to the New York Times, his daughter Mercedes said the actor had died from pneumonia.
He rose to fame starring alongside Tom Cruise in the 1986 hit Top Gun.
Kilmer would go on to play Batman in 1995’s Batman Forever and received critical acclaim for his portrayal of musician Jim Morrison in the 1991 film The Doors.
Kilmer’s final acting role was a cameo on the 2022 blockbuster sequel Top Gun: Maverick.
Kilmer had been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, discussing his diagnosis and recovery in his 2020 memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry.
Namita Singh2 April 2025 06:00
Welcome to The Independent’s liveblog for 2 April 2025 where we provide the latest update on the demise of renown Hollywood actor Val Kilmer.
Namita Singh2 April 2025 05:38
