Val Kilmer, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in “Top Gun,” “The Doors,” and “Batman Forever,” has passed away at the age of 65 due to pneumonia. Diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, Kilmer underwent treatments including chemotherapy, radiation, and tracheotomies, which affected his voice. Despite these challenges, he continued to work, notably reprising his role as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in the 2022 sequel “Top Gun: Maverick,” with the assistance of AI technology to recreate his voice.
Kilmer’s diverse career included memorable portrayals such as Jim Morrison in “The Doors” (1991), Doc Holliday in “Tombstone” (1993), and the titular character in “Batman Forever” (1995). He also starred in films like “Heat” (1995), “The Saint” (1997), and “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” (2005). Beyond acting, Kilmer was a published poet and received a Grammy nomination in 2012 for a spoken-word album.
He is survived by his two children, Mercedes and Jack, from his marriage to actress Joanne Whalley. Colleagues and fans have expressed deep sorrow at his passing, honoring his significant contributions to cinema and his resilience in facing health challenges.
