Iconic actor Val Kilmer, renowned for his roles in Top Gun and as Batman, has passed away at the age of 65, as confirmed by his daughter. The beloved actor died on Tuesday, April 1st, in Los Angeles.
The cause of Val Kilmer’s passing was pneumonia. Despite successfully overcoming a battle with throat cancer that began in 2014, which involved undergoing two tracheotomies, he ultimately succumbed to this illness.
Val first sky-rocketed to stardom with his performance alongside Tom Cruise in the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun. His role as the charismatic pilot captured the hearts of audiences worldwide.
He then donned the cape as Batman in the 1995 film Batman Forever, and portrayed rock legend Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991), a performance that won critical acclaim.
Kilmer’s final appearance on the big screen was a heartfelt cameo in the 2022 sequel Top Gun: Maverick, a nostalgic return to a cherished character that resonated deeply with fans.
Tom Cruise, speaking to Jimmy Kimmel in 2023, remarked on the emotional resonance of Kilmer’s return. “I’ve known Val for decades, and for him to return in that role… he’s such a dynamic actor, instantly breathing life into the character once again,” Cruise shared.
Val Kilmer’s diagnosis with throat cancer in 2014 was a pivotal chapter in his life. He discussed his journey through illness and recovery in his memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry, and in the Amazon Prime documentary Val.
Undergoing extensive treatments including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and a life-altering tracheostomy, his vocal abilities were significantly affected.
In the poignant documentary, Kilmer stated, “I obviously am sounding much worse than I feel. I can’t speak without plugging this hole [in my throat]. One must choose between breathing and eating.” He openly shared the challenges, noting, “It’s an obstacle that is very present with whoever sees me.”
Fans and co-stars alike have been sharing their memories and tributes. On Instagram, actor Josh Gad expressed his gratitude for Kilmer’s impact, saying, “RIP Val Kilmer. Thank you for defining so many of the movies of my childhood. You truly were an icon.”
Josh Brolin, son of actor James Brolin, also paid homage, saying he would miss his “pal”. He recounted, “You were a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker. 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.”
In his personal life, Kilmer married British actress Joanne Whalley in 1988, a union that began on the set of the film Willow. They shared two beautiful children before their marriage dissolved in 1996.
