Hollywood is mourning the loss of one of its most enigmatic and versatile actors. Val Kilmer, the star of Top Gun, Batman Forever, and countless cult classics, died on Tuesday, April 1, at the age of 65 due to pneumonia. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed the news to the New York Times, noting that the actor had also faced a long health battle following his 2015 diagnosis with throat cancer.
Kilmer’s death marks the end of a storied career that spanned over four decades and included unforgettable portrayals of complex, charismatic characters. Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, he grew up in the shadow of Hollywood and carved out a reputation as a fiercely committed performer, willing to disappear entirely into his roles.
Audiences first took notice of Kilmer in comedies like Real Genius, but it was his darker, more intense performances that solidified his reputation. He portrayed rock legend Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors (1991), took on the legendary Doc Holliday in Tombstone (1993), and played Batman in 1995’s Batman Forever.
His career was defined by its range—from action blockbusters like Top Gun to haunting character work in films such as Heat (1995), Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005), and The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996). In True Romance (1993), he even managed to channel Elvis Presley, further showcasing his transformative talents.
Kilmer married British actress Joanne Whalley in 1988 after they met filming Willow. They had two children and divorced in 1996. Later in life, Kilmer turned to more introspective projects. His memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry—named after his famous line in Tombstone—was published in 2020. In 2021, the documentary Val, narrated by his son, offered an unflinching look at his artistic spirit, career highs and lows, and personal reflections.
He also found peace off-screen, living for years on a New Mexico ranch, where he painted and worked with youth theater groups, nurturing the next generation of performers through Shakespeare and Twain.
Tributes have poured in from fans and peers alike across social media. One user wrote, “RIP Val Kilmer, you are BATMAN FOREVER,” while another remembered, “Forever our Huckleberry, forever our Iceman… RIP.” Many called him a true cinema legend, praising his work in Tombstone, Real Genius, and beyond.
Val Kilmer’s passing leaves behind a legacy of unforgettable performances and a life lived fearlessly—on screen and off.