Hollywood Legend Val Kilmer, Star of 'Top Gun' and 'Batman Forever,' Dies at 65

The film, in which Kilmer starred opposite Tom Cruise, became the highest-grossing movie that year.

Hollywood has lost one of its most magnetic stars—Val Kilmer, the actor behind iconic roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever, and The Doors, has passed away at 65. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed to The New York Times that he died of pneumonia at his Los Angeles home on Tuesday.

Hollywood actor Val Kilmer, who starred in “Top Gun” and “Batman Forever,” has died.

Kilmer had battled throat cancer since 2015, undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, and two tracheotomies that impacted his speech. Though he announced he was cancer-free in 2021, the illness left a lasting mark—his return as "Iceman" in Top Gun: Maverick (2022) required AI-assisted voice technology. Tom Cruise, his longtime friend and co-star, later praised his resilience, calling Kilmer’s performance "powerful" and "emotional."

In 1986, Kilmer was propelled to global stardom for his role as Lt. Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky in “Top Gun.”

Born in Los Angeles in 1959, Kilmer began in theater before breaking out in 1984’s Top Secret! His career skyrocketed as Lt. Tom "Iceman" Kazansky in Top Gun (1986), though he initially hesitated to take the role. He further cemented his legacy as Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991), delivering an electric performance after submitting an 8-minute audition tape.

Kilmer landed a role in the science fiction comedy “Real Genius” in 1985.

In 1995, Kilmer stepped into the Batman cowl after Michael Keaton’s exit, making Batman Forever a box-office hit. Yet his intensity sometimes sparked clashes—he once defended himself by saying, "I’m challenging, not demanding."

Kilmer later starred in Ron Howard’s fantasy film “Willow” in 1988, where he met his wife, Joanne Whalley.

Kilmer’s personal life saw highs and lows, including a marriage to Willow co-star Joanne Whalley and their eventual divorce in 1996. Professionally, he delivered standout performances in Heat (1995), Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005), and a poignant return in Top Gun: Maverick.

Kilmer starred in Joel Schumacher’s “Batman Forever” after actor Michael Keaton dropped out.

Despite health struggles, Kilmer remained a fierce artist, even publishing a memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry, in 2020. He leaves behind his two children, Mercedes (33) and Jack (29).