Hollywood actor Val Kilmer has died at the age of 65.
His daughter Mercedes told US media her father died of pneumonia in Los Angeles on Tuesday.
Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 and later recovered. However, a tracheotomy affected his voice, effectively ending his acting career.
Early Life
Kilmer was born on December 31, 1959, in Los Angeles, California.
Raised in a creative environment, he developed an early passion for acting. He attended the prestigious Juilliard School’s Drama Division, becoming the youngest student ever admitted at the time. His training there laid the foundation for a versatile and dynamic career.
Breakthrough in Film
Kilmer’s early career saw him making a name for himself in theater before transitioning to film. His breakthrough role came in 1984 when he starred in the comedy Top Secret!, showcasing his comedic timing and charm. This was followed by Real Genius (1985), where he played a brilliant but rebellious college student.
However, it was his portrayal of Iceman in Top Gun (1986) alongside Tom Cruise that cemented his status as a Hollywood star. His intense screen presence and undeniable charisma made him a standout in the high-flying action drama.
Versatile Career & Iconic Roles
Throughout the late ’80s and ’90s, Kilmer demonstrated remarkable range. He portrayed rock legend Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors (1991), delivering a mesmerizing performance that showcased his dedication to the craft—he even performed his own vocals.
Kilmer took on the mantle of the Dark Knight in Batman Forever (1995), a high-profile role that added to his superstar status.
Around the same time, he starred in critically acclaimed films like Tombstone (1993), where his portrayal of Doc Holliday remains one of his most celebrated performances. His ability to bring both intensity and humor to the role made it unforgettable.
In Heat (1995), he worked alongside acting heavyweights Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, further proving his ability to hold his own among the greats. His later projects, including The Saint (1997) and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005), showcased his continued willingness to experiment with different genres.
Health Struggles & Career Resurgence
In the late 2010s, Kilmer revealed that he had been battling throat cancer, which severely affected his voice. Despite this challenge, he remained dedicated to his art, using AI-assisted technology to regain his voice for roles.
His resilience was highlighted in the 2021 documentary Val, which offered an intimate look at his life and career through home videos and personal reflections. Fans were also delighted to see him reprise his role as Iceman in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), a poignant return that received widespread praise.
