Batman actor Val Kilmer dies at the age of 65

Val Kilmer, the famous Hollywood actor known for movies like Top Gun and Batman Forever, has passed away at the age of 65.

Val Kilmer passed away on Tuesday in Los Angeles due to pneumonia, his daughter Mercedes shared with US media. She mentioned that he was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 but later recovered.

Looking back on his life and career, Val Kilmer reflected on his journey in a 2021 documentary, saying, “I have behaved poorly. I have behaved bravely. I have behaved bizarrely to some. I deny none of this and have no regrets because I have lost and found parts of myself that I never knew existed. And I am blessed.”

Who is Val Kilmer?

Val Kilmer was born to Gladys and Eugene Kilmer on December 31, 1959, in Los Angeles. Juilliard accepted him into its acting program as the youngest student, and he attended the Hollywood Professional School.

Kilmer’s theatrical career started with a performance of Hamlet at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival in 1988. In the 1980s, he made the switch to film, becoming well-known for his parts in “Top Secret!” (1984) and “Real Genius” (1985). His performance as Lt. Tom “Iceman” Kazanski in Top Gun (1986) boosted his reputation in Hollywood.

In the 1990s, Kilmer played roles like Batman in Batman Forever (1995), Doc Holliday in Tombstone (1993), and Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991). Especially in “The Doors,” when he sang several of the parts himself, his commitment to playing personalities was clear.

A tracheotomy following Kilmer’s 2014 throat cancer diagnosis impacted his ability to speak. Nevertheless, despite his health issues, he continued his artistic work, including the 2021 documentary Val, which offered an intimate look at his life.

Kilmer married actress Joanne Whalley in 1988, and the couple had two kids, Jack and Mercedes. But, they divorced in 1996. He died of pneumonia in Los Angeles on April 1, 2025.

Val’s documentary

The documentary Val offers a poignant look at Kilmer’s life, showcasing his triumphs and setbacks. It was screened at the Cannes Film Festival and includes 40 years of home recordings, including a voice box speech he made shortly after undergoing cancer surgery.

Critics called the picture poignant and sad, highlighting Kilmer’s talent, intelligence, and self-restraint. Kilmer, best known for his parts in Batman Forever, Top Gun, and The Doors, left a lasting impression on Hollywood. This documentary provides an intimate look into his life.

Josh Brolin shared a heartfelt tribute to Val Kilmer on Instagram, posting a picture of the two together. “See ya, pal. I’m going to miss you,” he wrote. Remembering Kilmer’s unique spirit, he added, “You were a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker. There’s not a lot left of those.”

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