Hollywood Icon Val Kilmer Passes Away at 65
Val Kilmer, famed for roles in iconic films like “Top Gun” and “Batman Forever,” passed away at 65. His daughter, Mercedes, confirmed his death from pneumonia in Los Angeles.
Kilmer had previously battled throat cancer, diagnosed in 2014, and though he recovered, the subsequent tracheotomy affected his voice and limited his acting.
Early Success and Iconic Roles
Kilmer’s career spanned decades, marked by diverse and memorable performances. He portrayed Jim Morrison in “The Doors,” Doc Holliday in “Tombstone,” and appeared in “Heat” alongside Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. His role as Iceman in “Top Gun” cemented his status as a 1980s icon, a role he reprised in “Top Gun: Maverick.”
Tributes and Reflections
Directors and fellow actors shared heartfelt tributes. Michael Mann, director of “Heat,” praised Kilmer’s “brilliant variability” as an actor. Francis Ford Coppola, who directed “Twixt,” lauded Kilmer’s talent.
Ron Howard, of “Willow,” remembered his “awesome range.” Singer Cher, a former girlfriend, described him as “funny, crazy, pain in the ass, GREAT FRIEND.”
Josh Brolin called him a “smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker.” David Thewlis, who worked with Kilmer on “The Island of Dr. Moreau,” deemed him “one of the most extraordinary people.”
Will Kemp, from “Mindhunters,” recalled his “fun, unpredictable, generous” nature. James Woods highlighted his “rendition of Doc Holliday in Tombstone” as a career peak.
A Versatile Career
Born on December 31, 1959, Kilmer attended Julliard School, becoming one of its youngest enrollees. He gained recognition in comedies like “Top Secret!” and “Real Genius” before “Top Gun.” His marriage to Joanne Whalley, with whom he had two children, followed.
Kilmer’s portrayal of Jim Morrison in “The Doors” showcased his range. His roles in “Tombstone” and “Heat” further solidified his reputation.
He took on the role of Batman in “Batman Forever,” a box office success with mixed reviews. Later, he starred in “The Saint” and voiced characters in “The Prince of Egypt.”
His career faced setbacks, notably with “The Island of Dr. Moreau,” which led to a reputation for being difficult on set. He countered this, stating, “I care very much about telling the story well.” He later starred in “Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang” with Robert Downey Jr.
Later Years and Legacy
In 2021, Kilmer released a documentary, “Val,” chronicling his life and career. It featured decades of personal recordings and his post-cancer voice.
His cameo in “Top Gun: Maverick” marked a poignant return. Tom Cruise noted Kilmer’s powerful return to the role.
Film critic Larushka Ivan-Zadeh highlighted Kilmer’s “dark and troubling and sensual” quality, distinguishing him from typical Hollywood stars. KJ Matthews emphasized his “unconventional, unpredictable” acting.
A Life Remembered
Val Kilmer, born Val Edward Kilmer, died in Los Angeles at 65 from pneumonia. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed his passing.
Kilmer had been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, which he overcame, but his voice was altered by a tracheotomy.
Kilmer first gained fame in “Top Secret!” (1984) and “Top Gun” (1986). He played Jim Morrison in “The Doors” (1991) and Batman in “Batman Forever” (1995).
His role as Doc Holliday in “Tombstone” (1993) is considered a career highlight. He reprised his role as Iceman in “Top Gun: Maverick” (2022).
His filmography includes diverse roles in “Thunderheart” (1992), “The Saint” (1997), and “Heat” (1995). He also appeared in “The Ghost and the Darkness” (1996), “Pollock” (2000), and “Alexander” (2004).
Known for his unpredictable nature, Kilmer was described by Oliver Stone as having “something different” about him.
David Mamet noted his ability to make lines sound like “an improvisation.” Off-screen, he gained a reputation for being difficult, though Robert Downey Jr. acknowledged their eventual friendship.
Kilmer attended Juilliard School and made his Broadway debut in “The Slab Boys” (1983). He also performed in “Hamlet” and “‘Tis Pity She’s a Whore.” His marriage to Joanne Whalley ended in divorce.
He lived on a ranch in New Mexico and considered a political career. Kilmer’s later films included “The Island of Dr. Moreau” (1996), “Wonderland” (2003), and “Twixt” (2011). He also created and performed “Citizen Twain.”
In 2021, the documentary “Val” chronicled his life, featuring archival footage. Kilmer reflected on his career in a 2012 interview, stating, “I don’t have any regrets.”
