Val Kilmer, Top Gun and Batman Star, Dies at 65

Val Kilmer, the man behind “Top Gun and “Batman Forever,” has bid us all farewell at the age of 65. The Hollywood “bad boy” was easily one of the most prominent figures in the industry, in the good and the bad way.

Cause of Death

Kilmer died of pneumonia on Tuesday in Los Angeles, as reported by his daughter Mercedes. The star said she was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, which was followed by an intense 11-year struggle. The 90’s Hollywood star had to undergo numerous challenges, which even included two tracheotomies, a procedure that permanently altered his voice.

According to medical experts, the physical toll of long-term cancer treatment can weaken the immune system. This makes patients more susceptible to infections like pneumonia. It could be one of the reasons why the actor fell victim to a mere disease like pneumonia. It was the prolonged impact of the illness that made him more vulnerable. Alas, the actor’s soul will finally get some rest.

Birth and Early Life

The 90’s superstar’s full name was Val Edward Kilmer, and he was born on 31 December 1959 in a middle-class family of Los Angeles. His parents were Christian Scientists, something Kilmer took pride in for the rest of his life.

At the early age of 17, the Californian-born born became the then-youngest pupil to enroll in the Julliard School, in New York. This was one of the world’s most prestigious drama conservatories.

Career: Iconic Val Kilmer Movies

The acting career of Val Kilmer was an iconic one. He was eager to act, and it showed. He arguably gave us the most iconic Val Kilmer movies of all time.

The Hollywood star made his film debut in the spy spoof ‘Top Secret!’ (1984) before appearing in the goofy comedy ‘Real Genius’ (1985). The actor later cemented his acting credentials as naval aviator “Iceman” Kazansky, the nemesis to Cruise’s character Maverick in 1986’s Top Gun. This was the focal point in Val’s career and was the main reason behind his rise to fame.

Kilmer then went on to star in the fantasy Willow and the crime thriller Kill Me Again – both alongside British actress Joanne Whalley, whom he married in 1988.

One of his most challenging roles came in director Oliver Stone’s The Doors (1991), in which he played the late Jim Morrison. This was the character of the charismatic and ultimately doomed lead singer of the influential rock band. In order to persuade Stone, Kilmer put together an eight-minute video of himself singing and looking like Morrison at various points in his life. All this worked out in Val’s favour, and The Doors ushered in the highest-profile years of his Hollywood career.

Tombstone, in which Kilmer played gunfighter Doc Holliday, and Heat, in which he appeared alongside Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, were also hits.

He then took over Batman’s cape from Michael Keaton for Batman Forever in 1995, which achieved box office success but mixed reviews.

Read More: Tom Cruise to Receive BFI Fellowship

Dent in The Career: Not Everyone Liked Val

The California-born, Juilliard-trained actor was one of Hollywood’s most prominent leading men in the 1990s before numerous spats with directors and co-stars and a series of flops dented his career. Over the years, Kilmer gained a reputation as temperamental, intense, perfectionistic and sometimes egotistical.

Moreover, when he took on the role of Batman, the audience didn’t respond to it well. According to critics, they didn’t like the noisy, bloated and plodding Batman Forever.’ Later on, Kilmer was pulled out of the next Batman movie. Director Joel Schumacher called Kilmer ‘the most psychologically troubled human being I’ve ever worked with.”

Things only got worse for Kilmer when he clashed with co-star Marlon Brando during the notoriously troubled production of The Island of Dr. Moreau, which flopped in 1996.

Health Struggles and Resilience

Just when the actor’s bad luck wasn’t enough, he was also diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014. The whole procedure severely impacted his health and vocal abilities, resulting in his worst nightmare. However, Val wasn’t weak at all; his resilience throughout this journey was truly remarkable.

Despite these challenges, he remained active in the industry and participated in numerous projects. He even shared his journey with the world through a 2021 documentary named “Val.” In this, he reflected on his health and stated that “I deny none of this and have no regrets, because I have lost and found parts of myself that I never knew existed.” This documentary featured 40 years of home recordings, which included him speaking with a voice box post-cancer surgery.

After years of struggle with cancer, his comeback with a cameo appearance as Iceman in the long-awaited Top Gun sequel was particularly poignant. Cruise said at the time: “I’ve known Val for decades, and for him to come back and play that character… he’s such a powerful actor that he instantly became that character again.”

Tributes and Legacy

Following the news of his passing, fans and fellow actors have taken to social media to pay tribute to Kilmer. Tom Cruise, his Top Gun co-star, expressed his sorrow, stating, “Val was an incredible talent and a dear friend. His legacy will live on forever in the hearts of fans.”

Director Joel Schumacher, who worked with Kilmer on Batman Forever, once described him as “one of the most dedicated and intense actors of his generation.” Hollywood figures, including Robert Downey Jr., Kevin Bacon and Kurt Russell, also shared heartfelt messages honouring his impact on the film industry. Even his ex-girlfriend Cher paid tribute to the actor.

The death of Val Kilmer marks the end of a courageous journey that inspired many with its openness and honesty. He left behind a powerful legacy of resilience and artistry. As we bid farewell to a true cinematic icon, Val Kilmer’s legacy remains intact—one of brilliance, resilience, and artistic dedication. Rest in peace, Val. You will be missed but never forgotten.