Actor Val Kilmer Has Passed Away At 65

Val Kilmer, best known for his iconic parts in Batman Forever, The Doors, and Top Gun, died in Los Angeles on Tuesday. Mercedes Kilmer, his daughter, informed the New York Times, that pneumonia was the cause of death. Since its initial diagnosis in 2014, Val has battled throat cancer, which has had a significant impact on his health and voice in subsequent years. The famous actor was 65.

A Career Full of Iconic Characters

Kilmer brought rock legend Jim Morrison to life in The Doors, and famously suited up as Bruce Wayne in Batman Forever. But for many fans, he’ll always be remembered as Iceman in Top Gun. Against the odds, he reprised the beloved role in 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick.

Kilmer lost his voice because of cancer, but AI technology allowed him to appear in the follow-up. Iceman’s voice was artificially generated by the filmmakers, enabling a dramatic comeback to the big screen.

Faith Over Medicine

Val’s cancer eventually went into remission, and according to his daughter, he had fully recovered before his passing. Kilmer, a devout Christian Scientist, credited his healing to prayer rather than conventional medical treatments.
As he told The Christian Post in 2017: “Many, many people have been healed by prayer throughout recorded history. And many, many people have died by whatever was modern medicine.”

A Life in Film and Theater

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Kilmer showed early acting promise. He was accepted into Juilliard’s acting program at just 17. He first broke out in the 1985 teen comedy Real Genius, and went on to shine in memorable films like Tombstone—where his portrayal of Doc Holliday delivered the iconic line, “I’m your huckleberry”—as well as True Romance and Heat.

Val Kilmer leaves behind a legacy of bold performances and unforgettable characters. He is survived by his two children, Mercedes and Jack, whom he shared with his ex-wife, actress Joanne Whalley.