Val Kilmer, the renowned American actor whose career spanned decades, has passed away at the age of 65, the New York Times reported Tuesday.
The cause of death was pneumonia, as confirmed by his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer. He had previously battled throat cancer, which he was diagnosed with in 2014, but later recovered.
Kilmer, who first rose to fame with his iconic role in Top Gun, became a household name for his portrayals of Batman and rock legend Jim Morrison. Initially a stage actor, he made his film debut in the 1984 Cold War parody Top Secret!, where his magnetic charisma caught the attention of audiences. His breakout role came in 1986 as the cocky fighter pilot Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in Top Gun, where he played a rival to Tom Cruise’s Maverick, solidifying his place in Hollywood.
A versatile actor, Kilmer seamlessly transitioned between high-profile blockbusters and independent films throughout his career. He earned widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors, capturing the essence of the troubled rock star. Kilmer later starred in True Romance, Heat, and Batman Forever, where he portrayed the masked vigilante between Michael Keaton and George Clooney’s portrayals of Batman.
Despite his success, Kilmer’s reputation was often marked by his eccentricities and complex working style. In 1996, Entertainment Weekly referred to him as “The Man Hollywood Loves to Hate,” though later interviews revealed a more approachable side to the actor. In 2002, a New York Times writer described Kilmer as “friendly, buoyant, and so open that he often volunteers personal details about his life.”
Born Val Edward Kilmer on December 31, 1959, in Los Angeles, Kilmer was accepted into New York’s prestigious Juilliard School at just 16, making him the youngest ever to be admitted. He made his Broadway debut in 1983 alongside Sean Penn and Kevin Bacon before making the leap to Hollywood.
Though Kilmer found himself in a series of less successful films in the early 2000s, he made a comeback in the 2010s, performing a one-man stage show about Mark Twain, which he hoped to adapt into a film. However, his battle with cancer led to health complications that affected his career. The documentary Val, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2021, offered a deeply personal look at his life and struggles, including his difficulties breathing after a tracheotomy.
Kilmer’s return to Top Gun in the long-awaited sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, was a poignant moment in his career. His real-life health challenges were written into the character of “Iceman,” adding a layer of emotional depth to the film. Critics praised the film for offering a fitting and heartfelt tribute to Kilmer’s legacy, with GQ describing it as a “celluloid swan song that will stand the test of time.”
In his final years, Kilmer reflected on his “magical life” and the diverse mediums through which he expressed his artistry—ranging from literature and film to music, painting, and wildlife tracking.
Kilmer is survived by his two children, Mercedes and Jack Kilmer. His legacy as a gifted actor and multifaceted artist will live on.
AFP
