April 2, 2025: Hollywood actor Val Kilmer, known for his iconic roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever, and The Doors, has passed away at the age of 65. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed that he died of pneumonia on Tuesday in Los Angeles.

Kilmer, who had been battling health issues for years, was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014. Despite undergoing treatment and a tracheotomy that affected his voice, he made a powerful return to the big screen in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), reprising his beloved role as Iceman alongside Tom Cruise.

Born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, Kilmer rose to stardom in the 1980s with his charismatic performances. He gained recognition for playing Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991), gunslinger Doc Holliday in Tombstone (1993), and the criminal mastermind in Heat (1995). His filmography also includes The Saint (1997), Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005), and The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996), where he worked alongside Hollywood legends like Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro.

Kilmer was married to British actress Joanne Whalley from 1988 to 1996. The couple, who met while filming Willow (1988), had two children together.

His career, spanning decades, was marked by versatility and dedication to his craft. Despite the challenges posed by his illness, Kilmer remained a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. His legacy as one of Hollywood’s most compelling actors will continue to live on through his unforgettable performances.