Val Kilmer, renowned for Top Gun and Batman Forever, passed away at 65. A Juilliard-trained actor, he battled throat cancer and had a turbulent yet impactful career, with his final role in Top Gun: Maverick (2022).

Val Kilmer, the celebrated actor known for his roles in films such as Top Gun, The Doors, and Batman Forever, has passed away at the age of 65, his family confirmed to The New York Times.

His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, stated that the cause of death was pneumonia.

Born on December 31, 1959, in Los Angeles, Kilmer demonstrated exceptional talent from a young age. At just 17, he became the youngest student ever admitted into the prestigious drama division at Juilliard School in New York.

Kilmer made his film debut in the 1984 spy parody Top Secret!, but it was his performance as Iceman in Top Gun (1986) that propelled him to stardom. He later portrayed rock legend Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors (1991) and took on the iconic role of Batman in Batman Forever (1995).

Throughout his career, Kilmer starred in numerous films, including The Ghost and the Darkness (1996), The Saint (1997), Red Planet (2000), Alexander (2004), and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005). He became one of the most recognizable actors of the 1990s, though his career faced setbacks due to reported clashes on set and some underwhelming box office performances.

In 1996, Entertainment Weekly referred to him as "The Man Hollywood Loves to Hate," and director John Frankenheimer, who worked with him on The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996), famously stated, "I will never work with Val Kilmer again. There isn't enough money in the world."

Kilmer himself acknowledged his reputation. In a 2003 interview with the Orange County Register, he remarked, "I believe I'm challenging, not demanding, and I make no apologies for that."

In 2014, Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer, a battle that led to significant health challenges. However, he later made a recovery and continued acting despite his struggles.

His final film appearance was a poignant full-circle moment—a cameo in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), the sequel to the movie that cemented his place in Hollywood history.

Beyond acting, Kilmer was also a poet and writer. He published two poetry books and, in 2012, was nominated for a Grammy for his spoken-word album The Mark of Zorro.

Kilmer was married to actress Joanne Whalley, with whom he had two children, Mercedes and Jack. Though the marriage ended in divorce, he remained devoted to his family.

His life and career were documented in the 2021 film Val, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. The documentary offered an intimate look at his successes, struggles, and personal growth.

Towards the end of the film, Kilmer reflected on his life, stating, "I have behaved poorly. I have behaved bravely. I have behaved bizarrely to some. I deny none of this and have no regrets because I have lost and found parts of myself that I never knew existed… And I am blessed."