OBITUARY: Val Kilmer, Star of Top Gun, Batman Forever and Tombstone Passes Away at 65

succumbed to pneumonia on April 1

Val Kilmer, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in Top Gun (1986), Tombstone (1993), and Batman Forever (1995), has passed away at the age of 65.

His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed to The New York Times that he succumbed to pneumonia on April 1. She noted that he had been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 but had recovered.

Kilmer’s final film appearance was in Top Gun: Maverick (2023), the sequel to the iconic 1986 film.

His brief but emotional scene alongside Tom Cruise was a highlight for fans. Reflecting on their reunion, Cruise told Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2023, “It was deeply moving. Val is an incredible actor, and he stepped right back into the role with such power.”

For years, speculation surrounded Kilmer’s health, but it wasn’t until a 2017 interview with The Hollywood Reporter that he publicly acknowledged his battle with throat cancer. His condition led to a tracheostomy, which altered his voice and affected his breathing.

Concerns about his health first arose in early 2015 when reports suggested he had been hospitalized for a possible tumor. Though he initially denied having a tumor, he later clarified that he had undergone treatment for a complication. Despite multiple public sightings with a tracheostomy tube, Kilmer remained adamant about his well-being, reassuring fans via social media.

Kilmer shared his health journey in the 2021 documentary Val, co-produced with his children, Mercedes and Jack. The film chronicled his battle with illness and the resilience that carried him through. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, earning a standing ovation.

Born in Los Angeles in 1959 to parents Eugene and Gladys, Kilmer experienced early tragedy when his younger brother Wesley passed away in 1977. Following this loss, he became the youngest student ever admitted to Juilliard’s drama program.

Kilmer’s Hollywood breakthrough came with the 1984 comedy Top Secret!, but Top Gun cemented his place in cinematic history. His portrayal of Lt. Tom “Iceman” Kazanski made him a household name, leading to significant roles in The Doors (1991), Tombstone (1993), and Heat (1995). He famously played Batman in Batman Forever, further solidifying his star status.

In 1988, Kilmer married actress Joanne Whalley, whom he met while filming Willow. The couple had two children—Mercedes, born in 1991, and Jack, born in 1995—before divorcing in 1996.

Later in life, Kilmer turned to art and theater, starring in the one-man play Citizen Twain in 2016. He remained creative until the end, with his last Facebook post on March 22 showcasing one of his paintings.

Val Kilmer is survived by his children, Mercedes and Jack.

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