Actor Val Kilmer Dies at 65 From Pneumonia
Val Kilmer, who is known for his iconic roles in movies such as Top Gun, Batman Forever, and The Doors, died Tuesday night from pneumonia at the age of 65.
Kilmer died Tuesday night in Los Angeles from pneumonia, his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, told The New York Times and The Associated Press. Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 and later recovered, she said.
Kilmer’s early films included comedies like Top Secret! (1984) and Real Genius (1985), as well as breakout role as LT Tom “Iceman” Kazansky opposite Tom Cruise in Top Gun (1986). That was followed by the fantasy film Willow (1988).
His breakout as a leading man came with his mesmerizing, leather-clad portrayal of Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors.
Kilmer also had memorable co-starring roles in movies such as Tombstone (1993), True Romance (1993) and Heat (1995).
He made his final movie appearance in 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick, a sequel to the 1986 flick, which featured Tom Cruise.
“I just want to say that was pretty emotional,” Tom told Jimmy Kimmel about reuniting with his pal. “I’ve known Val for decades, and for him to come back and play that character… he’s such a powerful actor that he instantly became that character again.”