Hollywood legend Val Kilmer has died at the age of 65 and his cause of death has been confirmed.
The Top Gun and Batman Forever star passed away on Tuesday in Los Angeles, his daughter Mercedes confirmed to US media. The actor had been living with the after-effects of throat cancer for years — and was recently hospitalized with pneumonia, which ultimately claimed his life.
Kilmer was first diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, undergoing chemotherapy and a tracheotomy that permanently affected his voice. The surgery left him using a voice box and breathing tube for years, but he never let it stop him completely.
In fact, he made a stunning return to the big screen in 2022, reprising his iconic role as Iceman in Top Gun: Maverick — a moment that left fans and critics in tears.
Despite his cancer recovery, the actor’s health remained fragile. The family confirmed that he died from complications related to pneumonia, a condition he had reportedly been battling on and off in recent months.
Tributes have flooded in from across Hollywood for the star known for his charisma, intensity, and unforgettable performances.
“See ya, pal. I’m going to miss you,” actor Josh Brolin wrote, calling Kilmer a “smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker.”
Kilmer’s daughter, Mercedes, and son, Jack, have yet to release a public statement beyond confirming the cause of death. Fans are now revisiting his 2021 documentary Val, which gave a rare, emotional insight into his life, illness, and legacy — including personal footage from his childhood through to post-surgery recovery.
Kilmer rose to fame in the 1980s with comedies like Top Secret! and Real Genius before hitting the mainstream as Iceman in Top Gun (1986). He later wowed audiences as Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors and starred in classics like Tombstone, Heat, and The Saint.
In 1995, he became the second actor to play Batman in the blockbuster Batman Forever — a role that, while successful at the box office, marked the start of behind-the-scenes tensions. He reportedly clashed with directors and co-stars throughout the ‘90s, gaining a reputation for being difficult, even as his talent remained undeniable.
Off-screen, Kilmer was deeply private, spiritual, and resilient. Raised as a Christian Scientist, he credited his faith and family with helping him through cancer and recovery. He leaves behind two children from his marriage to actress Joanne Whalley, and a legacy that spans nearly 100 roles in film and television.
Val Kilmer is remembered not only for his unforgettable performances but also for his refusal to let illness define him. Even in silence, he found a way to make himself heard.
He was 65. Rest in peace, Iceman.
