Val Kilmer, the magnetic and often elusive actor who brought depth and daring to roles as iconic as Iceman in the Tom Cruise-starrer blockbuster film “Top Gun” and Jim Morrison in “The Doors,” died on April 1, 2025, at the age of 65 from pneumonia.
Val Kilmer is survived by his two children, Mercedes and Jack.
His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed the news to The New York Times, as reported by Reuters.
Kilmer's career, which spanned over four decades, was marked by intensity, transformation, and an almost spiritual devotion to the craft of acting.
Born in Los Angeles on December 31, 1959, he reportedly became the youngest student accepted into Juilliard’s prestigious Drama Division — an early sign of the brilliance and ambition that would define his career.
Kilmer's health had been in decline since he was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, which led to a tracheotomy that altered his voice.
Despite his health struggles, Kilmer made a powerful return to the screen in 2022 with “Top Gun: Maverick,” reprising his iconic role as Iceman.
Kilmer's film career included a wide variety of roles, from the brooding Batman in “Batman Forever” to the legendary Doc Holliday in “Tombstone.”
(Courtesy: Agencies)
