Hollywood star Val Kilmer passed away overnight (Tuesday to Wednesday) at his Los Angeles home, at the age of 65, according to a report in The New York Times. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, stated that the cause of death was complications from pneumonia. Kilmer had previously battled throat cancer but had recovered.
One of the biggest film stars of the ’80s and ’90s
Kilmer was considered one of the leading film actors of the 1980s and 1990s, known for a series of iconic roles. He famously played “Iceman” alongside Tom Cruise in Top Gun, a role he reprised in the 2021 sequel Top Gun: Maverick. Among his other standout performances were Jim Morrison in The Doors, Doc Holliday in Tombstone, and Batman in the 1995 film Batman Forever.
“I wish my laugh didn’t sound like a pirate”
In 2014, Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer, a disease that had a major impact on both his life and career. Following several surgeries, his vocal cords were damaged, making it difficult for him to speak. In a 2020 interview, he shared: “I feel a lot better than I sound… I wish I had my voice and that my laugh didn’t sound like a pirate.”
A documentary about his life, titled Val, was released in 2022 and received critical acclaim for its honest and intimate portrayal of one of the most celebrated actors of his generation.
