Val Kilmer, known for his roles in hits like "Top Gun" and "Batman Forever," passed away Tuesday night in Los Angeles at the age of 65. He succumbed to pneumonia after his battle with throat cancer, which was diagnosed in 2014, AP News reported. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed the news of his death.
With a career that soared in the 1980s and 1990s, Kilmer tackled diverse roles, exposing his range as an actor. He gained recognition for his breakthrough performance in "Top Secret!" in 1984, and quickly became a go-to leading man. Notable performances included his portrayal of Jim Morrison in "The Doors" and Doc Holliday in "Tombstone", his unique intensity in preparing for roles, such as filling his bed with ice to emulate dying from tuberculosis for "Tombstone", made headlines, and according to AP News, he would exclusively be called by his character's name on set. Despite his dedication, Kilmer was often branded difficult, a trait which he later acknowledged while underscoring his prioritization of art over the commercial aspects of filmmaking.
The darker aspects of his demanding roles and the personal intensity he brought to them are often remembered by peers. Ron Howard reflected on his "awesome range as an actor," while Francis Ford Coppola referred to him as "a wonderful person to work with and a joy to know", in statements obtained by BBC News. Former girlfriend and singing sensation Cher described Kilmer as "funny, crazy, pain in the ass, GREAT FRIEND" and praised his bravery during his illness via social media.
Kilmer's career had its challenges, notably his experience in the infamous "Batman Forever," where he found difficulty in performing through the restrictive suit, feeling that the role became about "just to show up and stand where I was told to," as he recounted in his 2021 documentary "Val," via CBS News Los Angeles. He attended Juilliard School, becoming the youngest drama student at the time to be accepted at age 17, and later on, pursued other artistic ventures, including painting and writing. His legacy is continued by his two children, Mercedes and Jack, and the indelible mark he left on the film industry and fans worldwide.
Despite his illness, which affected his ability to speak, Kilmer returned to the big screen in "Top Gun: Maverick," a sequel to the original film. His performance was heralded as a "powerful" reentry into the character of Iceman by costar Tom Cruise, a sentiment echoed by director Michael Mann, who worked with Kilmer on "Heat," describing his character portrayal as brilliantly variable and a testament to his resilience, as per BBC News.
