Val Kilmer, the star of multiple era-defining Hollywood films, has died at 65. His daughter Mercedes Kilmer confirmed his death on Tuesday, sharing that Kilmer passed in Los Angeles, surrounded by friends and family.
Kilmer died from pneumonia. He was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, undergoing a tracheotomy surgery that permanently altered his voice. The actor had stepped away from acting in recent years, briefly reappearing for an emotional cameo on "Top Gun: Maverick" alongside Tom Cruise, reprising one of the largest roles of his career.
Kilmer has one of the most iconic faces from '80s and '90s Hollywood. He was born in California and, at 17, became the youngest student to be accepted into Julliard School's prestigious drama department. His breakout came with "Top Gun," resulting in a bankable run in films like "Batman Forever," where he played Bruce Wayne, "The Doors," where he played the rockstar Jim Morrison, and "Heat," one of the most beloved action films of all time.
Comscore reports that Kilmer's films made around $2 billion at the box office.
His dating life was a source of intrigue, being linked with stars like Cher, Cindy Crawford, Angelina Jolie, Daryl Hannah, and more.
Last year, Cher addressed their relationship and shared that despite their 14-year age gap, the two shared a sense of humor and had a lot of fun together. "And he was so beautiful. It went from madly in love and laughing hysterically to respecting each other's ability," she said in an interview with Howard Stern.
Kilmer's life was explored in a documentary
In 2021, a documentary titled "Val" explored his life and career, featuring many interviews and behind-the-scenes footage of some of his top films. His son Jack read Kilmer's narrations due to his father's throat surgery recovery. In it, Kilmer addressed the tempestuous stories that plagued his behavior on set, which often started in a great place and ended up with him clashing with fellow actors and directors.
“I have behaved bizarrely to some. I deny none of this and have no regrets because I have lost and found parts of myself that I never knew existed. I am blessed,” he said in the film.
Kilmer is survived by his two kids, Jack and Mercedes, whom he shares with Joanne Whalley.