Val Kilmer, best known for Top Gun and Batman Forever, has passed away at 65. His daughter, Mercedes, confirmed he died on April 1 from pneumonia.
Kilmer was one of those actors who could play just about anything. Action hero, rock star, even Batman — he did it all.
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He had been dealing with some serious health issues for years, especially after being diagnosed with throat cancer. Even with all that, he left behind a career that fans and fellow actors are remembering fondly.
Val Kilmer’s rise to stardom began with Top Gun
Kilmer shot to fame after starring alongside Tom Cruise in the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun. That’s when everyone really started paying attention to him.
From Jim Morrison to Batman, his versatility shined
The guy could take on anything. He nailed the role of Jim Morrison in 1991’s The Doors, earning a ton of praise for how spot-on he was. Then, in 1995, he became Batman in Batman Forever, stepping into one of the most iconic roles in Hollywood.
His final acting role was both poignant and historic
His last film appearance was in 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick. It was just a short cameo, but it carried a lot of weight. Since he had lost much of his voice due to cancer treatment, AI was used to help him deliver his lines.
Tom Cruise shared an emotional reaction to his cameo
“I just want to say that was pretty emotional,” Top Gun star Tom Cruise told Jimmy Kimmel in 2023 about the cameo. “I’ve known Val for decades, and for him to come back and play that character… he’s such a powerful actor that he instantly became that character again.”
His battle with throat cancer changed his life
Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, and he talked about it in his memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry, as well as in the Amazon Prime documentary, Val. He went through radiation, chemo, and a tracheostomy, which made speaking difficult.
He spoke openly about the struggles of his condition
“I obviously am sounding much worse than I feel,” Kilmer said in the documentary. “I can’t speak without plugging this hole (in his throat). You have to make the choice to breathe or to eat. “It’s an obstacle that is very present with whoever sees me.”
Hollywood stars and fans paid tribute to him
As soon as the news came out, tributes started flooding in. Josh Gad, the actor from Frozen, posted on Instagram: “RIP Val Kilmer. Thank you for defining so many of the movies of my childhood. You truly were an icon.”
Josh Brolin also shared his thoughts, calling Kilmer a “smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker.” He added, “There’s not a lot left of those. I hope to see you up there in the heavens when I eventually get there. Until then, amazing memories, lovely thoughts.”
Fans expressed their admiration on social media
Fans took to X to share their thoughts. One person wrote: “Val Kilmer’s scene in Top Gun: Maverick hits even harder now. Rest in peace, Iceman.” Another fan said: “Rest In Peace Val Kilmer, an absolute legend. He played some of my favorite characters in some of my favorite movies of all time. Condolences to his family.”
On Instagram, fans also flooded the comments with messages of love and grief. “Rest in peace, legend,” one person wrote. Another added, “We loveee you Batman … Angel.” Someone else shared, “I am heartbroken that you are no longer with us, Val. I pray you are resting in peace. Thank you so much for your art! You will be deeply, deeply missed.”
He loved, he lost, but family was always there
Kilmer married British actress Joanne Whalley in 1988 after they met on the set of Willow. They had two kids together before divorcing in 1996.
His final Instagram post left fans heartbroken
Kilmer’s last Instagram post of himself went up in February. The video, originally shared in 2021, showed him with artist and musician David Choe.
In it, Kilmer, speaking in his distinct post-treatment voice, put on a Batman mask and said, “I’m ready.” It was a moment that instantly reminded fans of his time as Gotham’s caped crusader in Batman Forever.
As he adjusted the camera and placed the mask over his face, he added, “I have an angle for it,” before striking a few poses.
A legend whose impact will never fade
Val Kilmer may be gone, but his work, his talent, and his larger-than-life presence will stick with fans forever. From the big screen to his personal journey, he left a mark that won’t be forgotten.
