The renowned actor, Val Kilmer, famous for his role in Top Gun, has passed away at the age of 65, as confirmed by his daughter.
Mercedes Kilmer informed the New York Times that her father succumbed to pneumonia on April 1.
Val Kilmer became a household name after starring alongside Tom Cruise in the iconic 1986 film Top Gun.
Following his success, Kilmer portrayed Batman in the 1995 movie Batman Forever and garnered critical acclaim for his role as musician Jim Morrison in the 1991 film The Doors.
Kilmer made his final appearance in the 2022 hit Top Gun: Maverick, where technology aided in delivering his dialogue. This was due to voice damage from a tracheotomy he underwent in 2014 for throat cancer treatment.
Tom Cruise, a co-star in Top Gun, shared with Jimmy Kimmel in 2023, “I just want to say that was pretty emotional. 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.”
Val Kilmer’s battle with throat cancer began in 2014, a journey he detailed in his 2020 memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry, and the Amazon Prime documentary Val.
The actor underwent extensive treatment, including radiotherapy and chemotherapy, along with a tracheostomy, which affected his vocal cords.
In the documentary, Kilmer shared, “I obviously am sounding much worse than I feel. I can’t speak without plugging this hole (in his throat). You have to make the choice to breathe or to eat.”
He added, “It’s an obstacle that is very present with whoever sees me.”
Following the announcement of his passing, tributes have poured in honoring the Hollywood icon.
Josh Gad, known for his role in Frozen, expressed on Instagram: “RIP Val Kilmer. Thank you for defining so many of the movies of my childhood. You truly were an icon.”
Actor Josh Brolin, son of James Brolin, shared heartfelt words, expressing how much he will miss his ‘pal’.
In an Instagram post, he said, “You were a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker. 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 of Kilmer have also taken to social media to express their condolences.
One Twitter user wrote: “Val Kilmer’s scene in Top Gun: Maverick hits even harder now. Rest in peace, Iceman.”
Another added: “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.”
In 1988, Kilmer married British actress Joanne Whalley, whom he met on the set of Willow.
The couple had two children before their divorce in 1996.
If you are dealing with a loss and need someone to talk to, GrieveWell offers support at (734) 975-0238, or you can email them at [email protected].