Val Kilmer has died at the age of 65.

Kilmer's daughter has confirmed the news of the legendary actor's passing. Credit: EuropaNewswire/Gado/Getty Images

His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed to The New York Times that the cause of death was pneumonia.

Kilmer - the intense and often enigmatic actor whose roles ranged from rock legend Jim Morrison to the caped crusader in Batman Forever - who was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, had recovered after chemotherapy and trachea surgery that limited his vocal capabilities.

Born in Los Angeles in 1959, Kilmer was a prodigious talent from a young age, becoming one of the youngest students ever admitted to the Juilliard School’s acting program at just 17. He began his career on stage, but it wasn’t long before Hollywood came calling.

Kilmer made his film debut in the spy spoof Top Secret! (1984), followed by the cult comedy Real Genius (1985). But it was his role as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in Top Gun (1986), opposite Tom Cruise, that catapulted him to international stardom.

Decades later, he reprised the role in the blockbuster sequel Top Gun: Maverick (2022), where Iceman had risen to commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Kilmer and Cruise on the set of Top Gun. Credit: Paramount Pictures/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images

As Kilmer's star continued to rise, he landed the lead in Ron Howard and George Lucas’s fantasy epic Willow (1988), where he met his future wife and co-star, Joanne Whalley. The couple had two children, Mercedes and Jack, before divorcing in 1996.

Kilmer’s portrayal of The Doors frontman Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors (1991) remains one of his most iconic roles. In an effort to land the part, Kilmer created an eight-minute video of himself dressed and singing like Morrison across different eras of his life. The result was so convincing that the film used Kilmer’s real singing voice throughout.

Val Kilmer has died at the age of 65. Credit: EuropaNewswire/Gado/Getty Images

The Doors marked the beginning of the peak of Kilmer’s career.

In the 1993 western Tombstone, he played gunfighter Doc Holliday, a performance that remains a fan favorite. By 1995, he starred alongside Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in Michael Mann’s Heat, and the same year stepped into the batsuit for Batman Forever, succeeding Michael Keaton.

Though Batman Forever was a commercial success, it received mixed reviews and Kilmer didn’t return for the sequel.

Kilmer and Nicole Kidman for Batman Forever. Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images

Instead, he took on the lead in The Saint and shared the screen with Marlon Brando in The Island of Dr. Moreau, a production that was widely panned and plagued by on-set tension.

Kilmer's reputation as a difficult co-star followed him throughout his career. Joel Schumacher, who directed him in Batman Forever, once said: “I pray I don’t work with [Kilmer] again … we had two weeks where he did not speak to me, but it was bliss.”

Brando reportedly told Kilmer" “You are confusing your talent with the size of your paycheck,” while The Island of Dr. Moreau director John Frankenheimer declared: “I don’t like Val Kilmer, I don’t like his work ethic and I don’t want to be associated with him ever again.”

Kilmer, however, defended his approach to his craft. “When certain people criticize me for being demanding, I think that's a cover for something they didn't do well. I think they're trying to protect themselves,” he told the Orange County Register in 2003. “I believe I’m challenging, not demanding, and I make no apologies for that.”

Ultimately, he backed himself, writing in his memoir I'm Your Huckleberry: "In an unflinching attempt to empower directors, actors and other collaborators to honor the truth and essence of each project, an attempt to breathe Suzukian life into a myriad of Hollywood moments, I had been deemed difficult and alienated the head of every major studio."

Despite clashes with collaborators, his talent was undeniable.

Schumacher did later concede that Kilmer was the best Batman, and At First Sight director Irwin Winkler called working with him a “wonderful experience.”

“Some people expect an actor to be like a wooden Indian, to do what he’s told and never open his mouth,” Winkler said. “But Val has lots of great ideas and he should be listened to.”

Throughout the 2000s, Kilmer transitioned to more low-profile projects. In 2005, he starred alongside Robert Downey Jr. in Shane Black’s directorial debut, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, and later performed a one-man stage show as Mark Twain in Citizen Twain (2012). He also had a brief role in Terrence Malick’s Song to Song (2017).

Kilmer’s life and career were the subject of the 2021 documentary Val, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to acclaim. It featured personal footage and reflections on his health struggles and artistic journey.

Outside of acting, Kilmer dabbled in politics. He appeared at rallies for Ralph Nader’s 2008 presidential campaign, expressed interest in running for governor of New Mexico in 2009, and in 2013, lobbied for religious exemptions to Obamacare.

On social media, tributes poured in following the news of his death.

Actor Josh Brolin wrote on Instagram: “See ya, pal. I’m going to miss you. 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.”

Val Kilmer is survived by his two children, Mercedes and Jack.

Our thoughts go out to Kilmer's family, friends, and fans at this time.

Featured image credit: EuropaNewswire/Gado/Getty Images

Val Kilmer has died at the age of 65.

Tributes have subsequently poured in for the legendary actor, who is perhaps best known for his standout performances in movies such as Top Gun, The Doors, and Batman Forever,

The heartbreaking news was first reported by The New York Times and confirmed by his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer.

Mercedes also informed the outlet that her father's cause of death was pneumonia.

Kilmer had been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014. He underwent chemotherapy and a trachea surgery that permanently affected his voice, but he recovered and continued working for several more years.

His battle with illness and career highs and lows were documented in the 2021 film Val, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.

Born in Los Angeles in 1959, Kilmer was one of the youngest students ever admitted to Juilliard’s acting program, beginning his career on stage before breaking out in the 1980s with films like Top Secret! and Real Genius. His role as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in Top Gun (1986) made him a household name and led to decades of high-profile work.

He later starred in Willow (1988), where he met his future wife Joanne Whalley. They had two children, Mercedes and Jack, before divorcing in 1996.

Kilmer’s portrayal of Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors (1991) was one of his most critically acclaimed roles, notable for using his own singing voice. His performance as Doc Holliday in Tombstone (1993) remains widely praised.

In 1995, he took over the Batman mantle in Batman Forever, a box office hit despite mixed reviews.

He starred in Michael Mann’s Heat that same year alongside Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. In later years, he appeared in smaller films and stage productions, including a one-man show as Mark Twain.

Tributes poured in from colleagues and admirers following news of his passing, including director Francis Ford Coppola, who wrote: “Val Kilmer was the most talented actor when in his High School, and that talent only grew greater throughout his life. He was a wonderful person to work with and a joy to know — I will always remember him.”

In his later years, Kilmer returned to the screen in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), where Iceman had become commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. He also remained politically active, supporting Ralph Nader’s 2008 campaign, advocating for religious exemptions under Obamacare in 2013, and expressing interest in running for governor of New Mexico.

Despite his success, Kilmer’s reputation for being difficult on set followed him for much of his career. Joel Schumacher, who directed Batman Forever, said, “I pray I don’t work with [Kilmer] again … we had two weeks where he did not speak to me, but it was bliss.” John Frankenheimer, who directed The Island of Dr. Moreau, said, “I don’t like Val Kilmer, I don’t like his work ethic and I don’t want to be associated with him ever again.”

Kilmer addressed this perception directly in a 2017 Reddit Q&A, writing: “I didn’t do enough hand-holding and flattering and reassuring to the financier. I only cared about the acting and that didn’t translate to caring about the film or all that money.

“I like to take risks and this often gave the impression I was willing to risk their money not being returned, which was foolish of me. I understand that now. And sometimes when you are the head of a project and the lead actor is usually the reason a film is being made, unless it’s a superstar director, then only fair to make people feel good and happy they are at work. I was often unhappy trying to make pictures better.”

In the documentary Val, he reflected on his past behavior with clarity. “I have behaved poorly. I have behaved bravely. 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.”

He added: “And I am blessed.”

Kilmer is survived by his two children, Mercedes and Jack.

Our thoughts go out to Kilmer's family, friends, and fans at this time.

Featured image credit: Amanda Edwards/Getty Images

Val Kilmer's cause of death has been officially confirmed, after the star passed away aged 65 on April 1.

News of Kilmer's death was confirmed to The New York Times by his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer.

She had told the outlet that her father's death was down to pneumonia, which has now been confirmed on the star's death certificate.

According to the death certificate obtained by TMZ from the Los Angeles County Department of Health, Kilmer's immediate cause of death is listed as pneumonia, with underlying causes listed on the death certificate as acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, chronic respiratory failure, and squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue.

Other contributing factors were listed as malnutrition, and a tracheocutaneous fistula.

The outlet also reports that the star was cremated on April 7.

Following news of Kilmer's death, tributes poured in for the legendary actor, who is perhaps best known for his standout performances in movies such as Top Gun, The Doors, and Batman Forever.

Kilmer had been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, undergoing chemotherapy and a trachea surgery that permanently affected his voice, but he recovered and continued working for several more years.

His battle with illness and career highs and lows were documented in the 2021 film Val, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.

Born in Los Angeles in 1959, Kilmer was one of the youngest students ever admitted to Juilliard’s acting program, beginning his career on stage before breaking out in the 1980s with films like Top Secret! and Real Genius. His role as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in Top Gun (1986) made him a household name and led to decades of high-profile work.

He later starred in Willow (1988), where he met his future wife Joanne Whalley. They had two children, Mercedes and Jack, before divorcing in 1996.

Kilmer’s portrayal of Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors (1991) was one of his most critically acclaimed roles, notable for using his own singing voice. His performance as Doc Holliday in Tombstone (1993) remains widely praised.

In 1995, he played the titular role in Batman Forever, which, despite receiving mixed reviews, became a box office hit.

He starred in Michael Mann’s Heat that same year alongside Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. In later years, he appeared in smaller films and stage productions, including a one-man show as Mark Twain.

In his later years, Kilmer returned to the screen in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), where Iceman had become commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. He also remained politically active, supporting Ralph Nader’s 2008 campaign, advocating for religious exemptions under Obamacare in 2013, and expressing interest in running for governor of New Mexico.

Despite his success, Kilmer’s reputation for being difficult on set followed him for much of his career. Joel Schumacher, who directed Batman Forever, said, “I pray I don’t work with [Kilmer] again … we had two weeks where he did not speak to me, but it was bliss.” John Frankenheimer, who directed The Island of Dr. Moreau, said, “I don’t like Val Kilmer, I don’t like his work ethic and I don’t want to be associated with him ever again.”

Kilmer addressed this perception directly in a 2017 Reddit Q&A, writing: “I didn’t do enough hand-holding and flattering and reassuring to the financier. I only cared about the acting and that didn’t translate to caring about the film or all that money.

“I like to take risks and this often gave the impression I was willing to risk their money not being returned, which was foolish of me. I understand that now. And sometimes when you are the head of a project and the lead actor is usually the reason a film is being made, unless it’s a superstar director, then only fair to make people feel good and happy they are at work. I was often unhappy trying to make pictures better.”

In the documentary Val, he reflected on his past behavior with clarity. “I have behaved poorly. I have behaved bravely. 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.”

He added: “And I am blessed.”

Kilmer is survived by his two children, Mercedes and Jack.

Our thoughts go out to Kilmer's family, friends, and fans at this time.

Featured image credit: EuropaNewswire/Gado/Getty Images

Following the tragic loss of Val Kilmer at age 65, details about how he spent his final years have come to light.

Tributes have subsequently poured in for the legendary actor, who is perhaps best known for his standout performances in movies such as Top Gun, The Doors, and Batman Forever,

The heartbreaking news was first reported by The New York Times and confirmed by his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer.

Mercedes also informed the outlet that her father's cause of death was pneumonia.

Though he had battled throat cancer since 2014, Mercedes revealed he was cancer-free at the time of his death.

Still, the damage from his years of treatment had taken a deep toll. Sources close to Kilmer’s family told TMZ that the actor was “very frail at the end of his life” and had been confined to bed “for years before his death.”

His final days were spent surrounded by friends and family, with Kilmer hospitalized twice this year — including in the final week of his life.

"His body eventually shut down," family sources said. “The actor’s body simply couldn’t keep fighting at the end.”

While a video of Kilmer wearing a Batman mask was shared to his Instagram in February, TMZ reports it was filmed “years ago” and didn’t reflect his condition in the lead-up to his death.

Kilmer’s final public appearance was in 2019, when he attended the Thespians Go Hollywood Gala alongside his daughter Mercedes, now 33.

She and her brother Jack, 29, are currently handling funeral arrangements.

His health issues were also detailed in his 2020 memoir I’m Your Huckleberry, where he described one terrifying night at ex-girlfriend Cher’s guest house.

“One night, I suddenly awoke vomiting blood that covered the bed like a scene out of ‘The Godfather,’” he wrote. “I prayed immediately, then called 911. Then alerted my hostess. Cher stepped in and stepped up.”

Kilmer underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and multiple tracheotomies that damaged his vocal cords. He declared himself cancer-free in 2021 but continued to require a feeding tube and spoke with great difficulty.

Though his career slowed in later years, Kilmer continued working, including a return to the big screen in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), where his character Iceman had become the U.S. Pacific Fleet commander.

Despite the ups and downs, Kilmer reflected on his life with clarity and humility. In the documentary Val, he said: “I have behaved poorly. I have behaved bravely. 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.”

He added: “And I am blessed.”

Kilmer is survived by his two children, Mercedes and Jack.

Featured image credit: EuropaNewswire/Gado/Getty Images

Val Kilmer's final post has been flooded with tributes from fans following his death at 65.

News of the actor's death was confirmed by his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, to The New York Times.

Following the devastating news, fans flocked to Kilmer's final Instagram post to pay their tributes.

Just days before his passing, the actor had shared a picture of a painting he'd made, showing an abstract bonfire scene.

He captioned the post: "It’s got that late-night glow. Cool tones with a low burn, like when the camp fire cools down but you’re still wide awake. 12” x 20” plexi-glazed, signed, and ready to hang."

Fans commented: "Rest in peace dear one!! I hope I see you in the realms one day. Truly a sad sad day," and: "R.I.P. thank you for making my childhood so much fun with Real Genius, Thunderheart, The Ghost and the Darkness, and of course Top Gun and Batman."

Others added: "Rest in Peace, you amazing artist and human!", and: "R.I.P Iceman. We didn’t like him because he was dangerous. We liked him because he was the Actor of a Generation."

Kilmer's daughter confirmed that her father's cause of death was pneumonia.

The actor was known for his versatility, having portrayed roles varying from rock legend Jim Morrison to the Caped Crusader in Batman Forever.

He was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, and was left with limited vocal capabilities after undergoing trachea surgery and chemotherapy.

Born in Los Angeles in 1959, Kilmer became one of the youngest students ever admitted to the Juilliard School’s acting program at just 17, beginning his career on stage before hitting the big screen.

Kilmer made his film debut in the spy spoof Top Secret! (1984), followed by the cult comedy Real Genius (1985). But it was his role as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in Top Gun (1986), opposite Tom Cruise, that catapulted him to international stardom.

He reprised the iconic role in the blockbuster sequel, Top Gun: Maverick (2022), where Iceman had risen to commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Kilmer's lead role in Ron Howard and George Lucas’s fantasy epic Willow (1988) led to him meeting his co-star and future wife, Joanne Whalley, with the couple going on to have two children, Mercedes and Jack, before divorcing in 1996.

One of his most iconic roles was playing The Doors frontman Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors (1991), having gone over and above to secure the part.

Kilmer had created an eight-minute video of himself dressed and singing like Morrison across different eras of his life, and the result was so true to life that the movie ended up using Kilmer's real singing voice throughout.

He went on to star in several other blockbuster movies, including 1993's western Tombstone, as well as starring alongside Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in Michael Mann’s Heat in 1995, the same year he stepped into the batsuit for Batman Forever, succeeding Michael Keaton.

Though Batman Forever was a commercial success, it received mixed reviews and Kilmer didn’t return for the sequel.

Instead, he took on the lead in The Saint and shared the screen with Marlon Brando in The Island of Dr. Moreau, a production that was widely panned and plagued by on-set tension.

Kilmer's reputation as a tough co-star followed him throughout his career. Joel Schumacher, who directed him in Batman Forever, once said: “I pray I don’t work with [Kilmer] again … we had two weeks where he did not speak to me, but it was bliss.”

Brando reportedly told Kilmer: “You are confusing your talent with the size of your paycheck,” while The Island of Dr. Moreau director John Frankenheimer declared: “I don’t like Val Kilmer, I don’t like his work ethic and I don’t want to be associated with him ever again.”

Kilmer, however, defended his approach to his craft. “When certain people criticize me for being demanding, I think that's a cover for something they didn't do well. I think they're trying to protect themselves,” he told the Orange County Register in 2003. “I believe I’m challenging, not demanding, and I make no apologies for that.”

Ultimately, he backed himself, writing in his memoir I'm Your Huckleberry: "In an unflinching attempt to empower directors, actors and other collaborators to honor the truth and essence of each project, an attempt to breathe Suzukian life into a myriad of Hollywood moments, I had been deemed difficult and alienated the head of every major studio."

Despite clashes with collaborators, his talent was undeniable.

Schumacher did later concede that Kilmer was the best Batman, and At First Sight director Irwin Winkler called working with him a “wonderful experience.”

“Some people expect an actor to be like a wooden Indian, to do what he’s told and never open his mouth,” Winkler said. “But Val has lots of great ideas and he should be listened to.”

Kilmer’s life and career were immortalized in the 2021 documentary Val, which featured personal footage and reflections on his health struggles and artistic journey.

Val Kilmer is survived by his two children, Mercedes and Jack.

Our thoughts go out to Kilmer's family, friends, and fans at this time.

Featured image credit: EuropaNewswire/Gado/Getty Images