Val Kilmer, the celebrated actor known for his iconic roles in “Top Gun” and “Batman Forever,” has passed away at the age of 65 following a battle with pneumonia. His death certificate, released by the Los Angeles County Department of Health, confirmed the primary cause as pneumonia while also listing several contributing factors.
The official record indicated secondary causes including acute hypoxemic respiratory failure and chronic respiratory failure. Additionally, squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue and complications such as malnutrition and a tracheocutaneous fistula were noted.
Kilmer’s daughter confirmed his passing on April 1st, marking the end of a life dedicated to captivating audiences through memorable performances. In a statement provided to Fox News Digital, the family expressed their pride and gratitude: “Thank you for honoring our extraordinary father’s memory. We are so proud of him and honored to see his legacy celebrated.”
Kilmer’s health had been a concern in recent years; he publicly battled throat cancer diagnosed in 2015.
His final appearance was in “Top Gun: Maverick” (2022), where he reprised his role as Lt. Tom “Iceman” Kazansky, a part that held significant meaning for both the actor and audiences. Despite challenges arising from a tracheostomy – which necessitated the use of a breathing tube – Kilmer managed to return to the character he helped define.
The impact of Val Kilmer’s life and career was evident in the tributes following his death.
During a promotional event for “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” at CinemaCon, Tom Cruise paid tribute to his longtime friend and colleague.
“I’d like to honor a dear friend of mine, Val Kilmer, for a moment,” Cruise stated. “I can’t tell you how much I admired his work. If we just all take a moment to remember the wonderful time we had with him — let’s just take a moment. I wish you well on your next journey.”
Kilmer’s journey began in Los Angeles, where he was born and raised. He attended Juilliard School in New York City, launching his acting career with a comedic role in “Top Secret!” (1984).
- Breakthrough Role: Portraying Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s “The Doors” (1991) solidified Kilmer’s status as a serious actor.
- Western Icon: His portrayal of Doc Holliday in “Tombstone” became instantly recognizable.
- Elvis Appearance: He briefly appeared as the spirit of Elvis Presley in “True Romance.”
- Superhero Debut: Kilmer famously took on the role of Batman in “Batman Forever.”
Beyond these iconic roles, Kilmer’s career included appearances in acclaimed films such as “Heat,” “The Saint,” “The Salton Sea,” “Alexander,” “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,” and “Conspiracy.”
Tracy Wright contributed to this report.