Val KilmerOpens in a new tab, who delivered memorable performances in many beloved films, including in Heat, Top Gun, and Tombstone, has passed away. He was only 65 when he died.
Kilmer’s daughter Mercedes told The New York TimesOpens in a new tab her father died from pneumonia. The actor’s death follows his public battle with throat cancer for the last few years of his life. Kilmer passed away in his hometown of Los Angeles, where he was born on December 31, 1959. He is also survived by his son, Jack.
The actor, whose steely presence and good looks made him a natural force on screen, began his legendary career in 1984’s Cold War parody Top Secret! Just two years later, Val Kilmer starred in the iconic role of Iceman opposite Tom Cruise in Top Gun. Kilmer’s many notable performances also include Madmartigan in Willow, Jim Morrison in The Doors, Mentor in True Romance, Doc Holliday in Tombstone, Chris Shiherlis in Heat, Simon Templar in The Saint, Gay Perry in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, and Cunth in MacGruber, a film that served as a late career reminder that one of the industry’s most intense, best dramatic actors also had incredible comedic chops.
Pop culture fans will also remember Val Kilmer for his single turn as Bruce Wayne. He played a fantastic iteration of the Caped Crusader in 1995’s Batman Forever.
Heat director Michael Mann shared a comment with The Hollywood ReporterOpens in a new tab about Val Kilmer’s death. “While working with Val on Heat, I always marveled at the range, the brilliant variability within the powerful current of Val’s possessing and expressing character,” said Mann. “After so many years of Val battling disease and maintaining his spirit, this is tremendously sad news.”
Josh Brolin also shared a tribute to his friend on Instagram.
However, the best tribute to Kilmer’s legacy might have come a few years before his death, in 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick. Despite being unable to speak because of cancerOpens in a new tab, the film found a way to bring Iceman for an emotional reunion between him and Cruise’s Maverick. It was a touching, heartfelt scene then. It now serves as a fond farewell to one of Hollywood’s singular, most beloved stars.
