Val Kilmer, the versatile actor celebrated for his roles as Iceman in "Top Gun," Batman in "Batman Forever," and Jim Morrison in "The Doors," has passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 65. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed he was surrounded by family and friends.
Kilmer's death on Tuesday night followed a battle with pneumonia. He had previously overcome throat cancer, diagnosed in 2014, which required two tracheotomies. Reflecting on his life in the 2021 documentary "Val," Kilmer stated, "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. And I am blessed."
As the youngest actor ever admitted to Juilliard at the time, Kilmer's career was marked by both highs and lows. He gained recognition in the 1984 spy spoof "Top Secret!" and the 1985 comedy "Real Genius." His comedic talent was later showcased in films like "MacGruber" and "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang."
The early 1990s marked the peak of his movie career, with notable roles in "Tombstone" (1993), "True Romance," and Michael Mann's 1995 film "Heat," alongside Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. Kilmer, known for his commitment to Method acting, fully immersed himself in his characters. For his portrayal of Doc Holliday, he slept on a bed of ice. To embody Jim Morrison, he wore leather pants constantly and insisted on being addressed as Jim Morrison by the cast and crew.
His intensity sometimes led to a reputation for being difficult to work with, a sentiment he acknowledged but defended by emphasizing his dedication to art over commercial concerns. In his memoir, "I'm Your Huckleberry," he wrote about his attempts to empower collaborators and honor the essence of each project.
Kilmer initially hesitated to take on the role of Iceman in "Top Gun," but eventually agreed after being promised improvements to the script. He reprised the role in the 2022 sequel, "Top Gun: Maverick." A low point in his career was his portrayal of Batman in "Batman Forever," a role he attributed to the restrictive suit.
Kilmer's later projects included "The Saint" and "The Island of Dr. Moreau," the latter becoming known for its troubled production. In 1996, Entertainment Weekly labeled him "The Man Hollywood Loves to Hate," with some directors citing difficulties working with him. However, others defended him, noting his dedication to understanding his characters.
Following "The Island of Dr. Moreau," Kilmer took on smaller roles in films such as "Spartan," "Joe the King," and "Wonderland." He also dedicated himself to his one-man stage show, "Citizen Twain." Kilmer spent his early years in Los Angeles and attended Chatsworth High School. He was admitted to Juilliard at the age of 17.
Shortly after starting at Juilliard, Kilmer experienced personal tragedy when his younger brother, Wesley, passed away. Kilmer co-wrote and starred in the play "How It All Began" during his time at Juilliard. He published two books of poetry, was nominated for a Grammy Award, and was a visual artist and Christian Scientist.
Kilmer dated Cher and was married to Joanne Whalley, with whom he had two children, Mercedes and Jack, who survive him.