Val Kilmer, the talented actor known for his roles in films like “Top Gun” and “Batman Forever,” passed away on Tuesday in Los Angeles at the age of 65. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed that the cause of death was pneumonia. Kilmer had been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 but had recovered from it.
Throughout his career, Kilmer showcased his versatility as an actor, taking on a wide range of roles. He made his feature film debut in the 1984 spy movie spoof “Top Secret!” where he played an American singer in Berlin. Kilmer’s portrayal of rock icon Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s “The Doors” (1991) was a standout performance, with the actor dedicating himself to embodying Morrison’s persona.
Kilmer also starred in films such as “Thunderheart” (1992) and “The Saint” (1997), where he played an F.B.I. agent and a resourceful thief, respectively. His most famous role, however, was as Batman in “Batman Forever” (1995), where he donned the iconic batsuit and battled villains played by Tommy Lee Jones and Jim Carrey.
Val Kilmer’s notable career highlights
Known for his unpredictability and charismatic screen presence, Kilmer left a lasting impression on both movie viewers and moviemakers alike. Despite his health struggles in recent years, he continued to act and write, remaining open about his battle with cancer. Kilmer’s children, Mercedes and Jack, shared a heartfelt statement following their father’s passing.
“Thank you for honoring our extraordinary father’s memory,” they said. “We are so proud of him and honored to see his legacy celebrated. At this time, we would like to grieve privately.”
In a 2006 interview, Kilmer spoke about finding joy in building an elaborate treehouse on his property in New Mexico.
“I’ll fib and say it’s for my kids, but it’s really for me,” he admitted. The treehouse, built from materials sourced from an old barn, was a personal project that brought him happiness. As the Kilmer family mourns the loss of their father, fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry remember Val Kilmer for his remarkable talent and the indelible mark he left on cinema.
