Val Kilmer (December 31, 1959 – April 1, 2025) was an American actor renowned for his diverse roles across film and theater. Born in Los Angeles, Kilmer began his acting career on stage, notably portraying Hamlet at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival in 1988.
He gained prominence in the 1980s with performances in “Top Secret!” (1984) and “Real Genius” (1985). Kilmer’s versatility shone through in various genres, including his portrayal of Jim Morrison in “The Doors” (1991) and Doc Holliday in “Tombstone” (1993). He also played Batman/Bruce Wayne in “Batman Forever” (1995) and reprised his role as Iceman in “Top Gun: Maverick” (2022).
In 2015, Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer, leading to treatments that affected his vocal cords. Despite health challenges, he continued his creative endeavors, releasing his memoir “I’m Your Huckleberry” in 2020 and the documentary “Val” in 2021, which provided insight into his life and career.
Kilmer passed away on April 1, 2025, at the age of 65 due to pneumonia. His death prompted tributes from fans and colleagues, including heartfelt remembrances from actors like Tom Cruise, who honored Kilmer’s legacy and their enduring friendship.
For a news report on Val Kilmer’s passing, you can watch the following video: