​Val Kilmer, the actor known for roles in films such as Top Gun, Batman Forever, The Doors, and the documentary Val passed away on April 1, 2025, at the age of 65.

Kilmer’s death was attributed to complications from pneumonia. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed his passing in an email to The Associated Press. In 2015, Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer, a battle he courageously fought, undergoing treatments that included a tracheotomy, which affected his speaking ability.

His acting journey began on stage, and made his film debut in the 1984 comedy spoof Top Secret. However, it was his role as the Iceman in Top Gun alongside Tom Cruise that made him a household name. In the 1990s, his transformation into Jim Morrison for Oliver Stone’s The Doors based on the story of the band of the same name, was met with critical acclaim.

He took on a diverse array of roles, starring in the western Tombstone, the crime dramas True Romance and Heat. He also portrayed Batman in Joel Schumacher’s Batman Forever and went on to star in The Ghost and the Darkness, The Saint, The Prince of Egypt, Alexander, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, and The Snowman.

In 2021, Val Kilmer’s life and career were chronicled in the documentary film Val. The documentary, directed by Ting Poo and Leo Scott, provided an intimate look at Kilmer’s journey through Hollywood, his battle with throat cancer, and his resilience in the face of adversity. Using decades of home video footage shot by Kilmer himself, the film offered fans a deeply personal glimpse into his experiences, struggles, and passion for storytelling.

In 2022, Kilmer reprised his role as Iceman in Top Gun: Maverick, marking his final film performance.