Val Kilmer, the famous actor known for his roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever and The Doors, has died at the age of 65.
His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed that the cause of death was pneumonia.
His demise comes years after he retired from the spotlight due to health issues, including a battle with throat cancer that seriously affected his voice.
Kilmer first became famous for his role in the 1984 comedy "Top Secret!" , but it was "Top Gun" that cemented his status as a Hollywood star.
Surprisingly, he didn't originally want the role of Iceman. In the documentary Val, he reveals that he thought the script was "stupid" and didn't like the militaristic tone of the film. However, he had a contract with the studio and had no choice but to accept the role. Despite his reluctance, his intense rivalry with Tom Cruise's Maverick became a defining aspect of the film, and the two actors carried that on-screen tension into real life, splitting into separate camps off-set.
After Top Gun, Kilmer looked for roles that would challenge him artistically, even going so far as to make elaborate audition tapes to get roles with legendary directors like Stanley Kubrick. He received further recognition for his performances in Doors, Tumblestone and Heat, cementing his reputation as a talented but sometimes difficult actor to work with.
In 2015, after years of speculation about his health, Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer. He underwent lengthy treatment, including a tracheotomy that left his voice permanently damaged. In the Amazon Prime documentary Val, narrated by his son Jack, he reflects on his life and career through a vast collection of personal footage spanning decades.
Though his health struggles have kept him largely out of the public eye, he makes a brief but poignant return as Iceman in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), sharing a heartfelt scene with Cruise. His legacy as a charismatic and enigmatic performer known for his deep commitment to his craft will continue to inspire generations of actors and fans. | BGNES
