Val Kilmer, the charismatic actor celebrated for his role as Bruce Wayne in "Batman Forever," has passed away at the age of 65 due to complications from pneumonia in Los Angeles.
His daughter, Mercedes, confirmed his passing to The New York Times. Kilmer had been battling throat cancer in recent years.
Kilmer launched his impressive career with standout performances in comedies such as "Top Secret!" (1984) and "Real Genius" (1985).
He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Lt. Tom "Iceman" Kazansky alongside Tom Cruise in the iconic "Top Gun" (1986), followed by a notable role in the fantasy epic "Willow" (1988).
His portrayal of Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone's biopic "The Doors" (1991) marked his emergence as a leading actor, showcasing his striking talent and range.
Throughout the 1990s, Kilmer was a dynamic presence in cinema, opting for compelling co-starring roles in films like "Tombstone" (1993), "True Romance" (1993), and "Heat" (1995). This period cemented his status as a versatile actor with a flair for captivating performances.
After dominating the 1980s and 1990s with his remarkable roles, Kilmer made a poignant return to the screen in 2022 with "Top Gun: Maverick," despite battling cancer that affected his ability to speak.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Kilmer's early education included the Hollywood Professional School and the prestigious Juilliard School. He also lent his voice to animated projects like "The Prince of Egypt."
Kilmer's diverse filmography features memorable roles in "At First Sight," "Red Planet," "Pollock," "The Salton Sea," "Wonderland," and "The Missing." His later works included collaborations with notable actors such as Robert Downey Jr.
in "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang," Denzel Washington in "Deja Vu," as well as roles in "Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans" and "The Snowman."
In 2012, Kilmer was honored with a Grammy nomination for Best Spoken Word for an audio rendition of "Zorro."
He shared insights into his life and career in his memoir "I'm Your Huckleberry," published in 2020, which borrowed its title from a memorable line in "Tombstone."
Kilmer divorced actress Joanne Whalley in 1996 and is survived by his two children, Mercedes and Jack. His legacy endures through a diverse array of performances that left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.