Val Kilmer, the renowned actor famous for his roles in Top Gun and Batman Forever, passed away on April 1 at 65 years old. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed to The New York Times that pneumonia was the cause of his death.
Kilmer had long faced health challenges, including a diagnosis of throat cancer in 2014. His treatment journey involved chemotherapy and a tracheotomy, both of which caused lasting damage to his vocal cords. In his 2020 memoir I’m Your Huckleberry and the Amazon Prime documentary Val, he opened up about his health struggles and the difficult road to recovery.
“I clearly sound much worse than I actually feel,” Kilmer shared in the documentary. “I can’t speak without covering this hole in my throat. You have to choose between breathing or eating. It’s a challenge that’s obvious to everyone who sees me.”
Kilmer’s final appearance in a film was in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), where he reprised his iconic role as Iceman. Following his battle with cancer, he shifted his focus away from acting and toward his artistic endeavors. His Instagram became a platform for showcasing his paintings, and his final post featured a piece he described as having a “late-night glow,” with “cool tones and a low burn.”
The last photo of Kilmer himself was posted on February 23, showing him wearing a Batman mask alongside David Choe, an artist and Walking Dead star. Kilmer joked, “It’s been a while.”
Following his passing, tributes have flooded in from his colleagues and fans. Actor Josh Brolin expressed his admiration on social media: “You were a brilliant, challenging, courageous, and incredibly creative spirit. There aren’t many like you left. I look forward to seeing you up there in the heavens when my time comes. Until then, I’ll cherish the wonderful memories and hold you in my thoughts.”
Josh Gad also shared his condolences: “RIP Val Kilmer. Thank you for being a part of so many childhood memories. You truly were an icon.”
Val Kilmer’s enduring legacy is secured through his memorable film roles and his contributions to the arts. May he rest in peace.