Actor Val Kilmer, star of ‘Batman Forever,’ ‘Top Gun,’ dead at 65: report

Hollywood Icon Val Kilmer Passes Away at 65

Hollywood has lost a prominent figure: Val Kilmer, the acclaimed actor known for his iconic roles in blockbuster films like “Top Gun” and “Batman Forever,” has died at age 65. Reports indicate Kilmer passed away in Los Angeles on Tuesday, as confirmed by the New York Times. His diverse and successful career solidified him as a celebrated figure in the entertainment industry.

Early Career and Breakthrough Role in ‘Top Gun’

Born in Los Angeles, Val Kilmer commenced his acting career with his debut in the 1984 comedy film “Top Secret!” He portrayed rock star Nick Rivers in the movie, which was penned and helmed by the comedic writers behind “Airplane!”

Two years later, in 1986, Kilmer achieved widespread fame and superstardom with his portrayal of Lieutenant Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky in “Top Gun.” The film became a box-office sensation, emerging as the highest-grossing movie of that year. In this role, Kilmer played the on-screen rival to Tom Cruise’s character, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. Interestingly, the actor initially expressed reluctance about taking on the part.

According to his 2020 memoir, “I’m Your Huckleberry,” Kilmer stated, “I didn’t want the part. I didn’t care about the film. The story didn’t interest me.” He further elaborated that his agent, who also represented Tom Cruise, persuaded him to meet with director Tony Scott.

Acclaim for ‘The Doors’ and Iconic Roles in the 1990s

Kilmer garnered significant praise for his compelling performance as Jim Morrison in the 1991 biographical film “The Doors.” He embodied the music icon, even performing his own vocals for the movie’s soundtrack.

In a 1991 interview with Bobbie Wygant, Kilmer reflected on the role, noting the challenges of portraying Morrison’s decline: “There were challenges, particularly when he started to lose it, which was a whiskey deterioration in the throat,” he stated.

The 1990s proved to be a fruitful decade for Kilmer, featuring him in hit movies such as “True Romance” and “Heat.” He also famously succeeded Michael Keaton in the role of Gotham’s Caped Crusader in “Batman Forever.”

Taking on Batman

Kilmer accepted the role of Bruce Wayne’s alter ego, Batman, without even reviewing the script. In his memoir, he later wrote about his motivations at the time: “I was buzzed about being Batman but hardly for artistic reasons,” he confessed. “With two franchises going—Batman and The Saint—I could start an artists’ community, write poetry and plays, and become the wild auteur I saw as my destiny.”

Despite initial excitement, Kilmer expressed subsequent discontent with the cumbersome Batsuit. He later joked about the 1995 film, remarking, “I mean, it’s so bad, it’s almost good.”

Controversy on ‘The Island of Dr. Moreau’ and Professionalism Praised

Kilmer also appeared alongside Marlon Brando in “The Island of Dr. Moreau,” a science-fiction horror film notorious for its troubled production. Reports suggested tension on set between Kilmer, who replaced Bruce Willis for the role, and both Brando and director John Frankenheimer.

Kilmer recounted in his memoir, “John Frankenheimer went on to blame me publicly for ruining the movie.” He responded, “I always thought it an odd thing to try to do, blame me for his failure to make an entertaining film, because my character dies halfway through, and the last half of the film sucks as bad as the first.”

Despite a reputation for being difficult to work with, actress Mira Sorvino, his co-star in the 1999 romantic drama “At First Sight,” offered a different perspective.

Speaking to AV Club in 2011, Sorvino defended Kilmer’s professionalism: “I just hate furthering rumors about people being difficult, because it can do such enormous damage to their careers,” she stated. “My experience with him was nothing but positive. He was really professional and gentlemanly, and a terrific actor.”

Later Career and ‘Top Gun: Maverick’

For his performance in the 2005 crime comedy “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,” Kilmer received a Satellite Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor.

In 2015, Kilmer received a diagnosis of throat cancer. The treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy, resulted in the loss of his speaking voice. Despite these significant health challenges, he continued to work, appearing in 12 projects following his diagnosis.

Kilmer reprised his iconic role as Iceman in the 2022 blockbuster “Top Gun: Maverick,” sharing a poignant scene with Tom Cruise. This marked his final film appearance, bringing closure to his celebrated character arc.

Reflecting on Kilmer’s return to the franchise, Cruise remarked on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” “I’ve known Val for decades, and for him to come back and play that character — he’s such a powerful actor that he instantly became that character again. You’re looking at Iceman,” Cruise shared. “I was crying. I got emotional. He’s such a brilliant actor, and I love his work.”

In 2021, Kilmer announced that he was cancer-free.

He is survived by his daughter, Mercedes, and son, Jack.