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Val Kilmer, ‘Top Gun’ Icon and ‘Batman Forever’ Star, Passes Away at 65
Hollywood mourns the loss of celebrated actor Val Kilmer, known for his iconic role as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in the blockbuster film Top Gun (1986) and his portrayal of the Caped Crusader in Batman Forever (1995). Kilmer passed away on April 1 due to complications from pneumonia, his daughter Mercedes Kilmer confirmed to the New York Times. He was 65 years old.
Cause of Death: Pneumonia
The news of Kilmer’s death due to pneumonia brings to a close the chapter on the life of a performer who captivated audiences for decades. While pneumonia was the official cause of death, Kilmer had faced significant health challenges in recent years.
Battling Throat Cancer
In 2014, Kilmer received a diagnosis of throat cancer. He underwent treatment and subsequently recovered, a fact confirmed by his daughter to the press outlet. Despite the recovery, the cancer battle had lasting impacts on his health.
Public Discussion of Health Journey
For a period, Kilmer maintained privacy regarding his battle with cancer. However, in 2020, he began to speak more openly about his health struggles. He revealed that a procedure on his trachea, performed as part of his cancer treatment, resulted in a change to his voice, leaving it raspy.
“I feel a lot better than I sound, but I feel wonderful,” Kilmer stated in an interview with ABC News in 2020. He elaborated, “I was diagnosed with throat cancer, which healed very quickly.” He further explained that the tracheotomy was necessary to aid his breathing due to swelling in his throat glands.
Memoir Details Health Crisis
Kilmer’s 2020 memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry, offered further insight into his health journey. In the memoir, he acknowledged the significant support he received from his former girlfriend, the singer Cher, during his treatment. He recounted a dramatic episode while staying at her guesthouse, describing vomiting blood which he likened to “a scene out of The Godfather.”
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