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Val Kilmer, ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Batman Forever’ Star, Dies at 65 After Prolonged Cancer Battle
Hollywood mourns the loss of Val Kilmer, the celebrated actor renowned for his iconic roles in blockbuster hits like Top Gun and Batman Forever, who has died at the age of 65. His family confirmed the death of the beloved performer, following a years-long struggle with throat cancer, to The New York Times on Tuesday evening. Kilmer, who bravely fought cancer since his diagnosis in 2014, underwent extensive treatments including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. He was declared cancer-free in 2021 but faced lasting health challenges.
Val Kilmer’s Courageous Fight with Throat Cancer
Kilmer’s arduous battle with throat cancer began in 2014, compelling him to retreat from the intense spotlight of Hollywood. Despite the physical toll of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, he demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout his treatment journey. Although declared cancer-free in 2021, the aggressive treatments necessitated a step back from his demanding acting career.
Maintaining Connection with Fans Through Art and Social Media
While withdrawing from red carpet appearances starting in 2019, Kilmer sustained a connection with his admirers by sharing his artwork and personal snapshots on Instagram. His social media presence offered fans glimpses into his life beyond the screen, showcasing his artistic talents and personal reflections.
Haunting Final Social Media Post
In a poignant foreshadowing, one of Kilmer’s final social media posts, shared on February 23, 2025, emerged less than two months prior to his passing. The upload featured evocative footage of him in a padded room alongside artist and musician David Choe. The video, initially filmed and posted by Choe in 2021, offered a glimpse into a contemplative moment.
Val Kilmer’s haunting final post revealed after news of his death at 65
In the clip, Kilmer appeared in relatively good health, presenting a slim physique, clean-shaven appearance, and slightly longer hairstyle. Despite the damage to his vocal cords from throat cancer treatments, he spoke briefly before trying on a custom Batman mask crafted for him by Choe.
Kilmer, widely recognized for his portrayal of the Caped Crusader three decades prior, humorously remarked that it had “been awhile” since revisiting his Batman days. After donning the mask, he gazed into the camera, subsequently panning to a vibrant Batman portrait, presumably a creation by Choe.
Accompanying the video were visuals of Choe’s Batman-themed artwork and clips featuring the artist expressing his admiration for the superhero. Kilmer refrained from adding a caption to the February 2023 post, which garnered nearly 30,000 ‘likes’ from his extensive Instagram following. His actual final Instagram post, published on March 22, showcased a signed original painting available for sale on his website.
“It’s got that late-night glow,” he commented on the artwork. “Cool tones with a low burn, like when the camp fire cools down but you’re still wide awake.”
On February 23, 2025, the Batman Forever star shared footage with artist David Choe, originally filmed in 2021
In the clip, Kilmer, whose vocal cords were damaged by throat cancer treatments, spoke briefly before trying on a Batman mask made by Choe
Focus on Art Following Health Setbacks
Kilmer’s lifelong passion for art intensified, becoming his primary focus as his declining health limited his acting engagements. This transition showcased his artistic versatility beyond acting.
News of Untimely Death and Family Confirmation
News of Kilmer’s passing has deeply saddened fans and the Hollywood community alike. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, disclosed that he succumbed to pneumonia in Los Angeles on Tuesday. In addition to Mercedes, he is survived by his son Jack Kilmer. Kilmer was married to their mother, Joanne Whalley, from 1988 to 1996.
Recalling Health Struggles and Career Milestones
Diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, Kilmer underwent significant surgery, including a tracheotomy, which markedly impacted his speech. Despite these challenges, he was later declared cancer-free. Kilmer achieved stardom portraying Iceman in the 1986 cinematic hit Top Gun, Batman/Bruce Wayne in 1995’s Batman Forever, and the iconic musician Jim Morrison in the 1991 film The Doors.
Kilmer’s last public red carpet appearance occurred in 2019 at Simply Shakespeare’s Live Read of The Merchant Of Venice in Los Angeles. He appeared in good spirits, accompanied by his daughter Mercedes. The actor endured both radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments for his cancer, in addition to the tracheostomy. This procedure, while aiding his breathing, caused permanent damage to his vocal cords, permanently altering his voice.
The star looked relatively healthy with a slim build, clean-shaven face and slightly long hair
Kilmer’s uncaptioned February 2023 post garnered nearly 30,000 ‘likes’
Documentary ‘Val’ and Candid Reflections on Health
In the Amazon Prime documentary “Val,” Kilmer openly discussed the enduring consequences of throat cancer, including reliance on a voice box for communication and challenges with eating. He conveyed the stark realities of living with a tracheostomy and its effects on daily life.
He recounted the onset of his cancer, recalling the alarming moment he coughed up blood and required emergency medical intervention. Following intensive treatment in 2020, Kilmer reported a swift recovery in an interview, acknowledging the tracheotomy’s role in aiding his breathing after glandular swelling.
When asked about what he missed most about his original voice, Kilmer poignantly responded, “That I had one! And that I didn’t laugh like a pirate.”
Hollywood Career and Reputation
Kilmer ascended to prominence as a leading man in the 1990s, though his career trajectory experienced fluctuations amid reports of conflicts on set and box office disappointments. He developed a reputation for being demanding, intense, and perfectionistic, traits he addressed directly.
Defending his work ethic, Kilmer asserted in 2003, “When certain people criticize me for being demanding, I think that’s a cover for something they didn’t do well. I think they’re trying to protect themselves.” He maintained, “I believe I’m challenging, not demanding, and I make no apologies for that.”
Family confirmed the death of the beloved actor to the NYT on Tuesday night; pictured in July 2019
Kilmer was known for his role as Iceman in the 1986 hit movie Top Gun
He also famously played musician Jim Morrison in the 1991 film The Doors
Early Career and ‘Top Gun’ Stardom
Kilmer’s film debut was in the spy parody “Top Secret!” (1984), preceding his role in the comedy “Real Genius” (1985). His breakthrough moment arrived with Top Gun (1986), where he starred as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky alongside Tom Cruise. Decades later, he reprised this role in the 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick.
Return to ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ and Emotional Reunion
Kilmer expressed enthusiasm for revisiting his role as Iceman in Top Gun: Maverick. Despite initial uncertainty about his involvement, Tom Cruise reportedly championed his inclusion. Producer Jerry Bruckheimer revealed, “Tom said he wasn’t going to make the movie without him.”
The final script incorporated Iceman’s character, now an Admiral. Bruckheimer described the filming of scenes with Kilmer as “a really emotional day,” emphasizing the audience’s desire to witness the on-screen dynamic between Iceman and Maverick once more. AI technology was employed to restore Kilmer’s voice in the film, given the vocal cord damage from his tracheotomy.
Kilmer’s final film appearance resonated deeply with fans, evoking emotional responses upon his return to the screen as Iceman in Top Gun: Maverick.
Val Kilmer’s final film role in Top Gun: Maverick moved fans
He was famed for his role as Iceman in the original Top Gun and Tom Cruise ensured Kilmer’s return
Kilmer last attended a public red carpet event in October 2019
AI technology regenerated Kilmer’s voice in Top Gun: Maverick after his tracheotomy
Poignant Scenes in ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ and Fan Reactions
AI technology played a crucial role in Top Gun: Maverick, enabling Iceman to communicate via typed words and digitally restored vocalizations. Emotional scenes depicting Iceman’s advice to Maverick and Maverick attending Iceman’s funeral moved viewers to tears and gained renewed attention following Kilmer’s death.
Online comments reflected the profound impact of these scenes, with fans expressing sentiments like “This Scene hits 10 times harder now… RIP Val,” and “What a fitting send off for Val Kilmer.”
Emotional Filming Experience and Friendship with Tom Cruise
The emotional intensity of these scenes extended to the filming experience itself. Kilmer revealed that both he and Cruise were deeply moved during filming. Reflecting on their relationship, Kilmer described his long-standing friendship with Cruise, noting their mutual support and shared history.
Kilmer on his friendship with Cruise: “in reality I’ve always thought of Tom as a friend”
Kilmer admired Tom Cruise as an actor (pictured in 1986)
Director Joseph Kosinski recounted a touching moment between the two actors, observing tears in their eyes after takes, highlighting the authentic connection between them. Kosinski noted that the performances drew upon the genuine friendship between Cruise and Kilmer, spanning over three decades.
Kilmer conveyed his appreciation for being part of Top Gun: Maverick, emphasizing the unique and special moments throughout the long production process. Cruise also acknowledged the emotional reunion with Kilmer on set, praising his powerful acting and the seamless return to his iconic character.
Kilmer at Simply Shakespeare’s Live Read in October 2019
Kilmer with daughter Mercedes at a red carpet event
Son’s Recollections of ‘Top Gun’ Impact
Kilmer’s son, Jack, shared memories of the Top Gun: Maverick shoot, recalling the pride and inspiration the original film had instilled in aspiring pilots who became real-life aviators.
Diverse Roles and Recognition
Beyond Top Gun and Batman Forever, Kilmer showcased his versatility in films such as “Willow” (1988) and “The Doors” (1991), where he embodied Jim Morrison with striking authenticity. His portrayal of Doc Holliday in “Tombstone” (1993) further cemented his reputation as a compelling character actor. He experienced commercial success in “Heat” and “Batman Forever” in 1995, though the latter received mixed critical reception. Joel Schumacher described Kilmer as “psychologically troubled.”
Personal Life and Reflections on Loneliness
In his 2020 memoir, “I’m Your Huckleberry,” Kilmer disclosed his extended period of being single and candidly discussed feelings of loneliness. He expressed a preference for the company of women and acknowledged past romances with notable figures like Cher, Winona Ryder, Angelina Jolie, Daryl Hannah, and Cindy Crawford. He praised Cher’s unwavering loyalty and support, particularly during his cancer diagnosis in 2015.
Kilmer revealed he had been single since 2000 in his memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry; pictured in 1994
Kilmer and ex-girlfriend Cher
Despite his acclaimed career, Kilmer did not receive Oscar or Emmy nominations, though he earned a Grammy nomination for Best Spoken Word Album in 2012.