Val Kilmer, the actor who starred in Top Gun and Batman while earning a reputation as a Hollywood bad boy, has passed away at the age of 65.
His daughter Mercedes informed the Associated Press that he succumbed to pneumonia on Tuesday night in Los Angeles, surrounded by loved ones.
Originally from California, Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 but later made a recovery, according to his daughter.
The actor, known for his role as Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky in Top Gun alongside Tom Cruise in 1986, had initially expressed reluctance about the role that propelled him to fame.
However, he actively pursued participation in the sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, in 2022, reaching out to producers and even creating emotional scenes for his character ‘Iceman’. This marked his final acting role.
Kilmer had a colorful romantic history, having been in relationships with Hollywood figures like Cindy Crawford, Angelina Jolie, Carly Simon, and Cher.
He portrayed Batman in the 1995 film Batman Forever and received praise for his portrayal of rock singer Jim Morrison in the movie The Doors from 1991.
In addition to his iconic roles, Kilmer appeared in True Romance, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, portrayed Chris Shiherlis in Heat, and Doc Holliday in Tombstone.
Despite his success, Kilmer had his share of controversies and disagreements with colleagues, gaining a reputation for being demanding and intense.
In his 2020 memoir, Kilmer opened up about his battle with throat cancer and the impact it had on his life and career.
He continued to act in films post-diagnosis, starring in projects like The Snowman in 2017 and Paydirt in 2020.
Remembered as an icon by many in the industry, Kilmer leaves behind a lasting legacy in Hollywood.
Aside from his acting career, Kilmer was also known for his passion for painting and had a diverse artistic portfolio.
Born on December 31, 1959, in Los Angeles, Kilmer’s early talent in acting led him to the prestigious Juilliard School in New York.
Colleagues and directors praised Kilmer for his dedication and work ethic, despite the controversies that surrounded him.