Val Kilmer, Star of Top Gun and Batman Forever, Dies at 65
Val Kilmer, the acclaimed actor known for his roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever, and The Doors, has passed away at the age of 65. His death was confirmed by his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, and reported by The New York Times. Kilmer died on April 1, 2025, at his home in Los Angeles .
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The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has officially stated that pneumonia was the primary cause of death. Additional contributing factors included squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, acute and chronic hypoxemic respiratory failure, malnutrition, and a tracheocutaneous fistula. Kilmer had been battling throat cancer since 2015, undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and two tracheotomies, which significantly impacted his ability to speak .
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Despite these challenges, Kilmer made a remarkable return to the screen in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), reprising his iconic role as Iceman. Due to his health condition, AI technology was used to recreate his voice for the film, allowing him to deliver his lines despite having lost his natural voice .
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Kilmer’s career spanned over four decades, beginning with his film debut in the 1984 comedy Top Secret!. He gained prominence with his portrayal of Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991) and continued to captivate audiences with performances in Tombstone (1993), Heat (1995), and The Saint (1997). His portrayal of Batman in Batman Forever (1995) remains a memorable part of his diverse filmography .
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Kilmer’s passing has prompted tributes from across the entertainment industry. Tom Cruise, his co-star in Top Gun, honored Kilmer with a moment of silence during his speech at CinemaCon, expressing deep admiration for his talent and character .
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Val Kilmer leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances and a lasting impact on the film industry. He is survived by his two children, Mercedes and Jack Kilmer.
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Val Kilmer’s Death and Legac
