Val Kilmer, a renowned actor known for his roles in iconic films such as “Top Gun,” “The Doors,” “Tombstone,” and “Batman Forever,” has passed away at the age of 65. The cause of his death was pneumonia, as confirmed by his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer.
Born in California and trained at Juilliard, Kilmer was one of the most notable leading men in Hollywood during the 1990s. However, his career faced setbacks due to disagreements with directors and co-stars, as well as a string of unsuccessful films. Over time, Kilmer developed a reputation for being temperamental, intense, perfectionistic, and occasionally egotistical.
In a 2003 interview with the Orange County Register, Kilmer addressed criticisms of his demanding nature, stating, “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. I believe I’m challenging, not demanding, and I make no apologies for that.”
Kilmer’s film career began with the spy spoof “Top Secret!” in 1984, followed by the comedy “Real Genius” in 1985. His breakthrough role came in 1986 when he starred alongside Tom Cruise in the blockbuster hit “Top Gun,” playing naval aviator Tom “Iceman” Kazansky. He later reprised his role in the 2022 sequel “Top Gun: Maverick.”
In 1988, Kilmer starred in director Ron Howard’s fantasy film “Willow,” where he met his future wife, British actress Joanne Whalley. The couple had two children before their eventual divorce. One of Kilmer’s most challenging roles was in Oliver Stone’s “The Doors” in 1991, where he portrayed Jim Morrison, the charismatic and tragic lead singer of the influential rock band The Doors.
Kilmer’s portrayal of Morrison was so convincing that he used his own singing voice in the film. To secure the role, Kilmer created an eight-minute video of himself singing and emulating Morrison at various stages of his life. This role marked the peak of his career.
In 1993, Kilmer played Old West gunfighter Doc Holliday in the Western “Tombstone.” He achieved commercial success in 1995, co-starring with Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in the crime drama “Heat” and succeeding Michael Keaton as Batman in “Batman Forever.” However, the film received mixed reviews, and Kilmer was overshadowed by co-stars Tommy Lee Jones and Jim Carrey. Kilmer did not return for the next Batman film, with director Joel Schumacher describing him as “the most psychologically troubled human being I’ve ever worked with.”