Heartbreaking New Details

Val Kilmer, the esteemed actor renowned for his roles in “Top Gun,” “Batman Forever,” and “The Doors,” passed away at 65 due to pneumonia, as confirmed by his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer. He had previously battled throat cancer in 2014 but was reportedly cancer-free at the time of his death.

Born in 1959 in Los Angeles, Kilmer was the youngest student ever admitted to the Juilliard School at 17. His career spanned decades, featuring iconic performances as Jim Morrison in “The Doors” and as Iceman in “Top Gun.” Despite health challenges that affected his speech, he continued to engage in artistic endeavors, including the 2021 documentary “Val,” which provided insight into his life and career.

Following his passing, numerous celebrities paid tribute. Josh Brolin described Kilmer as “a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker.” Filmmaker Michael Mann praised Kilmer’s “brilliant variability” in his performances.  Kilmer’s legacy as a versatile and dedicated artist continues to resonate within the film industry.