Val Kilmer, the renowned American actor known for his diverse roles, has passed away at the age of 65. Kilmer died on a Tuesday night in Los Angeles, surrounded by family and friends, according to an email from his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer. His death was attributed to pneumonia following a long battle with throat cancer, which he was diagnosed with in 2014 and underwent two tracheotomies to treat.

Throughout his career, Kilmer portrayed a range of memorable characters, from the iconic Iceman in Top Gun to Batman in Batman Forever, and Jim Morrison in The Doors. In his 2021 documentary Val, he reflected on his life and career, stating, “I have behaved poorly. I have behaved bravely. I have behaved bizarrely to some. I deny none of this and have no regrets because I have lost and found parts of myself that I never knew existed.”

Kilmer’s initial break came in the 1984 spy parody Top Secret!, followed by the 1985 hit Real Genius. The early 1990s marked the peak of his career as he starred alongside stars like Kurt Russell and Bill Paxton in the 1993 classic Tombstone. His portrayal of Doc Holliday was notable for the dedication he showed, which included filling his bed with ice to replicate the feeling of dying from tuberculosis. He also gained acclaim for his roles in True Romance and Heat, where he performed alongside legendary actors Al Pacino and Robert De Niro.

However, Kilmer's career was not without its obstacles. He developed a reputation for being difficult to work with, a characterization he later acknowledged in his memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry. He noted that this reputation stemmed from his commitment to authenticity in his roles, which sometimes clashed with the expectations of studio executives. His performance as Tom "Iceman" Kazansky was nearly derailed when he initially rejected the role, feeling detached from the film's story. Ultimately, he agreed to take on the part after being promised an enhanced script, and he would later reprise the role in the 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick.

Kilmer’s portrayal of Batman in Batman Forever was marked by what he referred to as the constraints of the character's suit, which made performance challenging. Critics varied in their responses; while some acknowledged his potential, others noted that the suit hampered his ability to deliver a memorable performance. He only played the character once, as George Clooney would take over the Batman mantle in subsequent films.

Following Batman Forever, Kilmer’s film projects became less prominent, featuring in smaller roles such as his portrayal of an abusive father in Joe the King and the landmark 2003 film Wonderland, which depicted the life of 70s porn star John Holmes. He later engaged in a one-man stage production titled Citizen Twain, which showcased his talents in embodying historical figures.

Kilmer's early life was marked by personal tragedy, including the death of his younger brother, Wesley, who passed away from an epileptic seizure when Val was a teenager. He was the youngest actor admitted to the prestigious Juilliard School and had a notable career that included not only acting but also writing and visual artistry. He published two books of poetry and was even nominated for a Grammy in 2012.

Despite his turbulent relationships within the industry, he dated iconic figures such as Cher and was previously married to actress Joanne Whalley, with whom he had two children, Mercedes and Jack. Kilmer's remarkable talent and dedication to his craft secured his legacy in cinema, making him a well-respected figure in the entertainment world.