Val Kilmer, star of Top Gun and Batman Forever, dies at 65
<p>Val Kilmer, the acclaimed actor best known for his roles in <em>Top Gun</em>, <em>Batman Forever</em> and <em>The Doors</em>, has passed away at the age of 65. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed to <em>The New York Times</em> that he died of pneumonia on Wednesday.</p>
<p>Kilmer rose to fame in the 1980s with his breakout role as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in <em>Top Gun</em> (1986), where he starred alongside Tom Cruise. His intense screen presence and charisma solidified him as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after leading men in the 1990s.</p>
<p>The actor was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015, which significantly affected his health and career. His struggles were documented in the 2021 documentary <em>Val</em>, which revealed his reliance on a breathing tube. Despite these challenges, he made a heroic return to the big screen in 2022’s <em>Top Gun: Maverick</em>, reprising his role as Iceman in a storyline that mirrored his real-life health battle.</p>
<p>Kilmer’s career was marked by both critical acclaim and controversy. While he delivered powerful performances in films such as <em>Heat</em> (1995) and <em>The Island of Dr Moreau</em> (1996), he also developed a reputation for being difficult to work with. Nonetheless, his talent was undeniable. One of his most celebrated roles came in Oliver Stone’s 1991 biopic <em>The Doors</em>, where he portrayed the legendary Jim Morrison. His meticulous preparation for the role, including recording his own vocals alongside the original Doors’ master tapes, earned widespread praise. Critic Roger Ebert noted that Kilmer’s performance was so immersive it felt like a case of “possession”.</p>
<p>In his final major film role, Kilmer played the sharp-witted detective Gay Perry in <em>Kiss Kiss Bang Bang</em> (2005), a performance that further showcased his range and comedic timing.</p>
<p>Kilmer was married to British actress Joanne Whalley from 1988 until their divorce in 1996. The couple met on the set of the fantasy film <em>Willow</em> and had two children together.</p>
<p>Despite his reputation for being intense and perfectionistic, Kilmer never apologised for his dedication to his craft. In a 2003 interview with the <em>Orange County Register</em>, he addressed the criticisms, stating, “When certain people criticise me for being demanding, I think that’s a cover for something they didn’t do well. I believe I’m challenging, not demanding, and I make no apologies for that.”</p>
<p>Val Kilmer’s legacy as an actor, performer and Hollywood icon endures, leaving behind an unforgettable body of work that will continue to captivate audiences for generations to come.</p>
<p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>
