Val Kilmer, the Hollywood star known for playing Jim Morrison in The Doors and Batman in Batman Forever, passed away on Tuesday in Los Angeles. Val Kilmer was 65. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed that the cause was pneumonia. Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 but later recovered.
Early Career and Breakthrough
Born in Los Angeles on December 31, 1959, Kilmer grew up in Chatsworth, where his classmates included Kevin Spacey and Mare Winningham. He became one of the youngest students ever admitted to Juilliard’s acting program at 17. His acting career began with theater before he made his film debut in the 1984 spy parody Top Secret!, where he played an American singer caught in an East German plot.
His major breakthrough came in 1986 when he played the cocky fighter pilot Iceman in Top Gun, starring alongside Tom Cruise. This role established him as a rising star, and he later reprised it in Top Gun: Maverick (2022) in a short but emotional appearance.
Iconic Roles in the ’90s of Val Kilmer
Kilmer became a leading man with The Doors (1991), where he delivered a mesmerizing performance as rock legend Jim Morrison. He continued with starring roles in Thunderheart (1992) and The Saint (1997). However, his portrayal of Batman in Batman Forever (1995) was met with mixed reviews, with critics feeling the film focused more on visuals than depth.
Beyond lead roles, Kilmer excelled in supporting performances. He played Doc Holliday in Tombstone (1993), a role that became one of his most praised performances. He was also part of the star-studded crime thriller Heat (1995), where he worked alongside Al Pacino and Robert De Niro.
A Complex Figure in Hollywood
Kilmer had a reputation for being difficult to work with early in his career. Some co-stars found him unpredictable, but many, like director Oliver Stone and actor Robert Downey Jr., later came to appreciate his talent and eccentricity.
Despite occasional clashes, Kilmer remained dedicated to his craft. He took on a wide range of roles, from playing a lion hunter in The Ghost and the Darkness (1996) to portraying Philip of Macedon in Oliver Stone’s Alexander (2004).
Later Years and Personal Life
In the 2000s, Val Kilmer moved away from mainstream Hollywood, choosing instead to focus on personal projects and spending time with his children, Mercedes and Jack. He developed a deep interest in Mark Twain and performed a one-man show, Citizen Twain, inspired by the famous writer. His 2021 documentary Val, which featured decades of home videos and behind-the-scenes footage, won critical acclaim.
Kilmer lived on a ranch near Santa Fe for years and once considered running for governor of New Mexico. His marriage to actress Joanne Whalley, whom he met on the set of Willow (1988), ended in divorce.
A Lasting Legacy
From his intense performances to his bold career choices, Val Kilmer left an undeniable mark on Hollywood. Though his journey had ups and downs, he remained a unique talent who captivated audiences. As he once said, “Once you’re a star, you’re always a star—it’s just what level.”
Rest in peace, Val Kilmer.
