Hollywood has lost a true legend! Val Kilmer, the iconic star of Top Gun and Batman Forever, has passed away at the age of 65. The beloved actor died of pneumonia on Thursday in Los Angeles, as confirmed by his daughter, Mercedes.

Kilmer, who was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, battled the disease with resilience and later recovered. Fans recently saw him make a powerful return as the legendary Iceman in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), alongside Tom Cruise—a moment that thrilled movie lovers worldwide.

From Hollywood Heartthrob to Batman and Beyond!

Born in Los Angeles in 1959, Val Kilmer was destined for the spotlight! At just 17 years old, he made history as one of the youngest students accepted into Juilliard’s prestigious acting program. He kicked off his career on stage before lighting up the big screen in the 1980s, stealing hearts in comedy hits like Top Secret. and Real Genius. But it was his iconic role as Iceman in Top Gun that made him a certified Hollywood A-lister.

With his star soaring, Kilmer took on the lead in Willow, a fantasy epic backed by George Lucas and Ron Howard. On set, he met Joanne Whalley, the actress who would become his wife and the mother of his two children. But Hollywood romances are tricky, and the couple divorced in 1996.

Rock ‘n’ Roll, the Wild West & the Batman Legacy

Kilmer proved his acting chops time and again, playing Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors, a smooth-talking Elvis Presley in True Romance, and the legendary Doc Holliday in Tombstone. Then came the big one, Batman Forever! Stepping into the legendary cape and cowl, Kilmer became Bruce Wayne in one of the biggest box office hits of the ‘90s.

But just when fans were expecting more, Kilmer surprised Hollywood by walking away from the Batman role, paving the way for George Clooney’s stint as the Caped Crusader. Instead, he took on action-packed roles in The Saint and the ill-fated The Island of Dr. Moreau, where tensions on set made headlines.

From Blockbusters to Indie Gems

After Red Planet bombed at the box office in 2000, Kilmer switched gears, diving into smaller, character-driven roles. He teamed up with Robert Downey Jr. for the cult classic Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and wowed audiences as Mark Twain in his one-man show Citizen Twain. Fans rejoiced in 2022 when he made a powerful return as Iceman in Top Gun: Maverick, this time as the commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

A Star with a Fiery Reputation 

Kilmer’s on-set reputation was as legendary as his performances. Batman Forever director Joel Schumacher once said, “I pray I never work with him again,” after a two-week silent feud between them. Even Marlon Brando reportedly told Kilmer: “You’re confusing your talent with your paycheck.”

But nobody could deny Kilmer’s raw talent. Even Schumacher later admitted, “He was the best Batman.”

Tributes are pouring in from Hollywood A-listers. Actor Josh Brolin shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, posting a throwback picture with Kilmer:

“See ya, pal. I’m going to miss you.”

He continued, praising Kilmer’s unmatched talent: “You were a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker. There’s not a lot left of those.”

Kilmer leaves behind two children, whom he shared with ex-wife, actress Joanne Whalley. His legacy as a Hollywood powerhouse will forever live on.

(Source: Agencies)