Rabat – Val Kilmer, the famous Hollywood actor known for his roles in “Top Gun”, “The Doors”, and “Batman Forever”, has passed away at the age of 65 on Tuesday in Los Angeles.
The New York Times reported that his cause of death was pneumonia, citing his daughter Mercedes Kilmer.
Kilmer was a major movie star in the 1990s. He has gained fame for playing Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in Top Gun (1986) alongside Tom Cruise. He also portrayed Jim Morrison, the lead singer of “The Doors”, in Oliver Stone’s 1991 film, a role that showcased his dedication to acting. He went on to play Batman in “Batman Forever” (1995).
Kilmer starred in many other films, including “Willow” (1988), “Tombstone” (1993), “Heat” (1995), “The Ghost and the Darkness” (1996), and “The Saint” (1997). Despite some career setbacks, he remained a respected actor known for his talent and dedication to his craft.
In 2014, Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer. He underwent treatments, including chemotherapy and a tracheostomy, which permanently affected his voice. Despite his health struggles, he continued acting, appearing in “Paydirt” (2020) alongside his daughter and making a special appearance in “Top Gun: Maverick” (2022), reprising his role as Iceman. His appearance the latter was especially a tear-jerker for fans, as his character, Iceman, was also sick with throat cancer and even died in the film.
Born in Los Angeles on December 31, 1959, Kilmer was a gifted actor from a young age. He became the youngest student ever accepted into Juilliard’s drama program. Over the years, his talent and dedication made him a beloved figure in Hollywood.
Kilmer’s legacy includes a mix of blockbuster hits, unforgettable performances, and a passion for acting that never faded.
