Magnetic actor Val Kilmer, known for his wide range of roles and merciless artistic spirit, passed away at the age of 65.
His daughter, actress Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed to The New York Times that the actor passed away in Los Angeles on Tuesday from complications related to pneumonia. Kilmer has been battling throat cancer since 2015. This is a diagnosis that had a major impact on his health and voice in the last decade of his life.
Life in the spotlight
Born in Los Angeles on December 31, 1959, Val Edward Kilmer trained in Juilliard’s prestigious drama division. He was the youngest student ever recognized at the time. He made his professional debut on stage, including running with off-Broadway production Slab Boys alongside Sean Penn and Kevin Bacon before moving on to film in the 1980s.
Kilmer’s breakout appears in Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker comedy Top Secret! (1984), followed by a real genius of the cult (1985). He quickly became a top-notch man, but in a typical sense he never pursued stardom. He often chose poorly demanding, quirky, and sometimes combative roles, both on-screen and behind the scenes.
Famous critic Roger Ebert wrote in his review of Oliver Stone’s rock icon Jim Morrison’s training in The Doors (1991):
In Tombstone (1993), he conveys what he considers as a definitive portrayal of Doc Holliday, injecting his role with tragic wit and ghostly charm.
Actors who challenged their expectations
In 1995, Kilmer stepped into the Cape as the Batman of Joel Schumacher’s Batman forever, replacing Michael Keaton. The film was a commercial success, but received mixed reviews. Kilmer later reflected the creative stiflingness of the role. In a 2020 interview with the New York Times, he recalls:
His strength has sometimes made headlines – not during the chaotic production of Dr. Moreau (1996), a film plagued by behind-the-scenes confusion. Reports of the conflict between Kilmer and director John Frankenheimer were widely publicized. In a quote reported by Entertainment Weekly at the time, Frankenheimer said:
The production troubles became very legendary and were later documented in the documentary Lost Soul: Richard Stanley’s fateful journey on the island of Dr. Moreau. Kilmer’s actions were frequently a subject of speculation and criticism during the film’s release.
A few years later, Kilmer dealt with the claims directly in a 2020 interview with the New York Times, calling the report “a complete lie” caused by jealousy. He argued that much of what was said about his actions on set was exaggerated or manufactured, but he acknowledged his reputation as uncompromising.
Despite the controversy, Kilmer remained provocatively devoted to his skills. Whether working on a major studio tent pole or small independent projects, he was known for completely immersing himself. It is meticulously researched, maintaining character and seeking reliability during take. His commitment often led to friction, but it also produced emotionally rich, layered and unforgettable performances.
Many credits for the actor – a whopping 103 diverse projects listed in his IMDB profile include Heat, Top Gun, Willow, Kiss Bang Bang, Saint’s Romance, Egyptian Prince, Love at first sight, and Ghosts and Darkness.
The tribute will be poured
Following the news of his death, many collaborators and admirers have used social media and publications to honor Kilmer’s legacy.
Director Michaelman, who cast Kilmer in the 1995 crime thriller Heat, shared a statement with the Hollywood Reporter.
“While working together at Val on Heat, I was always amazed at the scope: the incredible variability within the powerful flow of Val’s possession and expression.
Actor Josh Brolin posted a long tribute to Instagram:
“Pal, I miss you. You were smart, challenging, brave, uber creative firecrackers. There aren’t many left in them. I’d love to see Heaven when I finally get there. Until then, amazing memories, wonderful thoughts.”
Nicholas Cage: Port of New Orleans, who starred with Kilmer in the Bad Li, shared a deadline and statement.
“I’ve always loved Val and it’s sad to hear that he’s gone. I thought he was a genius actor. I enjoyed working with him for EU during his bad days. I admired his commitment and sense of humor.
Famous film critic Richard Roper posted on X:
“Val Kilmer should have been nominated for Best Supporting Actor for Tombstone and the Heat. He was a great presence in some of the most enduring films of his generation.
Shared by Francis Ford Coppola, a filmmaker who directed Kilmer in the 2011 film B’twixt Now and Sunrise:
Val Kilmer was the most talented actor in his high school days, and his talent grew even more throughout his life. He was a great person to work with and the joy of knowing – I always remember him.
Posted actor Billy Zane:
If film captures the true nature of an artist in every definition, then it is this man’s canon. Please rest in peace. If I see ya please see ya.
Val and Maverick’s final bow
Despite the setback brought about by his illness, Kilmer continued his work. In 2021, he released Val, a documentary made from thousands of hours of personal home footage and behind the scenes material he recorded throughout his career. It provided a heart-pounding, intimate view of his life, narrated by his son, Jack Kilmer, through his own eyes, from superstarms to the struggles of health.
His final screen role was Top Gun: Maverick (2022), who modified Iceman with a moving scene that acknowledged both the character and the actor’s condition. Talk about Jimmy Kimmel Live! In 2023, Tom Cruise said:
“To make him come back and play that character – he’s a very powerful actor and he quickly became that character. You’re watching Iceman. (…) I was crying, I was crying. I was emotional.
heritage
Val Kilmer is survived by his children, Mercedes and Jack. His career is filled with sharp turns, bold choices, and a refusal to conform to last – leaving behind a legacy that is difficult to summarise and impossible to ignore.
In his 2020 memoir, I in your Huckleberry, and he wrote: It is the line that encapsulates the way he came closer to life – curiosity, respect, and a deep connection to all forms of art.
