April 2, 2025
The life you live is the story you tell.
Val Kilmer’s tagline in his 2021 documentary “Val.” The actor passed away at the age of 65 on Tuesday.
Why It Matters: The Hollywood star was surrounded by family and friends in Los Angeles as he passed away due to complications from pneumonia. Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer about 10 years ago and underwent chemotherapy and a tracheostomy (a surgery that inserts a tube in the trachea). Kilmer is best known for his roles as Iceman in “Top Gun,” Batman in “Batman Forever” and Jim Morrison in “The Doors.” At age 17, he became the youngest actor ever accepted into Juilliard School’s Drama Division. In the 2022 “Top Gun: Maverick” film, Kilmer returned to his role as Iceman. He is survived by two children, Mercedes and Jack.
Kilmer told the AP in 2021, “I have no regrets. I’ve witnessed and experienced miracles.”
Read More: Val Kilmer, ‘Top Gun’ and Batman star with an intense approach, dies at 65 (AP)
Val Kilmer, star of ‘Top Gun’ and ‘The Doors,’ dies at 65 (LA Times)
Image Credit: Georges Biard via Wikimedia Commons
by Kelly Dean, Based in Kentucky.
