Val Kilmer known for a multitude of roles has died of pneumonia in Los Angeles. He was 65.
Kilmer was born December 31, 1959, in Los Angeles, California. He attended Chatsworth High School at the same time as Kevin Spacey. His high school girlfriend was Mare Winningham. He became the youngest person at the time to be accepted into the Juilliard School’s Drama Division.
Initially a stage actor, Kilmer’s first starring role in film was the spy comedy Top Secret!, released in 1984. His next film continued in the comedy genre with 1985’s Real Genius. 1986 saw him playing Iceman in Top Gun alongside Tom Cruise. The 1988 film fantasy film Willow was his next starring role. He played Madmartigan alongside his future wife, Joanne Whaley.
The 90’s were the big decade for Val. Most of his most well known roles occurred during that decade. Kilmer played Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors, Doc Holliday in Tombstone, Chris Shiherlis in Heat, Bruce Wayne/Batman in Batman Forever among others.
Kilmer continued acting through the 2000s. His last appearance was a reprise of his role in the original Top Gun in 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick.
In 2015 Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer. A subsequent surgery damaged his vocal cords.
He passed surrounded by family according to his daughter. He is survived by his two children, Mercedes and Jack.
Requiescat in Pace