Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
Val Kilmer made his most recent appearance in Top Gun: Maverick in 2022, returning to portray Tom “Iceman” Kazansky.
Val Kilmer, the actor known for his roles in major films like Top Gun, Batman Forever, and Tombstone, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 65. According to The Associated Press, Kilmer died from pneumonia. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed that he passed away in Los Angeles. Kilmer was widely recognized for portraying Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in the 1986 film Top Gun.
The actor was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015 but made a recovery, as his daughter mentioned.
Josh Brolin honored Kilmer on Instagram, remembering the actor’s passion for Mark Twain. Kilmer portrayed the writer twice on screen and also in the stage production Citizen Twain.
“See ya, pal. I’m going to miss you,” Brolin wrote. “You were a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker. There’s not a lot left of those. I hope to see you up there in the heavens when I eventually get there. Until then, amazing memories, lovely thoughts. #valkilmer #marktwain.”
Kilmer’s latest appearance was in Top Gun: Maverick in 2022, where he returned to his iconic role as Iceman.
Despite being able to portray his character, he faced challenges due to the lasting effects of a tracheostomy. Kilmer needed to use a breathing tube for assistance.
“I can’t speak without plugging this hole [in his throat]. You have to make the choice to breathe or to eat,” he shared with People Magazine in 2021. “It’s an obstacle that is very present with whoever sees me.”
When Kilmer and Cruise reunited for Maverick, nearly 30 years after the original Top Gun hit theaters, it felt as if the pilots had never been apart.
“It was like no time had passed at all,” Kilmer told Entertainment Weekly. “We blew a lot of takes laughing so much. It was really fun … special.”
In recent years, Kilmer dedicated much of his time to painting and was recognized as “a talented and prolific artist in a variety of mediums” on his website.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Kilmer attended the Juilliard School in New York City. He made his film debut in the 1984 comedy Top Secret!
Kilmer’s breakthrough came when he portrayed Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s 1991 rock docudrama The Doors. He went on to play iconic roles, including Doc Holliday in Tombstone, Elvis Presley’s spirit in True Romance, and the caped crusader in Batman Forever.
