Val Kilmer, an actor renowned for his portrayal of Batman and rock singer Jim Morrison, passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Los Angeles, California, due to complications from pneumonia. He was 65.
His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed that he had been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 but had recovered from the illness. She confirmed pneumonia as the cause of his death.
Born in Los Angeles, Kilmer gained prominence in the 1980s. He debuted in the 1984 comedy Top Secret!, in which he played American rock star Nick Rivers, who is involved in an East German espionage scheme. This role showcased Kilmer’s charm and comedic skills, which later complemented his dramatic abilities.
Kilmer’s career peaked in the 1990s with several notable performances. His portrayal of Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s 1991 film “The Doors” highlighted his skill in embodying the rock star’s persona, from mannerisms to vocal style.
“I had to find out what music meant to him, so to speak – find his soul as a poet,” Kilmer once said about preparing for the Morrison role.
His versatility was evident in “Tombstone” (1993), where he played Doc Holliday, a gunslinger with tuberculosis. That year, he also appeared as Elvis Presley in “True Romance,” showcasing his range.
In 1995, Kilmer succeeded Michael Keaton as Batman in “Batman Forever.” Despite mixed reviews, Kilmer’s portrayal of the superhero added a significant character to his diverse filmography.
During the 1990s, Kilmer became one of Hollywood’s top-paid actors, with his films earning over $3.7 billion globally. He starred in “The Saint” (1997) and “Thunderheart” (1992), where he played an FBI agent investigating a murder on a South Dakota Indian reservation.
Kilmer was known for being difficult on set, with directors and co-stars commenting on the challenges of working with him. They attributed it to his dedication to his craft. Kilmer later acknowledged this reputation, affirming that his commitment to roles was his primary focus.
His career saw fluctuations, with periods of lesser visibility followed by prominent roles. Kilmer’s choices were often guided by personal interest rather than commercial success.
In 2017, Kilmer publicly disclosed his battle with throat cancer after years of speculation. The illness and treatments, including chemotherapy and two tracheotomies, affected his speech. Despite these challenges, he reprised his role as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in “Top Gun: Maverick” (2022) with Tom Cruise.
The 2021 documentary “Val” provided an intimate look at his life and career, charting his rise to fame and health challenges. The film featured footage Kilmer had recorded himself, offering a personal perspective.
Apart from acting, Kilmer engaged in other creative endeavors, publishing poetry, exhibiting art globally, and performing a one-man show about Mark Twain. He was also an advocate for environmental and Native American causes.
Kilmer was married to actress Joanne Whalley, with whom he had two children: Mercedes and Jack. Though the marriage ended in divorce, he remained close to his children.
Throughout his career, Kilmer demonstrated significant range, from leading man to character actor and from comedy to drama. His performance in “Heat” (1995) alongside Al Pacino and Robert De Niro solidified his status as a versatile actor capable of holding his own.
Noted for his screen presence, Kilmer’s intensity and dedication earned critical acclaim even when films received mixed reviews. He attended Juilliard School, where he honed the skills defining his acting approach.
Following his death, tributes poured in from colleagues and fans, recognizing Kilmer for his talent and the memorable characters he created during his four-decade career.
He is survived by his children, Mercedes and Jack Kilmer.
