Val Kilmer death latest: Jim Carrey, Nicolas Cage and Cher lead tributes to Top Gun and Batman Forever star
Hollywood actor, known for his intense performances and iconic roles, dies of pneumonia
Celebrated Hollywood actor Val Kilmer, known for his intense performances and iconic roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever and Heat, died of pneumonia, his daughter Mercedes Kilmer confirmed.
The American actor, also famed for his performances in Willow, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Tombstone and as Jim Morrison in The Doors, died at the age of 65.
Kilmer rose to stardom in the 1980s and 1990s, earning a reputation for his dedication to his craft as well as on-set tensions with directors and co-stars.
“When certain people criticise me for being demanding, I think that’s a cover for something they didn’t do well,” he told the Orange County Register in 2003. “I believe I’m challenging, not demanding, and I make no apologies for that.”
His breakthrough came with the 1984 comedy Top Secret! and the sci-fi comedy Real Genius (1985), but it was his portrayal of “Iceman” in Top Gun (1986) that cemented his star status. Decades later, he reprised the role in Top Gun: Maverick (2022) alongside Tom Cruise in what would be his final film.
Kilmer also took on the challenging role of Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors (1991), using his own singing voice for the film.
He was married to British actress Joanne Whalley, his co-star in Willow (1988). The couple had two children before divorcing.
Val Kilmer was handsome, charismatic and difficult to work with – but he was worth it
The star of ‘The Doors’, ‘Top Gun’, ‘Heat’ and ‘Batman Forever’ – who has died at the age of 65 – was notorious for clashing with directors and struggling with his own celebrity. Coupled with his undeniable talent, it made him one of Hollywood’s most complex stars, writes Adam White.
Val Kilmer was handsome, charismatic and difficult to work with – but he was worth it
Sasha Grey says Kilmer starred in some of her favourite movies
The Girlfriend Experience actor wrote on X/Twitter: “Rest In Peace Val Kilmer, an absolute legend. He played some of my favorite characters in some of my favorite movies of all time. Condolences to his family.”
Piers Morgan says Kilmer's return in Top Gun: Maverick 'brought a tear to my eye'
The broadcaster and journalist wrote on X/Twitter:
“RIP Val Kilmer. Played so many great roles but for me, he will always be Iceman. The way Tom Cruise got him back for the Top Gun sequel, knowing how ill he was, was incredibly poignant and brought a tear to my eye in the cinema.”
Val Kilmer says he's lived a 'magical life' in one of actor's last interviews before death
Speaking about himself in the 2021 documentary Val, Kilmer said that he had lived a “magical life”. The film uses thousands of hours of video camera footage that the actor shot himself, documenting his life and career.
Val Kilmer called having his voice recreated by AI 'an incredibly special gift'
Kilmer’s brief cameo in Top Gun: Maverick was made possible thanks to AI company Sonantic who managed to replicate his voice using their technology.
After hearing his AI voice again for the first time the star said at the time: “I’m grateful to the entire team at Sonantic who masterfully restored my voice in a way I’ve never imagined possible.
“As human beings, the ability to communicate is the core of our existence and the effects from throat cancer have made it difficult for others to understand me.
"The chance to tell my story, in a voice that feels authentic and familiar, is an incredibly special gift."
Brian Lynch pays tribute
Brian Lynch, the screenwriter behind Minions and Secret Life of Pets, wrote on Bluesky, “The Doors. Top Secret! Tombstone. Top Gun. Real Genius. Willow. Batman Forever. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. True Romance. Macgruber. Heat. There was nobody like Val Kilmer. May he Rest in Peace.”
Val Kilmer's moving message after 'Top Gun: Maverick' cameo
Val Kilmer shared a poignant message following his brief cameo in the action sequel Top Gun: Maverick.
On Instagram, Kilmer shared a still of the moment where he and Tom Cruise’s characters reconnect in the film.
In the caption alongside it, the Batman Forever star wrote: “36 years later… I’m still your wingman <3”.
Val Kilmer shares moving message after Top Gun: Maverick reunion with Tom Cruise
David Thewlis calls Kilmer 'extraordinary' as he recalls 'bizarre five months' with actor
The British actor David Thewlis who starred with Kilmer in the much-maligned 1996 film The Island of Dr Moreau has paid tribute to his former co-star while recounting their experiences on the set.
On Instagram Thewlis wrote: “I spent the most bizarre 5 months of my entire life with Val Kilmer, out in the Australian rainforest, on the ill-fated Island of Dr Moreau.
“It was so spectacularly bleak and awful it was almost wonderful. Look it up sometime. As Val wrote in his final mail to me: “What an incredible story we lived, you and I. One of the greatest.”
“Bittersweet to be back here in Australia and hear the heartbreaking news. He was one of the most extraordinary people I have ever met. Proud to have called him a friend and co-conspirator.”
London Underground pays tribute
The popular All On the Board X/Twitter profile has shared their tribute to Kilmer.
In the post, the often uplifting account, said: “You will be forever missed and never forgotten. Our thoughts and love to you, your family and friends and to all of your fans.”
The message on the board features a long tribute to Kilmer with references to many of his iconic roles and films.
Rest in Peace Val Kilmer.
— All On The Board (@allontheboard) April 2, 2025
You will be forever missed and never forgotten.
Our thoughts and love to you, your family and friends and to all of your fans.#ValKilmer pic.twitter.com/bmkmwu6EC3
Lincoln Centre pays tribute to Kilmer
The Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York has paid tribute to their former student.
Writing on X/Twitter the institution wrote: “Rest in peace to our former campus mate, the great Val Kilmer (1959-2025), who at 17 was the youngest drama student ever admitted to The Julliard School’s Drama Division.”
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