Val Kilmer Dead At 65

Longtime Hollywood star, Val Kilmer, died of pneumonia April 1, at the age of 65.

The New York Times reported that Kilmer’s daughter, Mercedes, confirmed his passing. Kilmer is remembered as a talented, eccentric star. He played a wide-range of roles over the course of his career, and was known to be as charismatic as he was unpredictable. He masterfully rose to fame as an actor, then disappeared from the Hollywood spotlight for a decade to devote his time to his family. Kilmer was best known for his work in “Batman Forever”  “Top Gun,” and for playing Jim Morrison in “The Doors.”

HOLLYWOOD, CA – FEBRUARY 29: Actor Val Kilmer attends the 2004 Vanity Fair Oscar Party at Mortons Restaurant, February 29, 2004 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Mark Mainz/Getty Images)

SANTA MONICA, CA – SEPTEMBER 25: Actor Val Kilmer arrives at the 23rd Annual Simply Shakespeare Benefit reading of “The Two Gentleman of Verona” at The Broad Stage on September 25, 2013 in Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Kilmer made his feature film debut in “Top Secret!” (1984) and went on to leave a lasting mark in Hollywood with roles in several iconic films.

His impressive list of credits includes, “Thunderheart,” “The Saint,” “The Salton Sea,” “The Island of Dr. Moreau,” “Wonderland,” “Twixt,” “Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn,” “Tombstone,” “Heat,” “The Ghost and the Darkness,” and “Pollock.” He reprised his role in a brief cameo in the 2022 sequel, “Top Gun: Maverick.”

American actors Val Kilmer and Tom Cruise on the set of Top Gun, directed by Tony Scott. (Photo by Paramount Pictures/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images)

In 2021, Kilmer was the subject of “Val,” a documentary about him that wove together decades of archival footage, and included the influence of his children as  associate producers. His son Jack was also the narrator. The film won several awards, including a Critics Choice Award for best historical or biographical documentary.

Kilmer’s undeniable talent as an actor was evident from a young age. He made history as one of the youngest students ever admitted to the Juilliard School in New York, at the age of 17, and went on to made his debut on Broadway in 1983.

His rendition of Doc Holliday in Tombstone was what every actor dreams of achieving. So many wonderful performances. Sad to lose him so soon.

RIP Val Kilmer. https://t.co/EHfqFhmSM4

— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) April 2, 2025

Cher and Val Kilmer (Photo by Barry King/WireImage) Getty Images

The famous actor starred in the films “Willow” and “Kill Me Again” alongside British actress Joanne Whalley, who he married in 1988. They went on to have children Mercedes, and Jack. Their marriage ended in divorce.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in 2012, Mr. Kilmer explained his view of fame, and his decision to walk away from Hollywood.

“I don’t have any regrets,” he said.

“It’s an adage but it’s kind of true: Once you’re a star, you’re always a star; it’s just what level?” (RELATED: (Photo by Lester Cohen/WireImage) Getty Images)

Actor Val Kilmer visits the United Nations headquarters in New York City, New York to promote the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) initiative, July 20, 2019. (Photo by EuropaNewswire/Gado/Getty Images)

Kilmer’s passing sent shockwaves through the industry, with stars and colleagues flooding social media to share memories and honor his incredible legacy.