Veteran Hollywood actor Val Kilmer has sadly passed away at the age of 65. The actor, known for iconic roles like Batman, Iceman in the Top Gun series, and Jim Morrison in The Doors biopic, died on Tuesday, April 1, in Los Angeles. The news has left fans around the world in shock as they remember the legendary performer who brought so many memorable characters to life.
Cause of Death Confirmed as Pneumonia
According to Kilmer’s daughter Mercedes, the actor died due to pneumonia, a lung infection that causes inflammation and fluid build-up in the lungs. Pneumonia can make it hard to breathe, and while it’s treatable in many cases, it can be dangerous, especially for those with a history of health problems.
It is not yet clear how long Kilmer had been battling the infection before his passing.
A Complicated Medical History
Val Kilmer’s health issues have been in the news for nearly a decade. In 2014, he was diagnosed with throat cancer, which he later said had healed. However, his journey with illness was far from simple.
In 2015, Kilmer’s representatives shared that he had been hospitalized for testing due to a possible malignant tumor. At the time, Kilmer himself denied having a tumor, saying on social media:
“I have not had a tumor, or a tumor operation, or any operation. I had a complication where the best way to receive care was to stay under the watchful eye of the UCLA ICU.”
By 2017, Kilmer confirmed he had received treatment for throat cancer over two years and had experienced “healing.”
Kilmer’s Courage and Treatment Journey
Despite being a Christian Scientist, a religion that sometimes avoids modern medical treatments, Kilmer did undergo chemotherapy and had two tracheotomies—surgical procedures on the windpipe to assist breathing. One of these left him with a raspy voice and required him to use a feeding tube and later an electronic voice box to speak.
His story became widely known when he appeared in the 2021 documentary Val, which offered a deeply personal look into his struggles with cancer, his voice loss, and how he continued to find meaning through his art and connection with fans.
Remembering Val Kilmer
Kilmer is survived by his daughter Mercedes, 33, and son Jack, 29. Both have followed in creative paths, and often shared close moments with their father, especially in his final years.
Fans remember him not just for his movie roles, but also for his dedication to his craft even when his health was failing. Whether as the brooding Batman in Batman Forever, the intense Iceman in Top Gun, or the wild spirit of Jim Morrison, Val Kilmer’s legacy will live on.