Top Gun star Val Kilmer has died at the age of 65, his daughter has confirmed.
Kilmer’s daughter Mercedes told the New York Times the actor had died from pneumonia yesterday (April 1).
The actor rose to fame starring alongside Tom Cruise in the 1986 hit Top Gun.
Kilmer would go on to play Batman in 1995’s Batman Forever and received critical acclaim for his portrayal of musician Jim Morrison in the 1991 film The Doors.
Kilmer’s final acting role was a cameo in the 2022 blockbuster sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, in which AI was used to help read his dialogue due to irreparable damage to his voice caused by a tracheotomy in 2014 to treat throat cancer.
“I just want to say that was pretty emotional,” Top Gun star Tom Cruise told Jimmy Kimmel in 2023 about the cameo. “I’ve known Val for decades, and for him to come back and play that character… he’s such a powerful actor that he instantly became that character again.”
Kilmer had been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, discussing his diagnosis and recovery in his 2020 memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry, and Amazon Prime documentary Val.
He underwent both radiotherapy and chemotherapy, as well as a tracheostomy, which damaged his vocal cords.
“I obviously am sounding much worse than I feel,” Kilmer said in the documentary. “I can’t speak without plugging this hole (in his throat). You have to make the choice to breathe or to eat.
“It’s an obstacle that is very present with whoever sees me.”
Tributes have been rolling in for the Hollywood legend since his death was announced this morning.
In a post on Instagram, Frozen actor Josh Gad said: “RIP Val Kilmer. Thank you for defining so many of the movies of my childhood. You truly were an icon.”
Actor Josh Brolin, son of James Brolin, said he was going to miss his 'pal'.
“You were a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker,” he said in an Instagram post. “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.”
Film fans have also taken to social media to pay their respects.
One person penned on Twitter: "Val Kilmer’s scene in Top Gun: Maverick hits even harder now. Rest in peace, Iceman."
A second added: "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."
Kilmer married British actress Joanne Whalley in 1988, whom he met while working on the film Willow.
The couple had two children before divorcing in 1996.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell on (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].
Featured Image Credit: Getty Images/EuropaNewswire/GadoTopics: Celebrity, Film and TV, Hollywood, News, Val Kilmer
Niamh Shackleton