Few actors can boast a collection of iconic works in the history of cinema like Val Kilmer: he was Batman, he was Jim Morrison, he was Doc Holliday and he was Iceman. The list of successes (and failures) is long, but Kilmer navigated between comedies, adventures, and dramas with an unparalleled charisma that places him on the level of legends, even if recent generations barely remember his name. He was a legend. And today, April 2, 2025, Hollywood bids farewell to its star, at the age of 65.

I must say right away that my favorite films with Kilmer are not his greatest: Heat, by Michael Mann, and The Ghost and the Darkness, which co-starred Michael Douglas, but neither of the two roles, perhaps in Heat, will gain notoriety.

The actor made a documentary in 2021, Val, where he opened up about how he lost his vocal cords in 2015 when he discovered he had throat cancer. At that point, he was already working little, far from the days when he was one of the most handsome men in cinema, and he was unrecognizable. The documentary is moving for fans, but even more so was the beautiful tribute that Tom Cruise paid to his friend with the film Top Gun – Maverick.

In what was Kilmer’s official farewell to the cinema, Cruise made sure to bring Maverick’s antagonist, Iceman, as his friend and confidant. What’s more, with the use of AI technology, he restored the voice that Kilmer no longer had and gave him moving lines to be remembered with dignity. There wasn’t a dry eye in the theater during this sequence.

From theater to screen immortality, a journey marked by talent and resilience

Val Edward Kilmer was born on December 31, 1959, in Los Angeles, California, and was one of the most versatile and intense actors of his generation. With a captivating presence and unquestionable talent, Kilmer stood out over four decades in iconic roles that marked the history of cinema. His journey began on stage, but it was on the big screen that he consolidated his career, becoming one of the most well-known and respected faces in Hollywood.

A graduate of the prestigious Juilliard School, where he was the youngest person to be accepted into the theater program at the time, Val Kilmer demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his art from an early age. His talent soon caught the attention of the film industry, quickly leading him to become one of the most sought-after actors of his generation.

Kilmer gained notoriety in the 1980s when he starred in the comedy Top Secret! (1984) and the cult classic Real Genius (1985), but it was in 1986 that he achieved worldwide fame when he played pilot Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in the classic Top Gun, alongside Tom Cruise. The success of the film boosted his career, opening doors for even more challenging roles in the following decade.

In 1991, he played one of his most memorable roles when he played Jim Morrison in the biopic The Doors, directed by Oliver Stone. For the role, Kilmer immersed himself deeply in the persona of the legendary lead singer of The Doors, even recording the songs for the film with impressive fidelity to Morrison’s original voice. His dedication to the role was praised by critics and the band members themselves, cementing his reputation as a method actor and earning an Oscar nomination.

Throughout the 1990s, Kilmer continued to diversify his roles, starring in the epic Western Tombstone (1993) as Doc Holliday, a performance that many consider one of his best. In 1995, he took on the iconic role of Bruce Wayne in Batman Forever, replacing Michael Keaton. Although the film divided the opinion of audiences and critics, Kilmer was praised for his portrayal of the Dark Knight. That same year, he starred alongside Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in the acclaimed Heat. The decade also saw him shine in The Saint (1997), where he played a master of disguise, once again demonstrating his versatility and charisma.

Despite his notoriety, Kilmer also faced challenges within the film industry, often being described as a demanding and perfectionist actor. His absolute dedication to his characters sometimes resulted in friction behind the scenes, but his commitment was undeniable. In the 2000s, his career went through ups and downs, with minor roles in independent films and experimental productions. However, he never stopped acting and seeking new ways to express himself artistically.

In 2014, his life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with throat cancer. The aggressive treatment, which included chemotherapy and surgeries, severely affected his voice and ability to breathe. Despite the hardships, Kilmer remained resilient and found new ways to communicate and perform.

As I mentioned, his battle with the disease was documented in the moving film Val (2021), an autobiographical documentary that brought to light his journey of ups and downs, his passion for art, and his fight for life. The documentary was acclaimed by the public and critics, providing an intimate look into the mind of an artist who never gave in to adversity. His official farewell, as I mentioned, came the following year with his participation in Top Gun – Maverick.

Val Kilmer passed away on April 1, 2025, at the age of 65, in Los Angeles, due to complications from pneumonia. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed that he left peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones. In addition to Mercedes, he leaves behind his son Jack Kilmer, the fruit of his marriage to actress Joanne Whalley.

Val Kilmer‘s legacy lives on through his unforgettable performances and his courage in facing personal and professional challenges with determination. Whether as a legendary rocker, a Wild West gunslinger, a superhero, or a fighter pilot, Kilmer constantly reinvented himself, leaving an indelible mark on the history of cinema. His talent, passion, and commitment to the art form will continue to inspire generations of actors and film lovers around the world.

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