News

Val Kilmer died from pneumonia, the Los Angeles Department of Public Health has confirmed. The veteran actor died April 1 in L.A. at age 65.

TMZ posted an image of Kilmer’s death certificate today. The beloved screen star was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 and underwent two tracheotomy procedures but had recovered.

The Juilliard-trained Kilmer amassed more than 100 credits during his 40-year career, mostly on the big screen. He broke out with his first movie, 1984’s Cold War romp Top Secret! from the Airplane! crew of Jim Abrahams, David Zucker and Jerry Zucker, and shot to stardom with his second, the techie teen comedy Real Genius.

Related: Tom Cruise Admits To Tears When Working Once Again With Val Kilmer On ‘Top Gun: Maverick’

Kilmer followed that up with his first smash movie, starring as Lt. Tom “Iceman” Kazansky opposite Tom Cruise in 1984’s Top Gun. He reprised the role for 2022 blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick,...

This week, we are pleased to introduce Rushes Extra, a new series of reported pieces that go beyond the headlines to take a closer look at developing stories from throughout the film world. In this first installment, Vikram Murthi reports from the picket lines of the New York cinema workers strike at Alamo Drafthouse.Get in touch to send in cinephile news and discoveries. To keep up with our latest features, sign up for the Weekly Edit newsletter and follow us @mubinotebook on Twitter and Instagram.NEWSFerris Bueller’s Day Off.Chinese authorities are reportedly considering “reducing or banning the import of US films” in response to President Trump’s global tariffs. Though US studio earnings in China have decreased as the country has invested in their own film industry, losing access to the world’s second-largest film market would be a major blow to the American film industry.The...

Val Kilmer, the legendary actor known for his commitment to his craft, delivered some iconic roles, such as Iceman in Top Gun, the Caped Crusader in Batman Forever, and Jim Morrison in The Doors.

The actor passed away on April 1, 2025, at the age of 65, due to complications from pneumonia. But beyond his celebrated career, Kilmer leaves behind a legacy defined by his unwavering artistic integrity and a reputation for being “difficult.”

Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday in Tombstone | Credits: Walt Disney Studios

Interestingly, early in his career, Kilmer walked off the set of his first commercial, a hamburger ad, because he couldn’t fake enthusiasm for a product he didn’t believe in. Kilmer was just as famous for his intense dedication to his craft as he was for his often difficult personality.

Val Kilmer walked off a commercial shoot for his first acting gig

Val Kilmer‘s debut in...

While chatting with guest Kevin Bacon on her eponymous daytime program, Drew Barrymore fondly reminisced about working with Val Kilmer, who along with director Joel Schumacher, convinced her to star in Batman Forever.

The tender moment came up as The Bondsman star reflected on various old projects of his, including 1990’s Flatliners, which the late Schumacher also helmed. Jumping in to bond with her colleague, Barrymore recalled her own fond experience.

“I was friends with Joel Schumacher, the director, who I thought of this morning because it was he and Val Kilmer that pulled me into Batman Forever,” she said. “And Val Kilmer was so nice to me. He was so nurturing and kind and safe, which was a very important thing for me.”

Bacon chimed in that that was “probably not that common in those days.”

Barrymore agreed,...

Justice is coming when the legendary epic action-adventure, Tombstone, rides again on April 22 on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc. The film has been meticulously remastered and restored, allowing audiences to experience every gun battle with stunning visuals and immersive sound. Tombstone will also be available on digital platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home.

Originally released in 1993, this is the first 4K rodeo for Tombstone, triggering viewers to witness all the dustups and defilement of the Wild West in crisp visual detail unlike ever before. Without having to skin a smoke wagon, Tombstone’s audience will get a peek behind the saloon doors to see how director George P. Cosmatos and his gang of filmmakers brought the historic O.K. Corral into theatrical reality, including the storyboard process and realistic Old West gunslinging.

Enter for your chance to win a 4K Uhd Blu-ray combo pack of Tombstone,...

The tragic passing of Top Gun and Batman Forever star Val Kilmer shocked the world last week, but it didn’t take fans long to begin digging through his diverse filmography on streaming. Kilmer was never nominated for an Oscar in his career, but if he had been, many would argue that it should have been for Tombstone. Kilmer stars alongside Kurt Russell (Monarch: Legacy of Monsters) and Sam Elliot (1883) in the 1993 Western that tells the story of a lawman whose plans to retire are thwarted by the outlaws he was famous for hunting down. Tombstone has become one of the most popular movies on Prime Video since Kilmer’s passing, sitting at #9 at the time of writing. It earned scores of 75% from critics and 93% from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes.

In addition to Kilmer, Russell, and Elliot, Bill Paxton (Twister) and Stephen Lang (Avatar) also star in Tombstone. The film was written by Kevin Jarre,...

Saturday Night Live paid tribute to Val Kilmer following the Batman Forever star's death last week. The NBC sketch show briefly honored Kilmer during an episode hosted by Jack Black on Saturday (April 5).

A memorial graphic aired before Saturday's final segment, featuring a stylized promo image of Kilmer from his SNL hosting debut on December 9, 2000. One of the most notable moments from that season 26 instalment was an It's a Wonderful Life-themed monologue where Kilmer learned about the disastrous consequences if he'd have turned down hosting the show.

Saturday Night Live Honors the Late Val Kilmer

Kilmer also reprized his role as Jim Morrison from 1991's The Doors for a Behind the Music parody where Morrison formed a psychedelic band in heaven, called The Great Frog Society, with fellow deceased musicians Janis Joplin (Molly Shannon), Jimi Hendrix (Jerry Minor), Keith Moon (Horatio Sanz), Buddy Holly (Jimmy Fallon) and Louis Armstrong...

Will Forte has written about his friendship with Val Kilmer, recalling their time as roommates and a shared interest in joining The Amazing Race. The two actors first met while filming MacGruber, a movie based on the Saturday Night Live sketch spoofing action thrillers. Kilmer played the film’s villain, Dieter Von Cunth, opposite Forte in the title role.

Forte said that he had been a longtime admirer of Kilmer’s work, calling his casting in MacGruber something he hadn’t expected to happen. After filming, they became close and ended up living together for nearly three months when Kilmer needed a temporary place to stay.

“I got the impression that it was going to be a couple days,” Forte wrote in an essay for Vulture. “So he showed up on a Monday, and later that day, his assistant came over with two huge duffel bags filled with books… It...

Val Kilmer died on April 1 at the age of 65 from pneumonia. His death followed a long period of health challenges, including a battle with throat cancer that permanently affected his voice.

Kilmer’s death led to an outpouring of tributes across the entertainment industry. Saturday Night Live recognized the actor during its latest episode, acknowledging his 2000 appearance as host. During that episode, Kilmer performed sketches including a parody of his role as Iceman from Top Gun. He hosted alongside musical guest U2.

Kilmer trained at Juilliard and worked across genres throughout his career. He appeared in films such as The Doors, Batman Forever, Tombstone, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, The Saint, Willow, and Thunderheart. His final screen appearance came in Top Gun: Maverick, where he reprised the role of Tom “Iceman” Kazansky, despite speaking limitations caused by his illness.

At CinemaCon in Las Vegas, Tom Cruise opened his appearance with a statement about Kilmer.

Saturday Night Live paid tribute to the late Val Kilmer with a card at the end of the April 5 show. The Doors star died April 1 at the age of 65 from pneumonia.

The prolific dramatic and comedic actor had previously hosted the late-night show Dec. 9, 2000, alongside musical guest U2, where he even parodied his character Iceman from the original Top Gun.

The Juilliard-trained Kilmer, beloved for his wide range as a versatile performer, as well as his genuine personality, died earlier this week after having previously been diagnosed with and recovered from throat cancer, which permanently altered his voice. He was known for his leading turns in films like The Doors, The Saint, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Batman Forever, Tombstone, Thunderheart, Willow and his last credit, Top Gun: Maverick.

Tributes poured in from across the industry in the days following, including from fellow Saturday Night Live alum and close friend Will Forte,...

After Will Forte and Val Kilmer co-starred in MacGruber, the film adaptation of a recurring Saturday Night Live sketch spoofing high-intensity spy dramas, the two became close friends and even shared an apartment for a few months. In a heartwarming essay published in Vulture, the SNL alum reflected warmly on their relationship and what he called the “biggest regret” of his professional life.

Forte initially characterized himself as a “huge fan” of the Top Gun actor’s, saying that the idea of casting him in the eventual role of the villainous Dieter Von Cunth was originally a long shot. When he eventually signed on, Forte and his co-star became fast friends, paving the way for them to become roommates for three months after Kilmer was looking to move out of his Malibu home.

While they lived together, Forte would typically watch The Amazing Race, the popular CBS reality show in...

Jim Carrey remembers his Batman Forever co-star Val Kilmer as a "generational talent". Kilmer died of pneumonia at the age of 65 earlier this week after a lengthy battle with throat cancer.

"I'm remembering Val Kilmer today with great admiration for him as a man and as a generational talent who left us an enviable legacy of indelible acting performances," Carrey said in a statement published by The New York Post. "His greatest artistic achievements were rivaled only by the grace and courage with which he endured his life’s most challenging moments. Wishing his family so much love."

Carrey starred as The Riddler opposite Kilmer's Bruce Wayne in 1995's Batman Forever. The film was Kilmer's first and only time portraying The Dark Knight. It was a huge box office success, pulling in $336 million worldwide, making it the sixth-highest-grossing film of the year. Kilmer took over the role of Batman from Michael Keaton,...

Val Kilmer’s career was defined by transformative performances in films like Top Gun and Tombstone. However, the genius of the late Hollywood star extended beyond live-action roles to remarkable voice roles, most notably as Moses in one of the greatest animation films of all time, The Prince of Egypt.

Dreamworks’ epic musical drama needed an actor who could convey strength, vulnerability, and divine purpose, and Kilmer delivered on all fronts. His performance, praised for its depth and emotional nuance, became one of the standout aspects of the movie that pushed the boundaries of animated storytelling.

The Prince of Egypt | Credit: DreamWorks The Prince of Egypt directors praised Val Kilmer’s performance

The 1998 classic animated film The Prince of Egypt stands as a testament to the power of creative collaboration, pushing the boundaries of what animated films could achieve.

DreamWorks set out to elevate the medium beyond established norms, assembling...

A character actor, Val Kilmer was also a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. Famous for his ability to blend into any role, he made a name for himself in genres that spanned action, drama, and even comedy. From playing the cocky fighter pilot Iceman in Top Gun to the gun-slinging Doc Holliday in Tombstone, he had a plethora of projects that solidified his place as a talented figure in the movie business.

It was in the ’80s that his acting career took off with iconic roles in Real Genius and Willow. This continued throughout the ’90s, and in 1995, he got the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play the Caped Crusader in Batman Forever. He took over the role after the departure of Michael Keaton, leading a high-budget spectacle that thrilled the fans and made some serious money at the box office.

Val Kilmer in Batman Forever | Credits: Warner Bros.

But...

Val Kilmer’s family issued a statement Thursday thanking the public for celebrating the actor’s legacy following his death earlier this week at the age of 65.

“Thank you for honoring our extraordinary father’s memory,” Kilmer’s adult children, Mercedes and Jack, said in the statement (via People). “We are so proud of him and honored to see his legacy celebrated. At this time, we would like to grieve privately.”

Following Kilmer’s death from pneumonia on Tuesday, there has been an outpouring of tributes to The Doors actor...

It’s hard to imagine anyone other than Val Kilmer playing Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in 1986’s Top Gun. However, the late actor originally wasn’t interested in what would become one of his most memorable roles.

In his 2020 memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry, Kilmer revealed that he initially did not want the role in the Tony Scott-directed Top Gun opposite Tom Cruise. “I didn’t want the part. I didn’t care about the film. The story didn’t interest me,” he wrote via People. “My agent, who also represented Tom Cruise, basically tortured me into at least meeting Tony Scott, saying he was one of the hottest directors in town,” he added.

Kilmer went on to book an audition for the film and said he “showed up looking the fool” wearing “oversized gonky Australian shorts in nausea green.” He also seemingly did his best to sabotage his own audition.

Hollywood is filled with underrated gems that only get better with time, and Val Kilmer’s 1993 Western, Tombstone, is one of them. It’s gritty, highly quotable, and somehow still manages to fly under the radar when people talk about great Westerns, despite the positive reviews. Directed by George P. Cosmatos, Tombstone is the kind of film that deserves every bit of praise it gets, and Tom Cruise seems to agree.

A full-blown cinematic phenomenon in himself, it is safe to say that Tom Cruise knows a thing or two about deserving films. After all, the man who gave us characters like Maverick and Jerry Maguire is someone whose opinion we hold in high regard. Here’s what he has said about Tombstone.

Val Kilmer in Tombstone (1993) | Credits: Walt Disney Studios Tom Cruise’s favorite underrated movie is one of Val Kilmer’s best Tom Cruise on CBC’s The Hour...

Tom Cruise led a moment of silence today for his friend and co-star Val Kilmer during a CinemaCon presentation.

Cruise was on hand in Las Vegas to preview footage of his Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning to exhibitors, but before launching into any action sequences, he acknowledged the death of the actor who portrayed “Iceman” alongside Cruise’s “Maverick” in a pair of Top Gun films.

“I’d like to take a moment before we get started today to honor a dear friend of mine, Val Kilmer,” Cruise said...

Tom Cruise honored the late Val Kilmer with a moment of silence on the CinemaCon stage in Las Vegas, asking the crowd of exhibitors and press to take a moment to remember all the great film moments Kilmer gave audiences in his career and the “wonderful times we had with him.”

“I’d like to take a moment to honor a dear friend of mine, Val Kilmer,” Cruise said. “I really can’t tell you how much I admire his work, how much I thought of him as a human being and how grateful and honored I was when he joined ‘Top Gun’ and came back for ‘Top Gun: Maverick.'”

Kilmer died on Tuesday at age 65, dying of pneumonia after having previously struggled with throat cancer that made it incredibly difficult to speak. He had recovered enough to appear in 2022’s “Top Gun: Maverick.”

Cruise, who took the stage...

It seems odd to refer to 1988's "Willow" as "the Willow movie," but that's because every nostalgic intellectual property is ripe for refreshing in the modern franchise era, and "Willow" finally got a sequel streaming series on Disney+, also called "Willow." Over 30 years passed between the two, and that's a lot of time for actors to change or even pass away. Warwick Davis' passion for his biggest lead role without special effects makeup never waned, and his enthusiasm is palpable still as he struggles to get the series reclaimed from the Disney vault into which it quickly vanished (and we know the annoying reason why).

The original movie, written by George Lucas and directed by Ron Howard, was an attempt to do for fantasy what "Star Wars" had done for science fiction, and it even featured groundbreaking special effects, like the first use of digital morphing. It was a box office disappointment in its day,...

1993's "Tombstone" is full of memorable lines. "You're a daisy if you do." "I calculate that's the end of this town." "Skin that smoke wagon and see what happens." But no line has stood the test of time or become more closely associated with the film than "I'm your huckleberry," as spoken by the late Val Kilmer in the role of Doc Holliday.

As fans look back on Kilmer's incredible acting career in the wake of his passing on April 1, 2025, movies like "Batman Forever," "Top Gun," and "Heat" naturally rank among the best ones he ever starred in. But Kilmer's turn in "Tombstone" is right there among them, and some would say that his performance as Doc Holliday was the finest of his career -- a combination of braggadocious cowboy one-liner-slingin' and tender, heartfelt dramatic moments.

The "huckleberry" line may have been made famous in the modern era in "Tombstone,...

Val Kilmer’s unforgettable roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever, and The Doors have solidified him as one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors. But was he really in The Lost Boys? Even a career as legendary as his wasn’t enough to shield Jesse Watters from a recent embarrassing blunder on live television.

On a recent segment, Fox News anchor Watters, during a tribute to Kilmer following his passing, made a critical error that quickly became the talk of social media. What was meant to be a respectable tribute to the late actor turned into an awkward moment that left many scratching their heads and laughing at the same time.

Val Kilmer in The Doors / Credit: TriStar Pictures Anchor Jesse Watters made an embarrassing claim about the late actor Val Kilmer

In the fast-paced world of live television, slip-ups are inevitable, but some mistakes often stand out as particularly memorable.

Despite his health struggles, Val Kilmer’s recent passing has shaken us to our core. The man who gave us Iceman and Batman is no longer among us, but the mark he’s left behind will surely never fade. As we take a look back at some of the finest works by the actor, we cannot possibly leave out the cult classic that is Tombstone. Released in 1993, the Western film was highly praised for its action-packed storytelling and the performances, especially Val Kilmer’s portrayal of Doc Holliday.

However, even Val Kilmer’s co-star, Kurt Russell, agrees that it was a “miracle” the film ever made it out of production. While George P. Cosmatos is officially listed as Tombstone‘s director, there is a widespread belief that it was actually Kurt Russell who took responsibility behind the scenes when the film was struggling. Finally, actor Michael Biehn spoke up about the truth behind the rumors.

The first time Kurt Russell met Val Kilmer was when the Hollywood homegrown was hanging out with Cher on the set of Silkwood, a 1983 docudrama. Kilmer, a 22-year-old Juilliard graduate at the time who had yet to see the release of a string of Eighties hits such as Top Secret! and the blockbuster Top Gun, already had an elusive quality about him that would lead to some of his biggest roles. “I could see then that he was the young guy who was very serious about what he wanted to do,...

The world lost an acting legend recently when Val Kilmer, the star of "Tombstone," "Top Gun," and numerous other classics, passed away at the age of 65. Kilmer starred in some truly great movies during his long career, but at or right near the top of that list will always be director Michael Mann's heist classic "Heat." In the 30 years since its release, fondness for it has only grown -- and with good reason. It turns out, Kilmer thought pretty highly of the movie as well, particularly his experience making it.

In a Reddit Ama from 2017, Kilmer was asked what it was like to make "Heat." The actor was in the midst of a huge year when the film came out, as 1995 was also when he took over playing Bruce Wayne in "Batman Forever." However, Kilmer's recollection of his time playing expert criminal Chris Shiherlis was, fair to say, more loving.

If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

Val Kilmer leaves behind a remarkable legacy on the big screen, embodying everyone from Jim Morrison to Batman. One of his signature roles — and the one that inspired his memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry — was his scene-stealing portrayal of the real-life gunslinger Doc Holliday in Tombstone, co-starring Kurt Russell, Sam Elliott, and Bill Paxton.

Western buffs will have a new way to revisit one of Kilmer’s most iconic roles,...

Actor Val Kilmer died Tuesday at the age of 65. His passing has inspired an outpouring of tributes from those who worked with him throughout his career and those who simply admired him from afar, and it is easy to see why. In his wake, Kilmer has left behind a one-of-a-kind filmography the likes of which most actors can only dream of compiling, as well as a number of performances that have already stood the test of time and will continue to do so in the years to come.

In honor of Kilmer, here are the five best movies starring the actor that are available to stream right now.

“The Doors” (Tri-Star Pictures) “The Doors” (1991)

“The Doors,” director Oliver Stone’s 1991 film about its eponymous rock band and legendary singer Jim Morrison, is not without its flaws. It must be seen, though, just for Kilmer’s central performance as Morrison. The...

For anyone who grew up watching movies in the 1980s, Val Kilmer, who died Tuesday, was something of an anomaly among the young Hollywood actors whose careers blew up during that decade.

Compared to Tom Cruise, Sean Penn, Kevin Bacon, Emilio Estevez, Robert Downey Jr., John Cusack or Tom Hanks, to name a handful of stars who emerged back then, Kilmer was not exactly a strapping action hero nor a smooth heartbreak kid. Nor did he come across as a brooding Method-style thespian, or as someone who could provide instant comic relief onscreen.

In some ways, Kilmer was all of these things at once, and therefore unclassifiable. He was mostly a great character actor with the looks of a leading man, capable of melting into roles that almost invariably had an edge to them.

His most memorable films, including Top Gun, The Doors, Tombstone and Heat, were popular hits in...

Val Kilmer, the versatile and intense actor known for his iconic roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever and The Doors, died on Tuesday night in Los Angeles at 65, surrounded by family and friends. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed that he died from pneumonia following a decade-long battle with throat cancer.

In 2019, uInterview captured exclusive footage of Kilmer talking about his health challenges at the Novus Conference.

Kilmer’s career was marked by dedication to his craft, and he often immersed himself deeply into his roles. He first gained recognition in the 1980s with standout performances in Top Secret! (1984) and Real Genius (1985). However, his role as Lt. Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in Top Gun (1986) catapulted him to fame. His confident portrayal opposite Tom Cruise made him a fan favorite, and he later reprised the role in Top Gun: Maverick (2022).

In 1991, Kilmer took on the demanding role of Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors,...

Val Kilmer’s death on Tuesday, from pneumonia at 65, hit Western movie fans especially hard. In 1993’s Tombstone, Kilmer delivered one of the most indelible performances in the genre’s history as the tubercular dentist and gambler John Henry “Doc” Holliday. Beset by coughing fits, alcoholism, and a healthy dose of self-loathing, Kilmer’s portrayal emphasized the human frailty of an Old West legend over masculine bravado. Which isn’t to say Kilmer’s Holliday, as quick with his Colt .45 as he was with his tongue, wasn’t to be feared.

The late Val Kilmer had a couple of Disney connections fans may have forgotten about!

It’s always sad when a major star passes away at a seemingly too young age. Val Kilmer may have fallen from his 1990s limelight, but it was still jarring to his many fans to hear the actor had passed away at the age of 65 on April 1 after a long battle with throat cancer and pneumonia.

The actor debuted in the 1984 cult comedy Top Secret! That led to turns in Real Genius before his star-making role as Iceman in the 1986 smash Top Gun. After that, Kilmer was a much-in-demand actor starring in numerous hits, including a turn as the Caped Crusader in Batman Forever as well as Heat, The Saint, The Ghost, and the Darkness, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, and more.

Kilmer was, by his own admission, a temperamental man who could cause some messes on set.

Val Kilmer’s career was a journey marked by iconic roles and memorable performances. From his breakthrough in “Top Gun” to his return in “Top Gun: Maverick,” Kilmer’s career spanned over four decades and left an indelible mark on the film industry. His versatility as an actor allowed him to take on a wide range of roles, each showcasing his unique talent and dedication to his craft.

Early Career and Breakthrough

Val Kilmer’s early career began with appearances in films such as “Top Secret!” (1984) and “Real Genius” (1985). His breakthrough came in 1986 with the blockbuster “Top Gun,” where he played the role of Iceman, an arrogant yet skilled fighter pilot. Kilmer’s on-screen chemistry with Tom Cruise and his ability to bring depth to a seemingly one-dimensional character showcased his talent as an actor. The film’s success opened many doors for Kilmer, and he quickly became one of Hollywood’s most sought-after actors.

Movie legend Val Kilmer passed away yesterday at the age of 65, but his memory will live on in the hearts of the dozens of comedy fans who saw MacGruber in theaters.

The 2010 action/comedy MacGruber, based on the Saturday Night Live sketch by the same name, may have been a total flop at the box office, failing to even earn back its $10 million budget, but at least it earned the scorn of the critical community to match its commercial failure. As it turns out, neither moviegoers nor movie reviewers at the time had any interest in seeing a profane, illogical and hilariously dated feature-length adaptation of an overdone SNL sketch that parodied a TV show that had been off the air for nearly 20 years. However, MacGruber’s titular star Will Forte and his onscreen nemesis Kilmer didn’t give a cut-off dick about what anyone else thought of their glorious turd of a comedy masterpiece.

The 1980s marked the return of a lot of things. They were called “the greed decade,” which really meant that materialism was coming back with a vengeance. So was a new kind of traditionalism. We were going back to the future. And that required a new kind of movie star. He needed a certain vibe: clean and handsome and a bit square. He had to look like he could fit into a 1950s frat house. Tom Cruise, who became the biggest star of his time, was that to a T. And so, in a slightly shaggier way, was his rival and compatriot in “Top Gun,” Val Kilmer.

Kilmer was a classic camera object in an old-fashioned way. He had a sensual scowl and burning eyes that were very Brando. In “Top Gun,” where he played Iceman, whose job was to bust the chops of Cruise’s Maverick, he was like a malevolent beach bum,...

Heatdirector Michael Mann remembered working with the late Val Kilmer today, after the news broke of the actor's death. Kilmer was 65 years old.

As per Deadline, Mann reflected on working with Kilmer on the set of the 1995 film Heat. "While working with Val on Heat I always marveled at the range, the brilliant variability within the powerful current of Val’s possessing and expressing character," he said. "After so many years of Val battling disease and maintaining his spirit, this is tremendously sad news."

Kilmer played Chris Shiherlis in Mann's crime drama, which starred Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. The film tells the story of a conflict between an LAPD detective (Pacino) and a career criminal (De Niro), with Kilmer playing the thief's right-hand man. A sequel, based on Mann's debut novel Heat 2, was announced in 2022 and remains in development.

Other entertainment industry legends who paid tribute to...

The late, great Val Kilmer was known for disappearing into his roles — but that doesn’t mean he took himself too seriously.

Though my favorite Kilmer role will probably always be as Doc Holliday in Tombstone, the masses will likely best remember him as “Iceman” in Top Gun. (Shoutout here to his embodiment of Jim Morrison in 1991’s The Doors, as well as a turn as the Caped Crusader in 1995’s Batman Forever.) No judgment here: Kilmer was killer in Top Gun, and then he broke our hearts in the best way possible with a surprise return for Top Gun: Maverick.

By the time the sequel was filmed and finally came out — there were Covid delays as Tom Cruise (rightly) insisted on a theatrical release — Kilmer was quite deep into his battle with throat cancer. Reprising the role of the cocky Naval aviator required the bravery of a real fighter pilot.

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Val Kilmer lent his talents to several movies that are now regarded as classics, including the star-studded Western "Tombstone" and Michael Mann's "Heat." However, his outing as Tom "Iceman" Kazansky in Tony Scott's airbound actioner "Top Gun" is one of his most beloved performances, with the film pitting his character against Tom Cruise's Pete Mitchell as competitive rival pilots before they come together in the name of friendship and America. Despite becoming a career-defining role for the late Kilmer, however, he was reluctant to accept a part in "Top Gun."

That's putting it mildly actually, as Kilmer had to be tortured into auditioning for "Top Gun," and he only took a meeting with Scott as a favor to his agent. The actor felt zero enthusiasm toward the script, so he showed up to his audition dressed in...

Reading Time: 3 minutes

As we previously reported, screen icon Val Kilmer has passed away.

The beloved star of modern classics like Top Gun, Tombstone, The Doors, and Heat was 65 years old.

He had been battling throat cancer for several years.

Few actors enjoyed as much cross-generational appeal as Kilmer, and he’d been a beloved figure among his Hollywood peers for over 40 years.

Val Kilmer has died at the age of 65. Rip. (Getty)

Now, as a final reminder of how highly his colleagues regarded him, numerous big-name celebs have taken to social media to pay tribute to this late legend.

“See ya, pal. I’m going to miss you,” friend and fellow actor Josh Brolin wrote on Instagram, alongside a photo of him and Val.

“You were a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker. There’s not a lot left of those.

“I hope to see you up there in the...

Nicolas Cage has described his Bad Lieutenant co-star Val Kilmer as a “genius actor” in a written tribute following news of his death at age 65.

“I always liked Val and am sad to hear of his passing,” Cage said in a statement sent to Deadline. “I thought he was a genius actor. I enjoyed working with him on Bad Lieutenant, and I admired his commitment and sense of humor. He should have won the Oscar for The Doors.”

The Doors — Oliver Stone’s biopic of 60s rocker Jim Morrison — was one of Kilmer’s defining roles. The film has gone on to become a cult classic, but in 1991, the year of its release, it didn’t land a single Oscar nom. That year, the Best Actor Oscar was won by Anthony Hopkins for Jonathan Demme’s classic horror The Silence of the Lambs.

Kilmer’s death was confirmed by his...

Val Kilmer died on Tuesday just before the Top Gun actor was set to walk the red carpet at the Beverly Hills Film Festival.

“It was a shock to find this out. We had just confirmed Val to attend the West Coast premiere of American Badass: A Michael Madsen Retrospective this past weekend,” Nino Simone, founder and president of the Beverly Hills Film Festival, said Wednesday in a statement.

Kilmer died in Los Angeles on Tuesday at age 65 of pneumonia, his daughter, actress Mercedes Kilmer, told The New York Times.

”He [Kilmer] was thrilled to come out in support of his friend [Madsen]. I know PR was on the phone, trying to get a hold of the driver, bringing Val for his 7:30 p.m. red carpet arrival. The story and news of his death were reported, literally at the same, exact time. Unbelievable, and so heartbreaking. Our hearts go out to his family,...

Hollywood is no stranger to dramatic exits, but losing Val Kilmer? That one stings. Kilmer wasn’t just an actor, he was a scene-stealing, chameleon-like force who made being the coolest guy in the room look effortless.

He could be a hotshot fighter pilot, a genius prankster, a brooding gunslinger, or even the Dark Knight himself. And while the industry has lost one of its most beloved stars, Kilmer’s legacy is clearly alive and well in the tributes pouring in from those who knew him best.

Val Kilmer as Doc Holliday in Tombstone | Credits: Walt Disney Studios

From directors to co-stars, comedians to critics, everyone has something to say about the man who made Iceman an attitude and not just a call sign. So, let’s take a look at how Hollywood is remembering Val Kilmer, including what Tom Cruise, his old Top Gun buddy, might be feeling right now.

Val Kilmer's death at the age of 65 has been met with an outpouring of love and heartfelt tributes across social media from devoted fans of the prolific actor and his vast body of work. The star, famed for his versatile roles in the likes of Batman Forever, Top Gun, and Heat, among many, many others, died on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, from pneumonia. In the hours that followed the announcement, movie enthusiasts came together online to mourn the loss of a Hollywood great and remember some of his most iconic cinematic performances.

Kilmer made his feature debut in the 1984 spy spoof Top Secret!, in which he starred as rock and roll singer Nick Rivers, but that was only the beginning of his acting career on screen. He went on to star in some of the biggest movies of the 1980s and 90s, including playing Bruce Wayne and his superhero alter ego in Batman Forever,...

Val Kilmer, the actor famous for taking on Tom Cruise in Top Gun, the Riddler in Batman Forever and Johnny Ringo in Tombstone, passed away on Tuesday at age 65. But before Kilmer cemented his reputation as a powerful dramatic actor, he kicked off his career with some of the funniest performances of the 1980s.

Kilmer made his film debut in Top Secret!, the Zucker brothers’ criminally underrated follow-up to Airplane!. After the success of their disaster movie spoof, the Zuckers and Jim Abraham mashed together a parody of spy movies and Elvis musicals. Unlike Airplane!, which featured a cast of fading movie stars, Zaz went with complete unknown Kilmer for the lead role of singer Nick Rivers.

“He did a reading, did a couple of songs, and we thought, Hey, this is the guy,” remembered David Zucker in a ScreenCrush oral history of Top Secret.

“He could sing, he could...

Late actor Val Kilmer is being honored by Hollywood. Kilmer, who died at age 65 of pneumonia after battling throat cancer for more than a decade, was a go-to star in the 1980s and ’90s across both high concept blockbusters and auteur dramas. Now, his former collaborators are remembering his talent.

Kilmer landed his breakout role as Lt. Tom “Iceman” Kazansky alongside Tom Cruise in 1986’s “Top Gun. He went on to portray Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s “The Doors,” and star in “Tombstone,” “True Romance,” “Heat,” and “Batman Forever,” among other iconic features. Kilmer later reprised his turn of Iceman in 2022 film “Top Gun: Maverick.”

Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, leaving him unable to speak. Kilmer’s recovery was captured in 2021 documentary “Val.” He died of pneumonia at his home in Los Angeles on Tuesday, April 1.

“Heat” director Michael Mann honored Kilmer, writing, “While working with Val...

Tragic news broke just hours ago that Val Kilmer had passed away at the age of 65.

His daughter shared that he had been battling pneumonia.

Since news of his passing has spread, one of his final Instagram posts is now getting attention.

Keep reading to find out more…

While hanging out with artist David Choe, Val put on a version of his iconic Batman mask. If you don’t know, Val starred in 1995′s Batman Forever as the Caped Crusader.

The post was shared on February 23, 2025. We’ve embedded the post below for you to see.

Val had an illustrious career that started in the 1980s. He appeared in several films, including Top Gun, Willow, Tombstone, Batman Forever, Heat, The Prince of Egypt, Mindhunters and many more. He also made several appearances on TV shows like Entourage, Numb3rs, Knight Rider and Psych.

Our thoughts go out to Val Kilmer‘s...

Val Kilmer died on Tuesday at the age of 65 due to pneumonia — and now, his peers in Hollywood are paying tribute to one of the biggest stars of the late 1980s and early ‘90s.

The late actor was well-known for his roles in films like “Top Gun,” “Batman Forever,” “Tombstone,” “Mindhunters,” “Heat,” “The Prince of Egypt,” “Willow” and “The Doors,” as well as his 2021 self-shot documentary “Val” that depicted his battle with throat cancer.

However, his friends, former co-stars and directors such as Ron Howard, Francis Ford Coppola, Michael Mann, Josh Brolin and even ex-girlfriend Cher more fondly remember him as someone who left an “indelible cinematic mark” on generations of fans.

“Twixt” director Francis Ford Coppola shared on Instagram: “Val Kilmer was the most talented actor when in his High School, and that talent only grew greater throughout his life. He was a wonderful person to work with and...

In sad news for Hollywood and movie fans worldwide, Val Kilmer, the versatile actor known for his memorable roles as Batman, Jim Morrison, and Doc Holliday, reportedly passed away on April 1, 2025, at age 65. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, stated the cause was pneumonia, a devastating complication following his lengthy battle with throat cancer that began in 2014.

As we remember this extraordinary talent, let’s dive into the life of a man who defied Hollywood conventions at every turn. Kilmer wasn’t just another pretty face on the silver screen – he was an enigma wrapped in talent, spirituality, and fierce independence.

Val Kilmer in Willow (1988) | Credits: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 20th Century Studios, Sony Pictures

His career spanned four decades, during which he transformed himself repeatedly, choosing roles that challenged both him and his audiences. Whether you knew him as the cocky Iceman from Top Gun, the Caped Crusader in Batman Forever, or the tuberculosis-ridden...

After a long battle with cancer, the acclaimed actor leaves behind a legacy of terrific performances.

Val Kilmer was one of Hollywood’s brightest stars for more than two decades. The actor turned in some truly notable performances in his day, including his embodiment of Jim Morrison in “The Doors,” Doc Holiday in “Tombstone,” and even a turn in the cape and cowl in “Batman Forever.”

Kilmer’s first public struggles with cancer began in 2015, and in 2017, he began using a voice box to aid him in speaking. Nevertheless, Kilmer continued to appear in select film roles until 2022, when he reprised his role as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in “Top Gun: Maverick.” That was his last appearance on the big screen before his passing at the age of 65 on Tuesday, April 1.

If the passing of Kilmer has you feeling a desire to go back and revisit some of his most iconic performances,...

Val Kilmer is gone. It’s strange to say, since he was such an important part of the fabric of movies – and of pop culture, really – for decades. And if it wasn’t movies, it was something else.

He hosted “Saturday Night Live.” He appeared in an endlessly touring stage show as Mark Twain. He had a reputation for being prickly, maybe difficult, but for turning in brilliant performances that only he could.

And then, starting in 2015, he began battling cancer. In 2017, he announced that he had experienced a “healing of cancer,” but he was still struggling. As a lifelong Christian Scientist, he didn’t want to accept medical treatment. Eventually he did, having throat cancer removed and leaving him without the ability to speak and being forced to eat via a feeding tube. In recent years, he had experimented with AI to replicate his voice. “Val,” a 2021 documentary produced...

Descanse en paz. © Max

Val Kilmer, una de las personalidades más magnéticas y carismáticas de su generación, ha fallecido a los 65 años a causa de una neumonía, según ha informado su hija, Mercedes Kilmer, al New York Times. En los últimos años, el actor estadounidense había librado una feroz lucha contra un cáncer de garganta que dañó severamente sus cuerdas vocales, dificultándole su capacidad de hablar y apartándolo de los focos.

De sus inicios en la comedia (Top Secret! en 1984 y Escuela de genios en 1985) al estrellato en Top Gun: Ídolos del aire (1986) como Iceman, compartiendo pantalla con Tom Cruise, Kilmer demostró una versatilidad poco común en el Hollywood de los 80 y 90. Su carrera no hizo más que transitar géneros: el rock psicodélico de The Doors (1991), en la piel de Jim Morrison, el western de Tombstone: La leyenda de Wyatt Earp (1993), la violenta road movie de Amor a quemarropa (1993) con...