Hollywood has lost another legend. Val Kilmer, the actor who left an indelible mark on cinema with his roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever, The Doors, Tombstone, and Heat, has passed away at the age of 65.

His daughter, Mercedes, confirmed that he died of pneumonia on Tuesday in Los Angeles. Though Kilmer had battled throat cancer since 2014, he had recovered from the illness, though a tracheotomy left a lasting impact on his voice and acting career.

A Career Defined by Iconic Roles

Born Val Edward Kilmer on December 31, 1959, Kilmer was raised in Los Angeles in a Christian Scientist household. At just 17, he became the youngest student to enroll at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York, setting the stage for an extraordinary acting career.

He first gained recognition in the mid-1980s with comedic performances in Top Secret! and Real Genius, but it was Top Gun (1986) that catapulted him to stardom. Playing the icy and competitive fighter pilot Iceman, Kilmer stood toe-to-toe with Tom Cruise’s Maverick in one of the most defining films of the decade.

His ability to fully embody roles was on full display when he portrayed Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991), delivering a mesmerizing performance that won him widespread acclaim. In Tombstone (1993), he became the legendary gunfighter Doc Holliday, stealing every scene with his unforgettable delivery of “I’m your huckleberry.”

Kilmer continued his streak of powerful performances in Heat (1995), starring alongside Hollywood heavyweights Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. That same year, he donned the cape and cowl as Batman in Batman Forever, taking over from Michael Keaton. While the film was a commercial success, Kilmer opted not to return for a sequel.

A Reputation for Talent—And Tension

Despite his undeniable acting prowess, Kilmer had a reputation for being difficult to work with. His intense commitment to roles sometimes led to clashes with directors and co-stars. John Frankenheimer, who directed him in The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996), famously vowed never to work with him again. But Kilmer defended himself, saying, “I care very much about telling the story well.”

His career saw highs and lows, but he never stopped challenging himself. He played a cunning master of disguise in The Saint (1997), voiced both God and Moses in The Prince of Egypt (1998), and delivered a standout performance in Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang (2005) alongside Robert Downey Jr.

A Battle with Cancer and an Emotional Return to the Screen

In 2014, Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer, a battle that resulted in a tracheotomy, leaving him with a permanently altered voice. Despite this, he continued working, finding ways to express himself through art, poetry, and filmmaking.

In 2021, he released Val, a documentary featuring 40 years of home footage, giving fans a deeply personal look into his journey—both triumphant and tragic. The film was met with critical acclaim and admiration for Kilmer’s resilience.

One of the most emotional moments of his later career came in 2022 when he reprised his role as Iceman in Top Gun: Maverick. Though his screen time was limited, the reunion with Tom Cruise was nothing short of poignant. Cruise himself acknowledged the power of Kilmer’s presence, saying, “For him to come back and play that character… he’s such a powerful actor that he instantly became that character again.”

Tributes from Hollywood and Beyond

Kilmer’s passing has been met with an outpouring of love and admiration from those who knew and worked with him.

Michael Mann, who directed him in Heat, praised his incredible range: “While working with Val on Heat, I always marveled at the brilliant variability within his performances. After so many years of Val battling disease and maintaining his spirit, this is tremendously sad news.”

Francis Ford Coppola, who directed him in Twixt (2011), called him “the most talented actor when in his high school, and that talent only grew greater throughout his life.”

Ron Howard, who worked with Kilmer on Willow (1988), honored his “amazing” filmography and his artistic soul, saying, “His art extended to his poetry, artworks, filmmaking, and simply the way he lived. Bon voyage, Val, and thank you.”

Cher, a former girlfriend, summed him up in a way only she could: “Funny, crazy, pain in the ass, GREAT FRIEND.”

A Lasting Legacy

Beyond his film career, Kilmer was also an artist, often creating paintings inspired by his film roles. His ability to transcend the screen, touching audiences through multiple mediums, is a testament to his boundless creativity.

Though his voice may have been quieted, Val Kilmer’s legacy will echo for generations. From his unforgettable roles to his unyielding spirit, he leaves behind a body of work that will be celebrated for years to come.

Rest in peace, Val Kilmer.