Val Kilmer, 'Batman Forever' & 'Top Gun' actor, dies aged 65

American film star Val Kilmer has died at the age of 65.

Kilmer, known for playing iconic characters in Hollywood films such as "Top Gun" and "Batman Forever", passed away from pneumonia on Apr. 1, his daughter Mercedes told The New York Times and The Associated Press (AP).

Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 but recovered after two throat surgeries, she said.

She added that he passed away in Los Angeles on the night of Apr. 1, surrounded by friends and family, AP reported.

In Kilmer's later years, he had largely stepped away from acting, CNN reported.

However, in 2022's "Top Gun: Maverick", Kilmer reprised his role as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky, serving as the cocky rival to Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, acted by Tom Cruise.

It would be Kilmer's last film.

Leading roles in 1980s & 1990s

Kilmer, born in California in 1959, went to high school with future actor Kevin Spacey and also developed a love of drama, BBC reported.

At 17, he became the youngest pupil to enrol at the elite drama school Julliard in New York.

In 1984, Kilmer made his film debut in action comedy "Top Secret!", marking the start of an acting career that spanned four decades.

After his breakout role in 1986's "Top Gun", Kilmer would star in leading roles in the 1990s, including Batman in "Batman Forever" (1995), Jim Morrison in "The Doors" (1991) and John "Doc" Holliday in "Tombstone" (1993).

Kilmer was known for his intensity as a method actor, and would throw himself into roles, The Guardian reported.

While filming "Tombstone", Kilmer reportedly filled his bed with ice to mimic the feeling of dying from tuberculosis.

And to get into the role of the frontman for "The Doors", he wore leather pants all the time and asked castmates and crew to only refer to him as Jim Morrison.

No regrets

Kilmer also published two books of poetry, and was a visual artist, according to AP.

He married actress Joanne Whalley in 1988, but they divorced in 1996.

They have a daughter, Mercedes, and a son, Jack.

In 2021, Kilmer was the subject of "Val", a documentary about his life and career.

“I have behaved poorly. I have behaved bravely. I have behaved bizarrely to some. I deny none of this and have no regrets because I have lost and found parts of myself that I never knew existed,” Kilmer said in the documentary, according to The Guardian.

“And I am blessed.”

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