Hollywood icon Val Kilmer dead at 65

Hollywood is mourning the loss of Val Kilmer, who died today at the age of 65.

Hollywood star Val Kilmer has died from pneumonia at the age of 65.

The US actor, best known for starring in Hollywood blockbuster Top Gun and its 2022 sequel, died on Tuesday in Los Angeles, per the New York Times.

His daughter Mercedes Kilmer, 33, told the outlet her father died from pneumonia, a lung condition which makes breathing difficult. It is one of the most common causes of death worldwide.

Kilmer suffered health struggles over the past decade, having been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014.

Kilmer rose to fame after starring in Top Gun before going on to portray Jim Morrison and Batman.

Born on December 31, 1959, in Los Angeles, Kilmer’s career spanned over four decades, during which he became one of Hollywood’s most respected performers.

Kilmer candidly discussed his cancer battle in his 2020 memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry.

Despite undergoing treatments that affected his vocal cords, he remained active in the industry and reprised his role as Iceman in the 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick.

Hollywood star Val Kilmer has died at the age of 65.

Val Kilmer and Tom Cruise in Top Gun. Picture: Paramount

Actor Val Kilmer, left, talks with cast member Al Pacino on the red carpet for Simply Shakespeare: The Merchant of Venice.

Kilmer rose to fame after starring in ‘Top Gun’ before going on to portray Jim Morrison and Batman.

His return for the widely acclaimed follow-up to one of the most iconic movies of this generation was a deeply emotional experience for both Kilmer and co-star Tom Cruise.

Kilmer infused his real-life illness into the script, resulting in a poignant scene between the two beloved characters – and longtime friends – that unwittingly formed the heart of the billion-dollar movie.

“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,” Cruise told Jimmy Kimmel in 2022.“I was crying. I got emotional,” Cruise continued.

“He’s such a brilliant actor, and I love his work.

“In the scene in question, Iceman is seen communicating with Maverick (Cruise) by typing words on a screen, before mustering up the strength to use his speaking voice.

“Very personal and moving,” Kilmer told media when asked what it was like shooting the moment.Kilmer separated from his wife of eight years, actress Joanne Whalley, in 1996.

The couple shared two children, daughter Mercedes and son Jack, the latter of whom was born in 1995.

Originally published as Hollywood icon Val Kilmer dead at 65