'Top Gun' Star Val Kilmer's Cause Of Death At Age 65 Revealed
By Afouda Bamidele on April 2, 2025 at 8:30 AM EDT
Val Kilmer passed away suddenly at the age of 65.
The "Top Gun" actor's family shared the cause of his death after he made a recovery from his throat cancer more than a decade ago.
Val Kilmer gained fame through his performances in iconic films from the 1980s and 90s, most notably in "Top Gun" and "Batman Forever." His work in these major movies solidified his status as a prominent actor of that era.
Val Kilmer Died From Pneumonia, According To His Daughter
The actor’s daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, disclosed to the New York Times that her father passed away from pneumonia. The talented Hollywood actor, known for his roles as Jim Morrison and Batman, passed away on Tuesday in Los Angeles at 65.
Renowned for his diverse abilities and enigmatic personality, Kilmer enjoyed leading-man stardom and notable success as a supporting actor. Kilmer initially carved a niche for himself in the film industry by portraying rockers in a few early roles, hinting at a promising blockbuster career.
He made his feature film debut in the 1984 Cold War spoof “Top Secret!”, where he played a charismatic American singer in Berlin, caught up in an East German plan for reunification.
According to the New York Times, Kilmer’s vibrant portrayal of Morrison in Oliver Stone's “The Doors” (1991) solidified his standing as a leading man in Hollywood.
Additionally, he made a memorable cameo in "True Romance" (1993), playing Mentor, a wise Elvis figure conjured by the film's antihero, portrayed by Christian Slater.
The Actor Once Described The Loss Of His Brother As A Turning Point In His Life
Kilmer was born in Los Angeles on December 31, 1959, and spent his childhood in the Chatsworth neighborhood. He lived near notable figures like Roy Rogers and Dale Evans and attended school with future stars, such as Kevin Spacey and Mare Winningham.
The late actor’s family life was marked by the divorce of his parents, Eugene, a real estate developer, and Gladys Ekstadt, when he was nine. A tragic event in his life occurred when his younger brother Wesley drowned in 1977, a loss that profoundly affected Kilmer for many years.
This grief resonated in his role in the 2002 film “The Salton Sea,” where he played a man struggling with guilt and seeking redemption after a traumatic incident involving his wife.
In an interview in 2002, Kilmer reflected on how deeply intertwined his personal experiences were with his acting, stating that it took him two to three years after his brother's death to feel grounded again.
As for his love life, Kilmer was previously married to actress Joanne Whalley, whom he met while working on the film "Willow" in 1988. Their marriage eventually ended in divorce, but they had two children together, Mercedes and Jack.
For many years, Kilmer resided on a ranch near Santa Fe and, at one point, considered running for governor of New Mexico.
Inside Kilmer’s Acting Journey
Kilmer, who applied to the prestigious Juilliard School in New York at 17, became one of the youngest students admitted to its acting program.
While there, he collaborated with classmates to create and perform “How It All Began,” a piece adapted from the autobiography of West German urban guerrilla Michael Baumann.
After graduating in 1981, Kilmer participated in a professional play production at the Public Theater. His Broadway debut came in 1983 with “The Slab Boys,” a drama by John Byrne set in a Scottish carpet factory, which also starred Sean Penn and Kevin Bacon.
Kilmer later took on the iconic role of Hamlet at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival in 1988.
The Father-Of-Two Was Satisfied With The Choice He Made In His Life And Career
In recent years, Kilmer was featured in the 2021 documentary “Val,” which explored his life through decades of archival footage and included contributions from his children.
His kids served as associate producers, with his son Jack as the narrator. The film garnered several accolades, including a Critics Choice Award for Best Historical or Biographical Documentary.
Reflecting on his career in a 2012 interview, Kilmer acknowledged the unusual trajectory of his career and his decision to step away from mainstream Hollywood.
Emphasizing his contentment with life choices, he remarked, “I don’t have any regrets,” adding, “Once you’re a star, you’re always a star; it’s just what level?”
Val Kilmer And Tom Cruise Shared An Emotional Scene In ‘Top Gun: Maverick’
As shared by The Blast, in the project, Kilmer reprises his iconic role as Tom "Iceman" Kazansky, who is both a former rival and a close friend of Pete "Maverick" Mitchell, played by Tom Cruise.
Cruise recalled his determination to have Kilmer cast in the original "Top Gun," even when Kilmer initially declined the role. Cruise passionately advocated for Kilmer, praising his acting talent and expressing confidence in his ability to embody the character.
He urged director Tony Scott to persuade Kilmer to join the project, emphasizing just how remarkable he believed Kilmer would be. Cruise also ensured that Kilmer also had a role in the sequel.
The film included a poignant and emotional scene between the two actors, which Cruise described as "very special," highlighting Kilmer's beautiful performance.
During a press event, Miles Teller, another actor from the sequel, shared insights about the film and its action sequences while hinting at the emotional weight of the scene between Cruise and Kilmer.
He called it a sensitive narrative, reflecting on the importance of bringing Kilmer's character, Iceman, back into the story. He noted that the moment really resonates with audiences, saying it "hits you right in the feels."
