Val Kilmer, the star of blockbuster films including Batman Forever, Heat, and Top Gun, has died at age 65, his family said in a statement Monday night.
The cause of death was pneumonia, according to his daughter, Mercedes. Kilmer had previously recovered from a throat cancer diagnosis in 2014.
The Los Angeles native had a prolific career, appearing in numerous hit films. He played Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in Top Gun, portrayed master thief Chris Shiherlis in Heat, and took on the role of Batman in Batman Forever.
After recovering from throat cancer, which required two tracheotomies, Kilmer reprised his role as Iceman in Top Gun: Maverick, released in 2022. The appearance marked a rare public sighting of the actor, who largely stayed out of the spotlight in later years.
Francis Ford Coppola, who directed Kilmer in the 2011 horror-drama Twixt, reacted to the actor’s passing 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 a joy to know — I will always remember him,” Coppola wrote.
Actor Josh Brolin, who co-starred with Kilmer in Heat, also paid tribute on social media.
“See ya, pal. I’m going to miss you. 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 heavens when I eventually get there. Until then, amazing memories, lovely thoughts,” Brolin wrote.
No information has been released regarding a funeral or public memorial service.
