‘Top Gun’ Actor Val Kilmer Dies At 65

Actor Val Kilmer, who played iconic roles including Bruce Wayne in “Batman Forever” (1995) and Doc Holliday in “Tombstone” (1993), died on Tuesday in Los Angeles at the age of 65. The Hollywood star had previously been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014.

Born in L.A., the actor built his career as a leading man in the 1980s and 1990s, starring in projects like “Top Gun” (1986), “Real Genius” (1985), “Willow” (1988), “Heat” (1995), and “The Saint” (1997). 

Kilmer had a cameo in the 2022 blockbuster “Top Gun: Maverick,” the long-awaited sequel to the 1986 action-adventure film about the Top Gun Naval Fighter Weapons School. The actor was no longer able to speak, but his co-star Tom Cruise said it was essential to have Kilmer included.

“I just want to say that was pretty emotional,” Cruise told Jimmy Kimmel in 2023. “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.”

“You’re just looking at Iceman,” he continued, referencing the character Kilmer played in the film. “I was crying, I was crying. I got emotional,” Cruise continued. “He’s such a brilliant actor, I love his work.”

Kilmer met his future wife, actress Joanne Whalley, on the set of Ron Howard’s film “Willow” in 1988. He joined her on the screen for a second time in “Kill Me Again” (1989). The actor dated many high-profile women over the years, including Cher, Cindy Crawford, Angelina Jolie, Daryl Hannah, and Ellen Barkin. Kilmer was married to Whalley from 1988 until 1996 and shares two children with her.

The actor also played Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s “The Doors” (1991). Per Variety, Kilmer memorized the lyrics to all of Morrison’s songs before his audition and wore clothing like the musician for almost a year. Critics praised his performance, with Roger Ebert saying Kilmer was “the best thing in the movie.”

Hollywood is mourning the loss of the star. The official Top Gun account shared a photo and said, “Remembering Val Kilmer, whose indelible cinematic mark spanned genres and generations. RIP Iceman.”

Remembering Val Kilmer, whose indelible cinematic mark spanned genres and generations. RIP Iceman. pic.twitter.com/a3jQ8ENma9

— Top Gun (@TopGunMovie) April 2, 2025

“While working with Val on ‘Heat’ I always marveled at the range, the brilliant variability within the powerful current of Val’s possessing and expressing character. After so many years of Val battling disease and maintaining his spirit, this is tremendously sad news,” director Michael Mann said in a statement.

Francis Ford Coppola directed Kilmer in “Twixt.” He shared 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.”

Actor Josh Brolin wrote, “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.”