Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Val Kilmer, Acclaimed Actor of 'Top Gun' and 'The Doors,' Dies at 65

The Juilliard-trained star passed away from pneumonia, leaving behind a legacy of iconic roles and a celebrated comeback after a battle with throat cancer.

  • Val Kilmer died on April 1, 2025, in Los Angeles due to pneumonia, as confirmed by his daughter Mercedes Kilmer.
  • The actor was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, undergoing treatments that affected his voice but later recovering and returning to the screen.
  • Kilmer’s career included iconic roles in 'Top Gun,' 'Batman Forever,' and 'The Doors,' where he portrayed Jim Morrison with critical acclaim.
  • He made a poignant return to acting in 2022's 'Top Gun: Maverick,' reprising his role as Iceman with the help of AI technology to recreate his voice.
  • Kilmer is survived by his two children, Mercedes and Jack, and is remembered for his artistic brilliance, intensity, and resilience in the face of personal and health challenges.
Hero image