Val Kilmer, the iconic actor known for his roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever, and The Doors, passed away on April 1, 2025, at the age of 65. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed that he died of pneumonia in Los Angeles. Kilmer had faced significant health challenges in the years leading up to his death, including a battle with throat cancer that began in 2014. Although he overcame cancer, the treatments left him with a permanently altered voice and other complications.
Despite these struggles, Kilmer remained active in his later years, reprising his role as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in the 2022 blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick. His appearance in the film, which utilized AI technology to recreate his voice, was a poignant moment for fans and a testament to his enduring spirit.