Val Kilmer dies at 65 from pneumonia, leaving behind a complex legacy

Val Kilmer, the iconic actor known for his roles in films like 'Top Gun' and 'Batman Forever,' passed away at the age of 65 due to pneumonia. His daughter, Mercedes, announced his death on April 2, 2025. Kilmer's health had been declining for several years after he was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015, which ultimately led to a tracheotomy that cost him his voice. Initially, he kept the diagnosis private but later decided to share his journey to raise awareness about the illness and its impacts. His portrayal of a range of characters cemented his status as an enigmatic movie star. Despite his talent, Kilmer's career was marred by troubled productions and controversies, notably during the filming of 'The Island of Dr. Moreau' in 1996. Actor David Thewlis, who co-starred with Kilmer, described their five months together as “spectacularly bleak and awful,