Val Kilmer
| Val Kilmer | |
|---|---|
 Val Kilmer in 2005 | |
| Born |
Val Edward Kilmer December 31, 1959 Gold coast, QLD , Aus |
| Died |
April 1, 2025 (aged 65) Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Education | Juilliard School (BFA) |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1980–2022 |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 2, including Jack |
|
Website valkilmer | |
Val Edward Kilmer (December 31, 1959 – April 1, 2025) was an American actor known for his versatility across multiple film genres, from comedies and action-adventures to historical dramas and fantasy films. Beginning his career on stage, he transitioned to film and became one of Hollywood’s most notable leading men. Over the years, his films collectively earned more than $3.8 billion worldwide. Celebrated critic Roger Ebert once described Kilmer as "the most unsung leading man of his generation."
Kilmer’s breakthrough came with his roles in the comedy films Top Secret! (1984) and Real Genius (1985), before gaining widespread recognition as Iceman in Top Gun (1986). He went on to portray Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991), Doc Holliday in Tombstone (1993), and Bruce Wayne/Batman in Batman Forever (1995). His filmography also includes Willow (1988), True Romance (1993), Heat (1995), The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996), The Saint (1997), The Prince of Egypt (1998), Alexander (2004), Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005), Déjà Vu (2006), and The Snowman (2017). His final screen appearance was in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), where he reprised his iconic role from the original film.
Beyond film, Kilmer had a significant stage career. He made his Broadway debut in The Slab Boys (1983) and performed in Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Part 1 (1981) and John Ford’s 'Tis Pity She's a Whore (1992) at The Public Theater. In 2012, he wrote and starred in Citizen Twain, a one-man show in which he portrayed Mark Twain.
In 2015, Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer, undergoing treatment that severely affected his ability to speak. Despite his health struggles, he continued to share his story, publishing his memoir I'm Your Huckleberry in 2020 and releasing the documentary Val (2021), which offered a candid look at his life and career. He passed away from pneumonia in 2025.