Val Kilmer, the versatile Hollywood actor best known for his roles as Jim Morrison and Batman, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 65 in Los Angeles.
His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed that pneumonia was the cause of death. Kilmer had been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 but had recovered from the illness.
Kilmer, who was known for his striking looks and dynamic acting skills, first rose to prominence with roles that showcased his charm and intensity. His breakout performance came in 1984 with Top Secret!, a parody spy movie where he played a rock singer involved in Cold War intrigue. He quickly became a standout in Hollywood, known for his magnetic presence and ability to bring depth to his characters. Kilmer's portrayal of Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone's The Doors (1991) captured the essence of the iconic rock star, blending rock-and-roll allure with the chaos of Morrison’s personal life. He also made an appearance as a charming Elvis in True Romance (1993), a film written by Quentin Tarantino.
Though Kilmer was often praised for his performances, he is perhaps most widely remembered for playing Batman in Batman Forever (1995), a role that he portrayed between Michael Keaton and George Clooney. Despite mixed reviews of both the movie and his performance, Kilmer’s portrayal of the caped crusader added to his extensive list of high-profile roles.
In the years following Batman Forever, Kilmer appeared in a number of notable films, cementing his reputation as a reliable character actor with impressive range. He starred in Thunderheart (1992), a thriller about an FBI agent on a murder investigation on an Indian reservation. In The Saint (1997), Kilmer played a master thief, delivering a suave performance that proved his versatility. His role as Doc Holliday in Tombstone (1993) is often cited as one of his finest, capturing the tragic complexity of the famous gunslinger in a memorable Western ensemble alongside Kurt Russell and Sam Elliott.
Kilmer’s roles were often defined by their unpredictability and depth. He appeared alongside Robert De Niro and Al Pacino in Heat (1995), playing a member of a heist crew in this gritty, intense crime drama. He also co-starred with Michael Douglas in The Ghost and the Darkness (1996), a historical adventure about lion hunters in Africa. Kilmer’s commitment to bringing something unique to every role was evident in each performance, whether he was portraying Willem de Kooning in Pollock (2000) or the father of Alexander the Great in Alexander (2004).
One of Kilmer's defining traits was his ability to remain a captivating figure both on and off screen. Known for his quirky, eccentric nature, he earned a reputation early in his career for being difficult to work with. In fact, he was once dubbed “The Man Hollywood Loves to Hate.” Kilmer’s intensity and unpredictability led to friction with some colleagues, but over time, many of those who worked with him came to admire his distinct artistic sensibility. Actor Robert Downey Jr. once admitted that he initially found Kilmer difficult, but later became close friends with him, acknowledging the actor’s unique approach to his craft.
Born on December 31, 1959, in Los Angeles, Kilmer grew up in the neighborhood of Chatsworth, where he was surrounded by notable figures such as Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. A tragedy struck the family when his younger brother, Wesley, drowned in 1977, an event that had a profound impact on Kilmer. His brother's death became a central theme in his career, particularly in his performance in The Salton Sea (2002), a film about a man haunted by guilt and tragedy.
Kilmer’s early education in acting came from his time at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York, where he was one of the youngest students ever admitted. He made his professional debut in theater before transitioning to film, and he continued to appear in stage productions throughout his career. Notably, he performed in Hamlet and ’Tis Pity She’s a Whore, showcasing his range and dedication to his craft.
Kilmer’s personal life was marked by both success and struggle. He was married to actress Joanne Whalley, whom he met on the set of Willow (1988), and together they had two children, Mercedes and Jack. The couple later divorced. Kilmer also spent time living on a ranch near Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he considered entering politics and even contemplated a run for governor of the state.
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Kilmer took on various projects, including roles in The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996) and Wonderland (2003). His commitment to exploring different aspects of his artistry led him to pursue a passion project about Mark Twain, a figure he was fascinated by. Kilmer wrote and performed a one-man play, Citizen Twain, which he toured with across the country. In 2019, he starred as Twain in a film adaptation of his play, Cinema Twain.
In 2021, Kilmer's legacy was documented in Val, a heartfelt film that shared never-before-seen archival footage from his life and career. The documentary, which his children helped produce, offered fans an intimate look at the actor's journey and won several awards, including a Critics' Choice Award for Best Historical or Biographical Documentary.
Kilmer’s career was far from conventional. He spent time away from the limelight, focusing on personal interests and family, but he never lost his star power. In a 2012 interview, he reflected on his unusual career path and expressed no regrets, saying, "Once you’re a star, you’re always a star; it’s just what level?”
Kilmer’s diverse body of work, from intense dramas to action-packed blockbusters, ensured that his influence in Hollywood would be felt for years to come. His dynamic presence and commitment to his craft made him an unforgettable figure in film history. Despite his personal struggles and controversies, Kilmer’s legacy as one of Hollywood’s most intriguing and talented actors remains secure.
