Val Kilmer dead at 65: Batman and Top Gun star dies of pneumonia after long health battle

HOLLYWOOD legend Val Kilmer has died at the age of 65 after a lengthy battle with his health.

The Batman and Top Gun star passed away in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

Val Kilmer in a Top Gun flight suit.
Val Kilmer starred in hit move Top Gun
Rex

His daughter Mercedes Kilmer, who he shared with ex-wife Joanne Whalley, revealed his death.

The movie legend – who was one of the biggest stars of the 80s and 90s – was diagnosed with throat cancer back in 2014.

He underwent major surgery including a tracheotomy which significantly impacted his ability to speak.

He was later declared cancer free. 

Kilmer starred alongside Tom Cruise as the fighter pilot Iceman in 1986 hit Top Gun.

And despite his health battle, he made a brief cameo in the film’s 2022 sequel Top Gun: Maverick.

He also took up the mantle as Batman in 1995’s Batman Forever – taking on Jim Carrey as The Riddler and Tommy Lee Jones as Two Face.

He also played musician Jim Morrison in the 1991 film The Doors.

He leaves behind an incredible movie

Aside from Mercedes, 33, he is also survived by son Jack Kilmer, 29. 

Kilmer was married to their mother Joanne from 1988 until 1996.

In the Amazon Prime documentary entitled Val, Kilmer spoke candidly about living with the consequences of throat cancer including having to use an electric device called a voice box on the artificial hole in his throat to talk.

‘I obviously am sounding much worse than I feel. I can’t speak without plugging this hole [in his throat],’ he said.

The actor, who also had to have meals through a feeding tube, explained some of the other challenges.

‘You have to make the choice to breathe or to eat. It’s an obstacle that is very present with whoever sees me,’ he said.

Kilmer has previously detailed how he was unaware he had throat cancer until one day he coughed up ‘coagulated blood’ and called for an ambulance before passing out.

 

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