Val Kilmer, the versatile actor who is best known for playing “Iceman” in Top gun and Batman in Batman foreverdied, his daughter confirmed on Tuesday to the New York Times. He was 65.
The actor, for whom the diagnosis was diagnosed with throat cancer and later recovered, died of pneumonia. Although his health struggle was long and difficult, his inheritance in Hollywood cannot be denied.
Known in his characters, Kilmer never shunned from a challenge. In 1981 he was admitted to the youngest student to Juilliard, at the age of 17, the Associated Press reported. Five years later, his performance such as the Eigenwijs, cool “Iceman” in 1986 Top gun catapulted him to star and established him as a leading man in Hollywood.
Kilmer then played Jim Morrison in The doors (1991), Doc Holliday in the Classic Western Tombstone (1993) and Batman in Batman forever (1995). His broad reach was clear in films like Heat (1995) and True romance (1993), where he switched from a leading man to a controversial supporting player.
Kilmer’s personal life was equally colorful. He married actress Joanne Whalley, whom he met on the 1988 set Willow. The couple had two children, Mercedes and Jack, before they separated in 1996. Kilmer shared his personal journey with fans via the documentary Fall (2021), produced by his two children, who threw an intimate look at his life, career and health struggle.
Even after he had withdrawn from Hollywood, Kilmer continued to be a magnetic force and his work continues to inspire future generations of actors.
Here is a look at some of Kilmer’s most unforgettable film versions and where to watch:
Top gun (1986)
Kilmer and Tom Cruise in Top gun. (Paramount Pictures/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty images)
Kilmer played the rival “Iceman” to “Maverick” by Tom Cruise. The film, about Navy Fighter Pilots, became an immediate classic and remains one of Kilmer’s most recognizable roles. Three decades later Kilmer repeated his role Top gun: Maverick (2022), Marking his emotional return to the big screen in what his last film performance would be.
Where to look: Streaming on paramount+. Available to buy or rent on Amazon and other VOD platforms.
Stream on Paramount+
Willow (1988)
Kilmer next to actor Warwick Davis in a scene Willow. (MGM/Courtesy or Everett Collection)
Kilmer played opposite Joanne Whalley in this fantasy epos directed by Ron Howard and written by George Lucas. Kilmer played Madmartigan, a rogue sword fighter and brought Charme and Humor to the film, who has since developed a loyal supporter.
Where to look: Streaming on Disney+. Available for renting or buying on Amazon and other VOD platforms.
Stream on Disney+
The doors (1991)
Kilmer, as Jim Morrison, is arrested by the police in The doors. (Carolco/Getty Images)
In Oliver Stone’s biographical film about the legendary rock band Kilmer delivered an enchanting representation of Jim Morrison, who completely embodied the troubled rock star.
Where to look: Streaming on paramount+. Available to buy or rent on Amazon and other VOD platforms.
Stream on Paramount+
Tombstone (1993)
Kurt Russell and Kilmer in Tombstone. (Buena Vista Pictures/Courtesy or Everett Collection)
Kilmer’s performance as the ailing Gunslinger Doc Holliday in the Gruizige Western is considered one of his best. His chemistry with Kurt Russell, who played Wyatt Earp, helped make Tombstone A cult favorite.
Where to look: Available to buy or rent on Amazon and other VOD platforms.
Rent or buy
True romance (1993)
Christian Slater and Kilmer in Real romance. (Warner Bros./courtesy of Everett Collection)
Kilmer had a memorable cameo in this Quentin Tarantino-torn film, which played an Elvis-like appearance that led the character of Christian Slater. Although his role was short, his performance is striking.
Where to look: Available to buy or rent on Amazon and other VOD platforms.
Rent or buy
Batman forever (1995)
Kilmer and Nicole Kidman in Batman forever. (Warner Bros. Pictures/Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty images)
As the Caped Crusader in the Campy of Joel Schumacher on the Batman franchise, Kilmer put on the Bat Suit to fight against two face (Tommy Lee Jones) and the Riddler (Carey). Despite mixed reviews, his portrait became an essential part of the Batman foundation.
Where to look: Streaming at max. Available to buy or rent on Amazon and other VOD platforms.
Stream on Max
Heat (1995)
Robert de Niro and Kilmer in Heat. (Warner Bros. Pictures/Courtesy or Everett Collection)
Kilmer, together with Al Pacino and Robert de Niro, acted in Michael Mann’s intense crime drama about Master Dieven and the agent she pursues. The role of Kilmer as a member of the Heist crew left a lasting impact.
Where to look: Streaming on Netflix and Hulu. Available for renting or buying on Amazon and other VOD platforms.
Stream on Hulu
