Val Kilmer, one of the most iconic actors of the 80s and 90s, passed away on April 1, 2025 at the age of 65 in his home in Los Angeles. The news shook the film world and left a huge void among his fans and colleagues. But beyond the emotional impact, many wonder: what was the cause of Val Kilmer’s death?
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The actor who portrayed Jim Morrison in the movie “The Doors” had been facing serious health problems for over a decade.
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In 2014, he was diagnosed with throat cancer, a disease that drastically affected his life. He underwent chemotherapy, surgeries, and a tracheotomy that left him with difficulties speaking and breathing naturally.
Despite these obstacles, Kilmer never stopped fighting. He even collaborated on his own documentary titled Val, released in 2021, where he shared personal recordings and spoke candidly about his battle against cancer. That film was an intimate testimony of his resilience.
What did the iconic actor die of?
The family confirmed that the actor died due to pneumonia. Mercedes Kilmer, his daughter, explained to the New York Times that his health deterioration was sudden, although his overall condition had been delicate for several years. “My dad always fought with great strength, until the end,” she commented in the statement.
Pneumonia, which ultimately ended his life, is a common complication in people with a history of cancer and respiratory problems. Doctors explained that, due to his previous interventions and the condition of his trachea, his body was unable to fight the lung infection.
Tom Cruise close friendship with Val Kilmer
Val Kilmer will be remembered for many iconic roles. One of the most beloved by the audience was that of the pilot “Iceman” in Top Gun, a cult film where he shared the screen with Tom Cruise. He also portrayed Batman in Batman Forever.
In recent years, despite his physical sequels, Kilmer had a brief but emotional participation in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), where he reprised his role as Iceman thanks to the use of artificial intelligence to recreate his voice. The scene was one of the most applauded moments of the movie.
Beyond the screen, Val Kilmer was also known for his artistic spirit. He wrote poetry, painted, and participated in theatrical projects. His life was intense, creative, and often marked by risky decisions, such as turning down roles that later became successful or publicly confronting producers.
The love from the audience has been felt on social media, where thousands of people have shared scenes, quotes, and tributes.
Tom Cruise said of the scene with Val Kilmer in Top Gun: Maverick: “I was crying, I was crying. I got emotional...He’s such a brilliant actor, I love his work.”