The actor went to Los Angeles at the age of 65 Val Kilmerfamous for interpreting iconic roles in successful films such as “Top Gun”, “Batman Forever” and “The Doors”. The news was confirmed by the family and daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, who revealed that the cause of the death was one pneumonia. The actor had fought for years against throat cancerdiagnosed in 2014, which had compromised its vocal capacity.
Born on December 31, 1959 in Los Angeles, Kilmer showed an extraordinary talent from an acting. After attending the prestigious Juilliard School, he made his debut in the theater before getting noticed in the world of cinema. The success came in the eighties with the comedies “Top Secret!” and “school of genes”, but it was with “Top Gun” (1986), in the role of Iceman pilotthat his career definitively took off.
In 1991 He masterfully interpreted Jim Morrison In Oliver Stone’s “The Doors” biopic, immersing himself completely in the character and receiving praise from critics. In 1995 the role of Bruce Wayne in “Batman Forever”directed by Joel Schumacher. Despite the great commercial success, Kilmer decided not to continue in the saga, believing that Batman’s character was put in the background compared to his antagonists.
Throat cancer forced him to undergo a tracheotomy
In the following years, he took part in Numerous important filmsincluding “Heat – The challenge” (1995) alongside Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, “Il Santo” (1997) and “Spirits in darkness” (1996). Kilmer demonstrated great versatility, also trying in complex roles such as John Holmes’s in the dramatic “Wonderland” (2003) and Gay Perry in “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang” (2005).
Although no longer on the crest of the wave as in the past, in the following years he continued to work with dedication, also participating in theatrical productions and independent projects. After the diagnosis of throat cancer, he faced a long path of care that took off his voice and forced him to undergo one tracheotomy.
In 2021 it was presented in Cannes The documentary “Val”, which told his battle against the disease and his love for cinema. His last role on the big screen was in 2022, in the “Top Gun: Maverick” sequel, where he appeared in a touching scene next to Tom Cruise. With his disappearance, Hollywood loses a great talented actor who has left an indelible mark in the history of cinema.
