Hollywood star Val Kilmer passes away at 65 after battling throat cancer
Val Kilmer, a representative actor in Hollywood, has passed away at the age of 65 after battling throat cancer.
On the 1st of this month (local time), The New York Times reported the news of Val Kilmer’s death.
Val Kilmer was a prominent leading man in Hollywood during the 1980s and 90s, building a solid acting career with various films such as "Top Gun," "Batman Forever," "Real Genius," "Willow," "Heat," and "The Saint." He gained worldwide popularity for his role as "Iceman" in "Top Gun," in which he starred alongside Tom Cruise.
Kilmer fought throat cancer for several years, which resulted in the loss of his voice. Nevertheless, he made a special appearance in 2021 in "Top Gun: Maverick," touching the hearts of his fans.
In the same year, a documentary titled "Val," capturing his life, was released, candidly showing his journey as an actor and his battle with illness.
Val Kilmer's dedicated acting career
Kilmer began to gain attention in 1986 for his role as a smart college student in the sci-fi comedy film "Real Genius." He firmly established himself as a leading Hollywood actor by playing a rival to Tom Cruise in "Top Gun."
One of Kilmer's most recognized works is Oliver Stone’s 1993 film "The Doors." In this film, he portrayed the charismatic and troubled Jim Morrison.
To fully immerse himself in the role, he memorized all of Morrison's song lyrics before auditions and lived in similar clothing to Morrison for about a year, showcasing his dedication to his craft.
Kilmer also displayed his prowess as an action hero in "Batman Forever" in 1995, where he played Batman. In Michael Mann's "Heat," he received acclaim for his performances alongside Robert De Niro and Al Pacino.
Val Kilmer’s passing has brought great sorrow to Hollywood and film fans worldwide. His diverse body of work and passionate performances will remain a lasting legacy in film history.
Image sources: Val Kilmer / Variety, Val Kilmer showcased his fighting spirit in the movie "Top Gun: Maverick" / "Top Gun: Maverick," "Top Gun," "Batman Forever"
