Val Kilmer, the versatile actor who captured the hearts of audiences with the ailing Doc Holliday in Tombstone, has passed away at the age of 65. The actor, who had been battling throat cancer for several years, died on Tuesday in Los Angeles. His daughter, Mercedes, confirmed the cause of death to The New York Times, revealing that pneumonia was the final complication in his long health struggle.
Kilmer’s representatives have yet to provide an official statement on his passing.
Kilmer’s career spanned decades, marked by a series of standout roles that defined the 1980s and 1990s. Known for his striking good looks and turbulent on-screen presence, he appeared in a diverse array of films that showcased his ability to embody complex, larger-than-life characters. From the adrenaline-fueled skies of Top Gun (1986) to the sci-fi comedy Real Genius (1985), and from the swashbuckling fantasy of Willow (1988) to the gritty crime drama Heat (1995), Kilmer was a leading man who became synonymous with the era.
One of his most unforgettable performances came in 1991 when he portrayed the enigmatic rock legend Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors. Kilmer, who immersed himself completely in the role, famously memorized every song by the iconic frontman and spent a year dressing in clothes that echoed Morrison’s style. Roger Ebert praised Kilmer’s portrayal, calling it the “best thing in the movie,” a testament to the actor’s deep commitment and transformation into the legendary musician.
But it was Tombstone (1993) where Kilmer’s portrayal of the wit-sharp, consumptive Doc Holliday truly resonated with audiences. His sardonic humor, emotional depth, and pitch-perfect delivery of lines like “I’m your huckleberry” turned the character into a fan favorite, cementing Kilmer’s legacy in Hollywood.
Kilmer’s foray into the Batman franchise came in 1995 with Batman Forever, directed by Joel Schumacher. Although the film received mixed reviews, with The New York Times noting that Kilmer was a competent Batman but not an improvement over Michael Keaton, his interpretation of the Dark Knight stood out in a franchise that was trying to regain its footing after Keaton’s departure. Kilmer was replaced by George Clooney in 1997’s Batman & Robin, a notorious box office failure that nearly killed the superhero genre on film.
Despite his early success, Kilmer’s career became known for its volatility, particularly during the troubled production of The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996), where he famously clashed with both Marlon Brando and director John Frankenheimer. The chaos on set, documented in his 2021 biographical film Val, led to a reputation for being difficult to work with, although his raw, introspective nature and passion for the craft were equally evident in his personal life and artistic pursuits.
His later career saw a shift towards smaller, independent projects, with notable roles in The Ghost and the Darkness (1996), Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005), and Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans (2009). He also appeared in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), where he reprised his iconic role as Iceman, though his ability to speak had been taken from him by his battle with cancer.
Kilmer’s personal life was marked by his deep spirituality as a lifelong Christian Scientist. He kept his health struggles private for years, refusing to publicly confirm his cancer diagnosis after it was first disclosed by Michael Douglas in 2016. His creative pursuits outside of acting included a one-man show, Citizen Twain, and a memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry, published in 2020. His artistic sensibilities extended to painting, and he continued to mentor young actors in theater programs, all while living on a ranch in New Mexico.
Kilmer is survived by his children, daughter Mercedes and son Jack, from his marriage to actress Joanne Whalley, whom he divorced in 1996.
