Val Kilmer, Iconic Actor from 'Top Gun' and 'The Doors,' Dies at 65
Val Kilmer, celebrated for his roles in 'Top Gun' and 'The Doors,' dies at 65 due to pneumonia after a prolonged battle with throat cancer.
Thirty-two years later, the scene remains an understated classic, proof that gun battles needn’t be the overly dramatic shoot-em-ups that populate so many popcorn Westerns — Tombstone included.
Val Kilmer Gave Us the Best Gunfight of the Modern Western Era
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Kilmer, who died Tuesday at age 65, was a true original.
From ‘Top Gun’ to ‘Tombstone,’ notable Val Kilmer films and where to watch them
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Kilmer kept coming back to rock icons, though this was the most unconventional one of them all.
From 'Top Gun' to 'Tombstone,' here are Val Kilmer's 10 essential roles
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Kilmer’s treatment, which included chemotherapy, radiation and two tracheotomies, permanently affected his health.
Everything Val Kilmer said about his throat cancer battle before his death at 65: ‘It’s an obstacle’
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Real Genius is admittedly a bit cheesy.
RIP Val Kilmer: Celebrating cult classicReal Geniusis now a moral imperative
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Val Kilmer just said, ‘Give me a good character and let me cook,’ and very few have cooked as creatively than the man looking to be a huckleberry.
MEDIAite·16h·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.Kilmer, who died Tuesday at age 65, was a true original.
From 'Top Gun' to 'Tombstone,' notable Val Kilmer films and where to watch them
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Despite the brutal toll cancer took on Kilmer, the actor said he never felt bad about his health issues.
Inside Val Kilmer's 11-year struggle with throat cancer
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Kilmer died from pneumonia, his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, said in an email to The Associated Press.
Val Kilmer, Star of ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Batman,’ Dies at 65
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Kilmer, the youngest actor ever accepted to the prestigious Juilliard School at the time he attended, experienced the ups and downs of fame more dramatically than most.
Val Kilmer, 'Top Gun' and Batman star with an intense approach, dies at 65
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Kilmer’s performances in films like The Doors, Heat and Batman Forever are all likely to come up, while Willow and True Romance have their own dedicated fans.
Val Kilmer's best known roles in pictures: Heat, Top Gun, Batman Forever, True Romance and Deja Vu
BBC News·1d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.Kilmer, the youngest actor ever accepted to the prestigious Juilliard School at the time he attended, experienced the ups and downs of fame more dramatically than most.
'Top Gun' Star Val Kilmer Dies of Pneumonia at 65
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Kilmer experienced the ups and downs of fame more dramatically than most.
Val Kilmer Dies at Age 65 From Pneumonia
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Summary
Val Kilmer, known for his roles as Jim Morrison in 'The Doors' and Iceman in 'Top Gun,' died at 65 from pneumonia. Confirmed by his daughter, his death marked the end of a resilient battle with throat cancer first diagnosed in 2015. Although Kilmer regained success with a role in 'Top Gun: Maverick,' ongoing health issues from treatments like tracheostomy altered his voice. Tributes poured in from collaborators, including 'Heat' director Michael Mann, highlighting his extraordinary talent despite personal challenges. The actor's legacy endures through his impactful performances and the 2021 documentary 'Val'.
Perspectives
Val Kilmer, known for iconic roles in films like 'Top Gun' and 'Batman Forever', passed away at 65, highlighting his multifaceted legacy in Hollywood.
His 2021 documentary 'Val' offers an intimate glimpse into his health struggles and career, showcasing both his resilience and the impact of his long battle with throat cancer.
Kilmer's candidness about his personal battles has resonated with fans, illustrating the often unseen struggles faced by actors in the industry.
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History
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