Val Kilmer: Hollywood legend dies of pneumonia at the age of 65!

Val Kilmer: Hollywood legend dies of pneumonia at the age of 65!

Los Angeles, USA - Val Kilmer, the well-known Hollywood star, died in Los Angeles on April 1, 2025 at the age of 65. According to his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, he died of the consequences of pneumonia. Kilmer was born in Los Angeles on December 31, 1959 and was a formative face of the film industry, whose career in the 1980s with his debut in "Top Secret!" started. His breakthrough came in 1986 with the role of Iceman in "Top Gun".

The 1990s were a heyday for Kilmer, with significant roles in films such as Jim Morrison in "The Doors" (1991) and Batman in "Batman Forever" (1995). For the latter film, he received a fee of $ 7 million and was one of Hollywood's best paid actors this decade. At the time of his death, his assets were estimated at around $ 10 million. In 2011 he sold most of his 5,328 hectares in New Mexico for $ 18.5 million. Particular attention is paid to the fact that Kilmer had no interest in luxury goods such as yachts or private jets.

career and challenges

The career of Val Kilmer was characterized by ups and downs. While he celebrated great success in the 1980s and 1990s, he suffered from a difficult image in the following years. He was reportedly described on the set of "Batman Forever" by director Joel Schumacher as uncooperative and moody. Kilmer had outbursts of anger and is said to be disrespectful with crew members, which had a negative impact on not only his work environment, but also his career opportunities in the 2000s. Oliver Stone also critically commented on the collaboration with Kilmer at "The Doors". These conflicts made it difficult for him to access suitable roles and led him to get hardly any suitable offers during this time.

2014 was diagnosed with larynx cancer at Kilmer, which was a turning point in his career. Despite intensive treatments, including chemotherapy, he had in 2020 with the publication of his autobiography "I'm your huckleberry: a memoir". His last big appearance took place in 2022 in "Top Gun: Maverick", where he again played the role of Iceman.

private life

Val Kilmer was married to actress Joanne Whalley from 1988 to 1996. Two children emerged from this marriage: Mercedes and Jack. The divorce was a formative event for Kilmer, and he devoted a special relationship to his late brother Wesley, who died at the age of only 15. Wesley, who was considered highly gifted and suffered from epilepsy, was Kilmer's "biggest hero".

For additional information about Val Kilmer's life and career, visit the articles by OE24 , Rolling stone as well as dw .