Val Kilmer, the versatile Hollywood actor renowned for iconic roles in Batman Forever, The Doors, and Top Gun, passed away on Tuesday at age 65 . A charismatic yet enigmatic figure, Kilmer’s career spanned decades, blending blockbuster stardom with critically praised performances .
Kilmer first gained prominence as Iceman in Top Gun (1986), a role he reprised in 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick . His portrayal of Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991) and Batman in Batman Forever (1995) cemented his status as a leading man, though he often gravitated toward complex supporting roles in films like Tombstone (1993) and Heat (1995) .
Beyond acting, Kilmer explored directing and writing, including a one-man play about Mark Twain, Citizen Twain, and the 2021 documentary Val, which chronicled his life and career . His legacy endures as a uniquely talented performer whose unpredictability and depth left an indelible mark on cinema .