WEB DESK: Val Kilmer, the acclaimed actor known for iconic roles in films such as Top Gun, The Doors, and Batman Forever, has passed away at the age of 65. The New York Times reported his death, citing pneumonia as the cause, according to his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer.
Born in California and a graduate of Juilliard, Kilmer rose to prominence in the 1990s, initially earning praise for his talent but later facing challenges in his career due to conflicts with directors and co-stars.
Over the years, he became known for his temperamental behavior and intense approach to acting. Reflecting on his reputation, Kilmer once stated, “When certain people criticise me for being demanding, I think that’s a cover for something they didn’t do well.”
Kilmer’s film career began with the 1984 spoof Top Secret! and continued with the cult classic Real Genius in 1985. His breakout role came in 1986 when he starred alongside Tom Cruise as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in Top Gun. He later appeared in the fantasy epic Willow and married his co-star, Joanne Whalley, with whom he had two children.
One of his most acclaimed performances was as Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors (1991). To obtain the role, Kilmer created an impressive audition tape that showcased his resemblance to Morrison and included his own musical performances. This film marked the pinnacle of his career, leading to further success in Tombstone (1993), Heat (1995), and taking on the role of Batman in Batman Forever.
However, the reception to Batman Forever was mixed, and Kilmer faced criticism for his portrayal, which was overshadowed by co-stars Tommy Lee Jones and Jim Carrey. After this, he notoriously opted out of continuing with the franchise, leading director Joel Schumacher to remark on Kilmer’s tumultuous nature during filming.
Kilmer’s career faced a significant downturn after a troubled production of The Island of Dr. Moreau (1996), where his clashes with co-star Marlon Brando became widely reported. Filmmaker John Frankenheimer famously stated he would not work with Kilmer again, highlighting the difficulties they encountered during production.
Despite these challenges, Kilmer’s legacy as a Hollywood icon endures, and he remains a notable figure in cinematic history, even as he was nominated multiple times for Razzie Awards honoring the year’s worst performances. His complex personality and artistic commitment have left an indelible mark on the film industry.
