A versatile leading man praised for his talent, Val Kilmer was charismatic yet unpredictable, even stepping away from Hollywood for a decade.
Val Kilmer, a distinguished Hollywood actor whose career spanned decades, passed away on Tuesday in Los Angeles at the age of 65. Kilmer, known for his leading roles as Jim Morrison in "The Doors" and as Batman in "Batman Forever," as well as his numerous supporting roles that showcased his versatility, left an indelible mark on the film industry. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, stated that the cause of death was pneumonia. Although he had been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, he later recovered from the disease but continued to experience health complications in the years that followed.
Kilmer was born Val Edward Kilmer on December 31, 1959, in Los Angeles, California. He grew up in the Chatsworth neighborhood, a place known for its rural charm and celebrity residents. His childhood was steeped in Hollywood culture, with famous neighbors like Roy Rogers and Dale Evans. His early years were shaped by both privilege and tragedy; his parents, Eugene and Gladys (Ekstadt) Kilmer, divorced when he was nine years old. In 1977, his younger brother Wesley drowned in a swimming pool, a devastating event that haunted Kilmer for years and deeply influenced his performances, particularly in "The Salton Sea" (2002), where he portrayed a man tormented by guilt. This personal tragedy became one of the driving forces behind his commitment to acting, using his craft as an emotional outlet.
From a young age, Kilmer displayed a remarkable talent for acting. He was accepted into the prestigious Juilliard School’s drama division at just 17, making him one of the youngest students ever admitted. During his time at Juilliard, he co-wrote and performed in "How It All Began," a play based on the autobiography of the West German urban guerrilla Michael Baumann. This early success in theater foreshadowed his later career on both stage and screen.
Kilmer made his Broadway debut in 1983 in "The Slab Boys," a play about young Scottish factory workers. His co-stars included Sean Penn and Kevin Bacon. He later played Hamlet at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival in 1988, showcasing his classical training. His theatrical background lent depth and complexity to his film roles, making him one of the most enigmatic actors of his generation. His approach to acting was deeply methodical, often immersing himself entirely in his characters, sometimes to the frustration of his directors and co-stars.
His first significant film role came in 1984 with "Top Secret!," a satirical Cold War spy comedy in which he played an American rock-and-roll singer unwittingly caught in an espionage plot. The film demonstrated his comedic timing and ability to carry a movie. However, it was his role in "Top Gun" (1986) that catapulted him to widespread fame. Playing Tom "Iceman" Kazansky, the cocky rival to Tom Cruise’s Maverick, Kilmer delivered a performance that became iconic. His chemistry with Cruise, combined with the film’s high-flying action sequences, cemented his status as a Hollywood leading man.
In 1991, Kilmer took on the role of Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s "The Doors." His transformation into the legendary rock singer was nothing short of astonishing. Not only did he physically resemble Morrison, but he also sang many of the songs himself, impressing both critics and audiences. His portrayal captured Morrison’s wild charisma and self-destructive tendencies, earning him acclaim and solidifying his reputation as a serious actor.
Following "The Doors," Kilmer starred in "Thunderheart" (1992), playing an FBI agent investigating a murder on a Native American reservation. He also had a memorable cameo in "True Romance" (1993), playing an ethereal vision of Elvis Presley, a role that further showcased his ability to bring depth to even the smallest parts. His role choices during this period reflected his willingness to embrace unconventional characters and stories that challenged mainstream Hollywood narratives.
His career reached another peak in 1995 when he stepped into the role of Batman in Joel Schumacher’s "Batman Forever." Following Michael Keaton’s departure, Kilmer was chosen to don the cape and cowl. Starring alongside Tommy Lee Jones as Two-Face and Jim Carrey as the Riddler, Kilmer’s performance was met with mixed reviews. While he embodied the brooding nature of Bruce Wayne, critics and audiences debated the film’s over-the-top tone. Janet Maslin of The New York Times wrote, “Serious audiences will be less interested than ever in what’s under Batman’s cape or cowl. There’s not much to contemplate here beyond the spectacle of gimmicky props and the kitsch of good actors (all of whom have lately done better work elsewhere) dressed for a red-hot Halloween.”
Despite this, Kilmer’s filmography remained diverse. He played the charismatic Doc Holliday in "Tombstone" (1993), a Western starring Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp. His portrayal of the tubercular gunslinger became one of the most beloved performances of his career. He also starred in Michael Mann’s "Heat" (1995) alongside Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, playing a skilled criminal in a high-stakes heist. His performance in "Heat" further solidified his reputation as a powerhouse actor who could hold his own alongside industry legends.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Kilmer continued to work in a variety of genres. He played a skilled thief in "The Saint" (1997), a scientist battling deadly lions in "The Ghost and the Darkness" (1996), and Philip of Macedon in Oliver Stone’s historical epic "Alexander" (2004). He also starred in "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" (2005) with Robert Downey Jr., a film that gained cult status for its witty dialogue and neo-noir elements.
Kilmer’s personal life often made headlines. He was known for being intensely dedicated to his craft but also for his eccentric behavior. His marriage to actress Joanne Whalley, whom he met on the set of "Willow" (1988), ended in divorce. The couple had two children, Mercedes and Jack. His relationships and career choices often painted the picture of a deeply passionate, sometimes misunderstood artist who prioritized his art above all else.
Later in life, Kilmer focused on personal projects. He developed a deep interest in Mark Twain and spent years researching and performing his one-man show, "Citizen Twain." He also directed and starred in a related film, "Cinema Twain" (2019). His passion for storytelling extended to documentary filmmaking, and in 2021, "Val," a documentary based on his personal footage, was released to critical acclaim. "Val" offered audiences a deeply personal look into his career, struggles, and his undying love for acting.
Val Kilmer’s career was marked by bold choices, transformative performances, and a relentless commitment to his craft. Despite health struggles in his later years, he remained a beloved figure in Hollywood, known for his unforgettable roles and enigmatic presence. His legacy will endure through the many iconic characters he brought to life on screen. His journey from a young theater prodigy to one of Hollywood’s most respected actors serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists and cinephiles alike. Through his body of work, Kilmer’s passion and artistry will continue to inspire generations of film lovers.