Val Kilmer, the American actor celebrated for his performances in iconic films such as 'Top Gun', 'Batman Forever', and 'The Doors', has died at the age of 65. His death was reported on April 1, with confirmation from his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer.

She stated that her father succumbed to pneumonia, a complication arising from years of battling throat cancer, which he had been diagnosed with in 2014. While he reportedly experienced a period of remission, the effects of his illness left a significant impact on his health and career.

Kilmer's early career was marked by his breakthrough role as 'Iceman' in the 1986 blockbuster 'Top Gun', a role that contributed to his rise in Hollywood.

In a notable return to this character, he reprised his role in the 2022 sequel 'Top Gun: Maverick', which incorporated elements of his health challenges into its narrative.

Additionally, Kilmer portrayed the legendary rock musician Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone's 1991 film 'The Doors' and took on the role of Bruce Wayne in 'Batman Forever' in 1995, emphasizing his versatility in various genres.

In 2021, the documentary 'Val' provided an intimate look at Kilmer's life and career, featuring personal footage he had recorded over decades.

This documentary highlighted both his successes and the challenges he faced, including a tumultuous experience while filming 'The Island of Dr. Moreau' in 1996, a project that was critically panned and considered a commercial failure.

Kilmer was recognized for his talent from a young age, being the youngest student to enroll at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York.

Despite his aspirations to engage in serious filmmaking, he became primarily known for his roles in major blockbuster films alongside occasional commercial setbacks throughout his career.

Reports indicated that while he was often described as having a strong personality, he was also recognized for his sensitive and endearing nature by industry insiders.