Val Kilmer, Hollywood Legend Who Lost His Voice to Throat Cancer, Dies at 65

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Hollywood actor Val Kilmer, known for his roles as Batman and Jim Morrison, passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 in Los Angeles, United States, at the age of 65. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, explained that her father passed away due to pneumonia.

According to The New York Times, Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 and had recovered by 2021. The illness took away his voice, forcing him to step back from film acting.

However, his talent as a remarkable actor remained evident, especially during his time alongside Tom Cruise in Top Gun.

His acting garnered much praise. As quoted from Los Angeles Times, Val Kilmer received much acclaim for his performances in the films Top Gun, Tombstone, and Batman Forever. Val Kilmer was known for his meticulous work. It's no wonder he could earn 6 million USD per film.

Val Kilmer, however, had an aversion to fame and shunned the media. Following his acclaimed portrayal of Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone's 1991 biographical film The Doors, he decided to step away from the Hollywood limelight.

He purchased a sprawling ranch in New Mexico, where he focused on raising cattle, horseback riding, and writing poetry.

Kilmer's reclusive nature persisted. Known for his irritable demeanor, he often clashed with crew members. His behavior led to strained relationships on set, resulting in his ostracism by co-stars and crew, and ultimately, many filmmakers were reluctant to work with him again.

As director Joel Schumacher expressed after completing the film Batman Forever in 1993,  “I don’t like Val Kilmer, I don’t like his work ethic, and I don’t want to be associated with him ever again.”

Kilmer's reputation continued to the point where he lost his role as a leading actor in the late 2000s, after receiving praise for his lead role in the comedy Kiss Kiss Bang Bang alongside Robert Downey Jr in 2005.

Unfortunately, he encountered financial difficulties, including hefty tax obligations and child support, which forced him to sell his ranch. During this period, he focused on Citizen Twain, a theatrical production he both directed and starred in, touring 30 cities over ten years.

Val Kilmer made his return to the big screen in 2022, reprising his role as Lieutenant Tom "Iceman" Kazansky in Top Gun: Maverick at Tom Cruise's insistence.

Since he had lost his voice due to cancer, AI-based voice technology was used to recreate it. His appearance delighted longtime fans.

NEW YORK TIMES| LOS ANGELES TIMES

Editor’s Choice: Gene Hackman's Family Break Silence on His Passing

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