Val Kilmer, a prominent and enigmatic figure in Hollywood, passed away on Tuesday in Los Angeles at the age of 65. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed the news. Kilmer was celebrated for his powerful performances and striking looks throughout his tumultuous career.
A diagnosis of throat cancer in 2014 led to years of treatment that significantly affected his voice and health. Although Kilmer overcame the disease through extensive medical interventions—including chemotherapy, radiation, and two tracheotomies—he ultimately succumbed to pneumonia, a common but serious complication for those with weakened immune systems.
Kilmer’s health struggles were documented in the acclaimed 2021 film Val, which offered an intimate look into his personal and professional life.
At the time of his passing, Val Kilmer’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million. While this seems modest for someone who once commanded some of the industry’s highest fees, various circumstances affected his financial situation. In the mid-1990s, Kilmer was among the top-paid actors, earning $7 million for Batman Forever (1995) and $13 million in 1997 from his roles in The Saint and The Island of Dr. Moreau. Adjusted for inflation, these figures equate to approximately $20 million today. However, his finances suffered after his divorce from actress Joanne Whalley in 1996, coupled with a decline in major roles due to his reputation for being difficult to work with.
Kilmer’s career was marked by several iconic roles, including:
- Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991): Kilmer received critical acclaim for his portrayal, especially for his ability to capture the rock legend’s essence.
- Doc Holliday in Tombstone (1993): This cult classic role remains one of Kilmer’s most celebrated performances.
- Batman/Bruce Wayne in Batman Forever (1995): Despite mixed reviews of the film, Kilmer’s performance earned praise from Batman co-creator Bob Kane.
- Heat (1995): Kilmer starred alongside legends Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in this acclaimed crime thriller. Other notable appearances included Real Genius (1985), The Ghost and the Darkness (1996), Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005), and he provided the voice for Moses in The Prince of Egypt (1998).
Born Val Edward Kilmer on December 31, 1959, in Los Angeles, he attended Chatsworth High School and later became the youngest student admitted to Juilliard’s drama division. He started his career in theater before making his film debut in the 1984 satire Top Secret!
Kilmer’s personal life included high-profile relationships with actresses like Cher and Ellen Barkin. He met his future wife, Joanne Whalley, on the set of Willow in 1988; they married and had two children, Mercedes and Jack, before divorcing in 1996. A lifelong Christian Scientist, Kilmer maintained a private spiritual life, occasionally incorporating religious themes into his work. His battle with cancer led to the loss of his natural speaking voice, and he later relied on a voice box and technology for communication.
Val Kilmer’s legacy consists of a mix of brilliance and challenges. He is remembered for his dedicated performances and theatrical inclinations, exemplified by his one-man play Citizen Twain in 2010. He continued working in film and television throughout the 2010s, including a reprise of his Iceman role in Top Gun: Maverick (2022).
Kilmer will be remembered as a complex and talented figure in Hollywood, whose journey through fame reflected the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry.
