Val Kilmer, the legendary actor known for iconic roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever, and Tombstone, passed away on April 1, 2025, at age 65. His official cause of death has now been confirmed as pneumonia, according to a death certificate obtained by TMZ.
Key Details on Val Kilmer’s Death
- Primary Cause: Pneumonia
- Underlying Conditions:
- Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure
- Chronic respiratory failure
- Squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue (diagnosed in 2014)
- Cremation Date: April 7, 2025
Health Struggles Over the Years
Kilmer had been battling serious health issues since his throat cancer diagnosis in 2014. Although he recovered, the disease left him with severe voice impairment, forcing filmmakers to use AI technology to recreate his voice for his final role in Top Gun: Maverick (2022).
In his final years, Kilmer’s condition worsened, and TMZ reported that he was bedridden for months before his passing.
Hollywood Pays Tribute
Following his death, tributes poured in from co-stars and Hollywood icons, including:
- Tom Cruise (who held a moment of silence at CinemaCon 2025)
- Francis Ford Coppola
- Cher
- Jim Carrey
Kilmer’s daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, previously confirmed to The New York Times that pneumonia was the cause of death, aligning with the official death certificate.
Legacy of a Hollywood Icon
Val Kilmer leaves behind a legendary film legacy, from his breakout role in Top Gun (1986) to his unforgettable performances in The Doors, Heat, and Batman Forever. Despite his health struggles, he remained a beloved figure in Hollywood until the end.
Stay updated on celebrity news and tributes to Val Kilmer’s enduring career.
