Hollywood star Val Kilmer, has died aged 65, it has been announced.
It was reported that the actor, renowned for his role as Iceman in Top Gun, died from pneumonia. He was previously diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, and underwent radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and a tracheostomy, which hindered his ability to speak.
Reflecting on the challenges he faced following his diagnosis in the Amazon Prime documentary, Val, the actor said: "I obviously am sounding much worse than I feel. I can’t speak without plugging this hole (in his throat). You have to make the choice to breathe or to eat. It’s an obstacle that is very present with whoever sees me".
In 1986, Kilmer shot to fame as cocky fighter pilot Iceman in Top Gun, starring Tom Cruise. Kilmer's on-screen rivalry and eventual friendship with Cruise's character Maverick, was an integral part of the film's legacy.
The actor earned critical acclaim for his performance as Jim Morrison in the biopic, The Doors in 1991. Kilmer also portrayed Batman in Batman Forever in 1996.
Kilmer's final on screen appearance came in 2022, when he returned for Top Gun: Maverick.
"I've known Val for decades, and for him to come back and play that character... he's such a powerful actor that he instantly became that character again", Cruise said of Kilmer's return during an interview with Jimmy Kimmel in 2023.
Val Kilmer was married to British actress, Joanne Whalley from 1988 to 1996. The couple had two children.
