Veteran Actor Val Kilmer Dies at 65 from Pneumonia Complications:

Veteran actor Val Kilmer passed away on April 1, 2025, at the age of 65. Authorities have now confirmed that pneumonia was the primary cause of his death.

According to TMZ, which obtained the official death certificate from the Los Angeles County Department of Health, Kilmer died due to "acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, chronic respiratory failure, and squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue."

His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, also told The New York Times that pneumonia was responsible for his passing.

Long-Term Health Struggles and Cancer Battle

Val Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015. The treatment affected his vocal cords significantly, making it difficult for him to speak.

Despite initial recovery, the disease left lasting health effects. When Kilmer reprised his role as Iceman in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), filmmakers used AI to recreate his voice.

He openly spoke about how the illness impacted his life and career. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Kilmer shared how cancer changed his outlook and how he remained committed to acting.

Final Months and Legacy in Hollywood

Reports suggest that Kilmer had been bedridden for several months before his death. His condition had worsened in the years leading up to his passing.

Val Kilmer is remembered for his iconic roles in movies like:

Top Gun

The Doors

Batman Forever

Kill Me Again

His determination to keep acting despite serious illness made a lasting impression on fans and colleagues alike.