Val Kilmer, the versatile actor who portrayed Bruce Wayne in Batman Forever, embodied Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors, and delivered a standout performance as Doc Holliday in Tombstone, passed away on Tuesday in Los Angeles. He was 65. According to his daughter Mercedes, the cause of death was pneumonia. Kilmer had been battling throat cancer for several years.

A Remarkable Career in Hollywood

The baby-faced, blonde actor enjoyed a successful run as a leading man throughout the 1980s and 1990s. His filmography boasts iconic titles such as Top Gun, Real Genius, Willow, Heat, and The Saint. Despite his well-documented reputation for being difficult on set, Kilmer’s undeniable talent made him a sought-after star.

In 2022, he briefly returned to the screen in Top Gun: Maverick. Although he could no longer speak due to his illness, his presence in the film was a touching nod to his legacy.

A Deeply Personal Documentary

In 2021, the documentary Val provided an intimate look at his life and career. The film featured hundreds of hours of footage recorded by Kilmer himself over the years. His son lent his voice to narrate the documentary, revealing Kilmer as a deeply introspective artist who viewed his craft as more than just a job.

The Batman Legacy

Kilmer stepped into the role of Batman in Joel Schumacher’s Batman Forever (1995), taking over from Michael Keaton. His portrayal of the Caped Crusader received mixed reviews, with The New York Times noting, “The prime costume is now worn by Val Kilmer, who makes a good Batman but not a better one than Michael Keaton.” He did not return for Batman & Robin (1997), a widely panned sequel that saw George Clooney take over the role.

Early Breakthroughs and Major Hits

Kilmer’s rise to fame began when he reportedly turned down a role in Francis Ford Coppola’s The Outsiders, opting instead for the 1984 comedy Top Secret!—a spy spoof in which he played a rock star and performed his own songs. His next major role came in Real Genius (1985), where he played a gifted college student. His career skyrocketed when he starred alongside Tom Cruise in Top Gun (1986), a film that became a worldwide sensation.

While filming Willow (1988), he met actress Joanne Whalley, who would later become his wife. They co-starred again in Kill Me Again (1989), showcasing their chemistry both on and off the screen.

Becoming Jim Morrison

One of Kilmer’s most celebrated roles came in 1991 when he transformed into Jim Morrison for Oliver Stone’s The Doors. His dedication to the part was extraordinary—he memorized all of Morrison’s lyrics before auditioning and even dressed like the legendary singer for nearly a year. Film critic Roger Ebert praised his performance, calling it “the best thing in the movie.”

A Lasting Legacy

Despite his ups and downs in Hollywood, Val Kilmer’s impact on the industry remains undeniable. His performances captivated audiences, and his artistic dedication set him apart. His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations of actors and movie lovers alike.