Val Kilmer’s official cause of death has been confirmed by Los Angeles County officials. The 65-year-old actor, best known for his roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever, and The Doors, passed away on April 1, 2025, in Los Angeles after a long struggle with various health problems.
According to documentation from the Los Angeles County Department of Health, Kilmer died from pneumonia. Several underlying conditions contributed to his death, including acute and chronic respiratory failure, squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue (a type of throat cancer), malnutrition, and a tracheocutaneous fistula—an opening in the neck that is often related to the use of a breathing tube.
Kilmer had been dealing with serious health issues for years. After being diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015, he underwent treatment that affected his voice. As a result, he lost the ability to speak normally. For his final film role in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), filmmakers used artificial intelligence to recreate his voice, allowing him to reprise his iconic role as “Iceman.”
In his final years, Kilmer’s condition worsened. Reports indicate he was bedridden for several months before his death. Despite his health struggles, he remained a beloved figure in Hollywood.
Over his 40-year career, Val Kilmer appeared in more than 100 films. He began as a stage actor and made his film debut in the 1984 comedy Top Secret!. He gained widespread fame with his role in Top Gun, playing Lt. Tom “Iceman” Kazansky opposite Tom Cruise. His versatility and charisma made him a standout performer in a wide range of films, from action blockbusters to dramatic biopics.
