Val Kilmer, iconic 'Top Gun' and 'Batman Forever' actor, dies at 65

LOS ANGELES (TNND) — Val Kilmer, known for playing Iceman in "Top Gun," Batman in "Batman Forever," and Jim Morrison in "The Doors" has died. He was 65.

Kilmer died from pneumonia after recovering from throat cancer in 2014, his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, told The New York Times.

His break came in 1984’s spy spoof “Top Secret!” followed by the comedy “Real Genius” in 1985. Kilmer would later show his comedy chops again in films including “MacGruber” and “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang.”

4/26/95 LOS ANGELS, CA BATMAN(VAL KILMER) AND ROBIN(CHRIS O''DONNELL) IN "BATMAN FOREVER"

Kilmer's final appearance on film was in 2022's "Top Gun: Maverick," the sequel to the 1986 classic, during a poignant moment with Tom Cruise.

The actor was born and raised in California, where he attended the Hollywood Professional School before becoming the youngest drama student ever admitted to the Juilliard School in 1981 at age 17.

In the 2021 documentary, "Val," he reflected on his career and life through behind-the-scenes footage and interactions with friends and family.

“I have behaved poorly. I have behaved bravely. I have behaved bizarrely to some. I deny none of this and have no regrets because I have lost and found parts of myself that I never knew existed,” he said. "And I am blessed."

Actor Josh Brolin paid tribute to his friend on Instagram, calling Kilmer "smart" and "brave."

FILE - Val Kilmer poses for a portrait in New York, Tuesday, April 24, 2012. (AP Photo/Charles Sykes, File)

"See ya, pal. I'm going to miss you. You were a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker," Brolin wrote. "There's not a lot left of those. I hope to see you up there in the heavens when I eventually get there. Until then, amazing memories, lovely thoughts."

He is survived by his two children, Jack and Mercedes, from his former marriage to "Willow" co-star Joanne Whalley.

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Editor's note: The Associated Press contributed to this article.