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Val Kilmer dies at 65: Val Kilmer, renowned for his iconic roles in various films, has passed away at the age of 65 in Los Angeles. Kilmer's daughter, Mercedes, revealed to The New York Times that the cause of his demise was pneumonia. This unfortunate event brings an end to Kilmer's courageous battle against throat cancer, a fight he had been waging for several years. Throughout his illustrious career, Kilmer left an indelible mark on the world of cinema, delivering memorable performances in films such as Batman Forever, where he portrayed Bruce Wayne and Oliver Stone's The Doors, in which he masterfully channeled the enigmatic spirit of Jim Morrison. Additionally, his gripping portrayal of Doc Holliday in Tombstone further solidified his reputation as a talented and versatile actor.

Val Kilmer's illustrious career in Hollywood was marked by a diverse range of iconic roles that showcased his remarkable talent and versatility. Initially, he honed his craft as a stage actor before transitioning to the big screen, where he quickly gained fame with memorable appearances in several comedy movies. His breakthrough performances came in the early 1980s with the release of Top Secret! (1984) and Real Genius (1985), which paved the way for his subsequent roles in the military action film Top Gun (1986) and the fantasy film Willow (1988). 

Kilmer's portrayal of Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone's The Doors (1991) earned him widespread critical acclaim, solidifying his position as a leading actor in Hollywood. Throughout the 1990s, he continued to impress audiences with standout performances in films such as the western Tombstone (1993), the crime dramas True Romance (1993) and Heat (1995) and Joel Schumacher's Batman Forever (1995), where he donned the iconic cape of Batman. Kilmer's filmography also includes notable roles in The Ghost and the Darkness (1996), The Saint (1997), The Prince of Egypt (1998), Alexander (2004), Kiss Kiss Bang Bang (2005) and The Snowman (2017). 

In a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy, Kilmer reprised his iconic role as Iceman in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), which would ultimately prove to be his final film performance before his passing.