Batman and Top Gun legend Val Kilmer has died at the age of 65, his daughter has revealed.
In a statement to the New York Times, his daughter Mercedes said the actor had died from pneumonia.
The Hollywood star was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 and underwent surgery, including a tracheotomy which significantly impacted his ability to speak, but had later recovered.
Kilmer rose to fame starring as Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky alongside Tom Cruise in the 1986 hit Top Gun.
Val Kilmer passed away from pneumonia
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Kilmer rose to fame starring as Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky alongside Tom Cruise in the 1986 hit Top Gun
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He was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014
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Kilmer dated some iconic Hollywood stars including Cindy Crawford, Angelina Jolie, Carly Simon and Cher, before marrying Joan Whalley in 1988, who he met while working on the film Willow.
The couple had two children before divorcing in 1996.
In the Amazon Prime documentary entitled Val, Kilmer spoke candidly about living with the consequences of throat cancer including having to use an electric device called a voice box on the artificial hole in his throat to talk.
He said: “I obviously am sounding much worse than I feel.I can’t speak without plugging this hole (in his throat). You have to make the choice to breathe or to eat.
“It’s an obstacle that is very present with whoever sees me.”
He played the caped crusader in 1995’s Batman Forever
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In a post on social media, actor Josh Gad paid tribute to the action star: “RIP Val Kilmer. Thank you for defining so many of the movies of my childhood. You truly were an icon.”
Actor Josh Brolin, son of James Brolin, said he was going to miss his “pal”.
He wrote on Instagram: “You were a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker.
“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.”
