Val Kilmer, 'Top Gun' and 'Batman Forever' star, dead at 65

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Actor Val Kilmer, who starred in many high-profile films, including "Top Gun," "Batman Forever" and "Tombstone," died Tuesday. He was 65.

The New York Times reported that Kilmer died of pneumonia.

Kilmer, who played Tom "Iceman" Kazansky in the original "Top Gun" in 1986, died in Los Angeles, according to his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer.

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Actor Val Kilmer wears grey blazer and pink shirt.

Val Kilmer, "Batman Forever" and "Top Gun" actor, died on Tuesday. He was 65. ( EuropaNewswire)

The actor was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015, but recovered, she said.

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Kilmer most recently appeared in "Top Gun: Maverick" in 2022 to reprise his infamous role as Iceman.

Although he could portray his character, he still had difficulty due to damage from a tracheostomy. Kilmer required the use of a breathing tube.

Val Kilmer starred as Lt. Tom "Iceman" Kazansky in "Top Gun." (Photo by CBS via Getty Images)

Actor Val Kilmer wears blue graphic T-shirt in "Real Genius" promo shot.

Kilmer starred in "Real Genius" in 1985. (Michael Ochs Archive)

"I can't speak without plugging this hole [in his throat]. You have to make the choice to breathe or to eat," he told People Magazine in 2021. "It's an obstacle that is very present with whoever sees me."

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When Kilmer and Cruise reunited for "Maverick," nearly 30 years after the original "Top Gun" was released, it was like the pilots had never left each other's sides.

"It was like no time had passed at all," Kilmer shared with Entertainment Weekly. "We blew a lot of takes laughing so much. It was really fun … special."