Val Kilmer: Hollywood star revered for roles in Top Gun and Batman
The US actor was also known for his portrayal of Jim Morrison in 1991 film The Doors.
Val Kilmer was a versatile actor who made a name for himself playing brooding superhero Batman, as well as arrogant naval aviator Iceman in the hit action movie, Top Gun.
The US actor was also known for his portrayal of Jim Morrison in 1991 film The Doors and praised for his tousled hair, moody expression, and sensuous stage movements.
Born in Los Angeles, California, in the US, on December 31 1959, Val Edward Kilmer became the youngest drama student admitted to the prestigious Juilliard School at the time, in 1981, aged 17.
His break-out role was playing Nick Rivers in 1984’s spy spoof Top Secret!, which was followed by a lead role in comedy Real Genius in 1985.
The year after he appeared in Top Gun, starring opposite Tom Cruise as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky, a role he reprised in the sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, in 2022.
But this career-shaping role almost did not happen.
Kilmer was courted by director Tony Scott but initially baulked and wrote in his memoir: “I didn’t want the part. I didn’t care about the film. The story didn’t interest me.”
He met his ex-wife, British actress Joanne Whalley, on the set of fantasy adventure film Willow, released in 1988, and married her that same year.
The couple had two children, Mercedes and Jack, before getting divorced in 1996.
