‘Top Gun’ Star Dies at 65

Actor Val Kilmer passes away from pneumonia.

Caleb Revill

Wednesday, April 02, 2025 at 01:54 PM ET

Verified

Edited By: Steve Spears

Val Kilmer appeared in both Top Gun films. [Courtesy: Kraft74/Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

Hollywood actor Val Kilmer, famous for his role as Tom “Ice Man” Kazansky in "Top Gun" and other films, has died at 65.
His daughter confirmed he died of pneumonia, surrounded by family, having previously recovered from throat cancer diagnosed in 2014.
Kilmer's extensive career included prominent roles in blockbusters like "Tombstone," "Heat," "Batman Forever," and a return as Ice Man in "Top Gun: Maverick."
Beyond acting, Kilmer was also a painter and founded the TwainMania Foundation.

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Hollywood actor Val Kilmer, renowned for his role as Tom “Ice Man” Kazansky in the 1986 action film, “Top Gun,” has died at 65.

Kilmer’s daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, emailed The Associated Press, confirming Kilmer died of pneumonia Tuesday night surrounded by family and friends in Los Angeles. He was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, but had recovered following two tracheostomy procedures.