Val Kilmer’s passing marks the end of an era for many fans who grew up watching his iconic performances. His role in Top Gun cemented his status as a Hollywood heartthrob, while his portrayal of Jim Morrison in The Doors and Doc Holliday in Tombstone became some of his most memorable. Though his career had its ups and downs, his work remains beloved, especially in films like Heat, Willow, and Batman Forever. His later appearance in Top Gun: Maverick showed that his legacy endured, despite the challenges he faced with his health.
Kilmer’s battle with throat cancer and the public challenges he faced gave his later years a deeply human layer that only added to his mystique. It’s clear from the tribute by his daughter that his impact went beyond his work on-screen—he will likely be remembered for both his professional accomplishments and his personal struggles, which made him an even more complex figure.
What did you think of Kilmer’s performances in some of his major films?