Veteran Hollywood actor Val Kilmer has died, his family has announced.
Kilmer, who was best known for major movies such as 1986’s “Top Gun” and 1995’s “Batman Forever,” was 65 when he died on Tuesday.
Mercedes Kilmer, the actor’s daughter, told The New York Times he died of pneumonia on Tuesday, April 1.
Kilmer’s death comes after the film star endured a long battle with cancer.
He was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014.
However, he later recovered, his daughter noted.
Kilmer made his final appearance on film in 2022’s “Top Gun: Maverick,” a sequel to the 1986 classic.
His vocal cords were damaged after a tracheotomy in 2014, leaving him unable to speak properly.
For Kilmer’s character reprise in “Top Gun 2,” the producers needed to digitally recreate his voice using artificial intelligence technology.
Kilmer briefly appeared in the film, sharing a poignant moment with Tom Cruise onscreen.
“I just want to say that was pretty emotional,” Cruise told Jimmy Kimmel about acting alongside his friend again.
“I’ve known Val for decades, and for him to come back and play that character… he’s such a powerful actor that he instantly became that character again.”
After years of rumored health problems, Kilmer finally