Val Kilmer, Iconic Actor Known for ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Batman Forever,’ Passes Away at 65

Val Kilmer, the versatile and charismatic actor best known for his roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever and The Doors, has passed away at the age of 65 due to pneumonia on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, in Los Angeles. With a career spanning over four decades, Kilmer had a rare gift for embodying both strength and vulnerability, capturing the essence of human struggle and faith in a way that resonated deeply with audiences. Kilmer also portrayed Moses and the voice of God in The Prince of Egypt during his career.

His daughter Mercedes told the New York Times that the cause of death was pneumonia, following throat cancer which was diagnosed in 2014.

Among his many roles, Kilmer’s portrayal of Moses in The Prince of Egypt (1998) remains one of his most enduring and spiritually significant performances. The film, an animated retelling of the biblical Exodus, featured Kilmer voicing both Moses and, in a poetic artistic choice, the voice of God. This decision underscored the film’s central theme that the divine speaks through us. His performance captured the turmoil, faith, and ultimate obedience of Moses, making the film a cornerstone of faith-based animation and a favorite among Christian audiences.

Kilmer’s on-screen journey often intersected with faith and biblical themes. In The Saint (1997), he played a master of disguise who used the names of Catholic saints as his aliases, subtly engaging with themes of redemption and transformation. In Tombstone (1993), his legendary portrayal of Doc Holliday had a deeply existential weight, portraying a man wrestling with mortality while quoting scripture. Later in his career, Kilmer would even embody one of America’s great literary figures in Citizen Twain, a one-man show in which he explored Mark Twain’s complex relationship with God and faith.

Despite his struggles, including his long battle with cancer that altered his ability to speak, Kilmer remained a figure of resilience and deep introspection. His 2021 documentary, Val, revealed a man of faith, humor, and artistic devotion, showcasing his lifelong spiritual search.

A beloved figure in both Hollywood and Christian entertainment circles, Kilmer’s voice—whether calling down plagues as Moses, bringing wisdom as the voice of God, or reciting scripture in his many roles—will continue to echo in the hearts of those who found meaning in his performances.