Val Kilmer as Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s 1991 film, The Doors.
Val Kilmer, who in scores of films portrayed such real-life figures as Jim Morrison in The Doors and Doc Holliday in Tombstone and perfected fictional characters like Batman (Batman Forever) and Iceman in the two Top Gun pictures, died April 1, 2025, at just 65. Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015 and had undergone several medical procedures.
Following his passing, the box-office star was mourned by fellow actors and others who raved about his talent.
Rest in peace to our former campus mate, the great Val Kilmer (1959-2025), who at 17 was the youngest drama student ever admitted to The Julliard School’s Drama Division. pic.twitter.com/X2bgQBRVJi
— Film at Lincoln Center (@FilmLinc) April 2, 2025
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Remembering Val Kilmer, whose indelible cinematic mark spanned genres and generations. RIP Iceman. pic.twitter.com/a3jQ8ENma9
— Top Gun (@TopGunMovie) April 2, 2025
Val Kilmer rest in peace pic.twitter.com/iZSRHiIklt
— Ralph Fiennes (@mrralphfiennes) April 2, 2025
RIP Val Kilmer. If it wasn’t for our chance encounter at the Source in 1985, I may never have been cast in FULL METAL JACKET. Thanks, Val. pic.twitter.com/YTMRjy78vC
— Matthew Modine (@MatthewModine) April 2, 2025
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A long time ago, I was auditioning for the movie “The Doors” It was kind of a cattle call. They paired together potential Jims with potential Pamela‘s. And they were running behind so we were spilling out of the casting office, sitting on the porch, the lawn, and the driveway.…
— Jennifer Tilly (@JenniferTilly) April 2, 2025
Rest in peace, Val Kilmer. pic.twitter.com/3nGA0SzKGS
— Antonio Banderas (@antoniobanderas) April 2, 2025
Many of Kilmer’s movies are available to stream or purchase in the U.S. here and in the U.K. here.
Related: Musician and celebrity deaths of 2025
- Johnny Tillotson, ‘Poetry in Motion’ Singer, Dies at 86 - 04/02/2025
- The Top Albums in April 1976 - 04/02/2025
- Tributes For Val Kilmer, Hollywood Star - 04/02/2025
1 Comment so far
Jump into a conversationVal Kilmer always delivered something special. My best bud and I dressed in 60’s clothes and weaseled our way into the Whisky to see Val as Morrison. He was moments away from performing when we were spotted and tossed out. We listened to him from outside next to Eric Burdon who was playing the doorman. Good times! R.I.P Val.