Val Kilmer: A Hollywood Icon’s Legacy Lives On

Story By Mitchell Smith

When you think of eighties and nineties there are so many great actors. Among them, Val Kilmer was an interesting actor who delivering many great performances in many great films. Born in 1959 in L.A., Kilmer attended Juilliard school of drama. Initially starting in theater acting Kilmer would hit the Hollywood big screen in 1984. His first big roll came in one of my all time favorite movies “Top Gun”. There he played Iceman alongside Tom Cruise.

This movie lined him up for several other great rolls including another one of my favorite movies “The Doors”, where he brought Jim Morrison back to life in a stellar performance. I loved the band The Doors from an early age and really connected with Morrison and his music. Kilmer did an outstanding job in the movie and in my opinion was his best performance. Kilmer continued to take on major rolls as Doc Holiday in “Tombstone”, and took on one of the largest super hero franchises as Batman in “Batman Forever”. Kilmer solidified his career returning to play and older more humble Admiral Iceman in the 2022 reboot “Top Gun Maverick”.

There he wore his signature scarf covering up his throat. Kilmer was a survivor from throat cancer but he was left with the damage it had done. Kilmer also did television work including appearances on show such as “Entourage” and “Numb3rs”. He was Billy the Kid in the tv film “Billy the Kid” and he also voiced KITT in the 2008 reboot of “Knight Rider”. Kilmer 65 lost a battle with pneumonia and passed away 4/01/2025. Although sad Kilmer has left a lasting impression on the world in his many great rolls. Rest in peace Mr Kilmer.