Val Kilmer played fighter pilots, cowboys, superheroes, and rock stars —it seemed there was no character he couldn’t tackle. The star, born Dec. 31, 1959, was one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors. Though he had been in films like The Outsiders and Top Secret!, he became a staple of the late 1980s in Top Gun as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky.
In 2005, his role in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang was well-received by critics despite its limited release. Val continued to act in the following decades, including appearances in The Traveler, MacGruber, and a cameo in Tenacious D’s video To Be The Best. He was diagnosed with throat cancer later in life, permanently affecting his voice and his acting career. In April 2025, Val died at the age of 65.
Scroll through the gallery below to remember the life and career of Val.
