Tue Apr 15 13:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Val Kilmer, Hollywood Icon, Dies at 68
**Los Angeles, CA** – Actor Val Kilmer, known for his roles in films such as *Top Gun* and *The Doors*, passed away Tuesday night in Los Angeles at the age of 68. His death was confirmed by his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, to the *New York Times* and the Associated Press. The cause of death was pneumonia.
Kilmer had publicly battled throat cancer since 2014, undergoing a tracheotomy that permanently affected his voice. Despite this, he continued to act and even released a memoir in 2020 and an intimate documentary, *Val*, in 2021, offering a candid look at his life and career. His son, Jack Kilmer, narrated the documentary.
In a statement released Thursday to People magazine, Kilmer’s children, Mercedes and Jack, expressed their grief: “Thank you for honoring our extraordinary father’s memory. We are so proud of him and honored to see his legacy celebrated. At this time, we would like to grieve privately.”
Throughout his career, Kilmer was known for his enigmatic personality and retreated from the Hollywood spotlight in recent years. However, he remained a beloved figure, fondly remembered for his diverse roles and unique presence on screen. His legacy extends beyond his film work; a 2006 USA TODAY article detailed his personal project of building an elaborate treehouse on his New Mexico property, a testament to his playful spirit and love for his children.
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