Val Kilmer, celebrated for his iconic performances in films such as “Top Gun” and “The Doors,” has died at the age of 65, as confirmed by his family in a statement to the media.

Cause of Death

According to a report from the New York Times, his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, revealed that her father passed away due to complications from pneumonia. Kilmer had faced significant health challenges since 2014, when he was diagnosed with a throat tumor, later identified as oral cancer.

In 2015, he required emergency hospitalization due to severe throat bleeding linked to his condition. Despite this serious diagnosis, Kilmer’s cancer entered remission, a development he attributed to his strong beliefs in Christian Science, as he opted out of several conventional treatment methods.

“Throughout history, countless individuals have found healing through prayer, while many have passed away despite relying on contemporary medicine,” Kilmer stated in a 2017 interview with The Christian Post.

Legacy and Survivors

Val Kilmer is survived by his two adult children, Mercedes and Jack, whom he shared with ex-wife Joanne Whalley. His contributions to cinema and his influence on audiences worldwide remain significant.