Top Gun Star, Val Kilmer, Dead At 65

Beloved actor Val Kilmer, whose unforgettable performances in "Top Gun," "Batman Forever," and "The Doors" made him a Hollywood legend, has died. He was 65 years old.

The New York Times confirmed Kilmer's passing on April 1, noting that he died at his home in Los Angeles. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, revealed that the cause of death was pneumonia. As of now, his family has not released an official statement.

In recent years, Kilmer had largely stepped away from the spotlight after a long battle with health complications, most notably throat cancer. Diagnosed in 2014, the "True Romance" star underwent a tracheotomy that permanently altered his voice and affected his ability to go about his day-to-day. "I obviously am sounding much worse than I feel," he shared in the documentary "Val," which chronicles his decades-long career in the industry. "I can't speak without plugging this hole [in his throat]. You have to make the choice to breathe or to eat. It's an obstacle that is very present with whoever sees me." But Kilmer continued to hustle, even making a return to the big screen for the film "Paydirt," which also stars Mercedes. "I'm so proud to have been in this film and to have worked on this film, not just because my dad is my actual dad, but because I know you don't really lead with this, but you do have now a disability with your voice," she shared in a "Good Morning America" interview. "It really meant a lot to me to be able to be involved in this film that centers on a disabled actor — or an actor with a disability."

To say that Val Kilmer's passing is a loss for Hollywood would be putting it mildly. Love him or loathe him, Kilmer was one of those rare actors you simply couldn't ignore. Sure, he had a reputation for being a handful on set — so much so that some of his colleagues swore they'd never work with him again — but even his harshest critics couldn't deny the man could act circles around most of his peers. He had the talent that kept you glued to the screen, whether he was playing a cocky fighter pilot, a caped crusader, or a stealthy gunslinger.

On Instagram, actor Josh Brolin remembered Kilmer as a creative force like no other. "You were a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker," he wrote. "There's not a lot left of those. I hope to see you up there in the heavens when I eventually get there. Until then, amazing memories, lovely thoughts." Josh Gad also chimed in, paying tribute to Kilmer's impact on an entire generation of moviegoers. "Thank you for defining so many of the movies of my childhood. You truly were an icon," he said.

Though his career slowed in his later years, Kilmer never lost his love for storytelling. Cancer may have taken his voice, but not his creative spark. "I still feel I'm the exact same person. Still the same creative soul," he shared. "A soul that dreams ideas and stories confidently, but now I can express myself again, bring these ideas to you, and show you this part of myself once more. A part that was never truly gone. Just hiding away."