Val Kilmer, the celebrated actor renowned for his roles in “Top Gun,” “Batman Forever,” and “The Doors,” passed away on April 1, 2025, at the age of 65 due to complications from pneumonia.
His children, Mercedes and Jack Kilmer, have publicly expressed their grief and gratitude in the wake of their father’s passing.
In a heartfelt statement to People magazine, Mercedes and Jack conveyed their appreciation for the outpouring of support:
“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.”
Mercedes Kilmer, aged 33, and Jack Kilmer, aged 28, are Val Kilmer’s children from his marriage to actress Joanne Whalley, which lasted from 1988 to 1996.
Both have pursued careers in the entertainment industry. Mercedes is an actress and singer, known for her role alongside her father in the 2020 film “Paydirt.” Jack has established himself as an actor and model, with notable performances in films such as “Palo Alto” and “The Nice Guys.”
Val Kilmer’s health challenges began with a throat cancer diagnosis in 2014. He underwent treatments including chemotherapy and a tracheostomy, which significantly affected his ability to speak.
Despite these obstacles, Kilmer remained active in his career, notably reprising his role as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in the 2022 sequel “Top Gun: Maverick.” His performance was made possible through innovative AI technology that recreated his voice.
Tributes have poured in from colleagues and fans alike. Tom Cruise, Kilmer’s co-star in “Top Gun,” honored him with a moment of silence during a speech at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. Cruise remarked:
“I think it would be really nice if we could have a moment together because he loved movies and he gave a lot to all of us.”
Jack with a fan at FYF pic.twitter.com/VI8LYpNdKN
— Jack Kilmer Fans (@JackKilmerFans) August 24, 2015
Kilmer’s passing has left a significant void in the film industry. His diverse body of work, spanning from action-packed blockbusters to nuanced independent films, showcased his remarkable range and dedication to his craft.
As fans and colleagues continue to honor his memory, his children, Mercedes and Jack, have requested privacy to navigate this profound loss.
Val Kilmer’s legacy endures through his impactful performances and the lasting impressions he made on audiences worldwide.
His contributions to cinema will be remembered and cherished for years to come.
