Val Kilmer, Star of ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Batman Forever,’ Dies at 65

Date: April 2, 2025

Level: Intermediate

🗞️ Article

Val Kilmer, the Hollywood actor known for his roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever, and The Doors, has passed away at the age of 65. He died peacefully in Los Angeles, surrounded by his family, according to a statement from his publicist.

Kilmer rose to fame in the 1980s and 1990s with his powerful performances and intense screen presence. Fans remember him most as Iceman, the cool and confident fighter pilot in Top Gun, and as Bruce Wayne in Batman Forever. His version of Batman was stylish, emotional, and very different from others who played the character before.

In the 2000s, Kilmer faced serious health challenges. He was diagnosed with throat cancer and lost his voice after undergoing treatment. Despite these struggles, he continued to act and inspire others. In 2021, he appeared briefly in Top Gun: Maverick, using AI technology to recreate his voice.

Friends and fellow actors have shared messages of love and respect. Tom Cruise, his Top Gun co-star, said, “Val was a true original—talented, kind, and unforgettable.”

Kilmer was also known for his love of art and poetry. He wrote a memoir called I’m Your Huckleberry, where he reflected on his life, career, and personal growth.

His death marks the end of an era for fans of classic action and drama films. Val Kilmer will be remembered not only for his iconic roles but also for his strength and creativity in the face of adversity.

📘 Vocabulary Practice

Word	Type	Meaning	Example
passed away	phrasal verb	to die (a polite expression)	Val Kilmer passed away at 65.
publicist	noun	media representative	His publicist confirmed the news.
intense	adjective	strong and serious	He had an intense screen presence.
version	noun	a form or style of something	His version of Batman was unique.
diagnosed	verb	identified a disease	He was diagnosed with throat cancer.
treatment	noun	medical care	He lost his voice during treatment.
recreate	verb	to make something again	AI was used to recreate his voice.
tribute	noun	words of respect	Many actors paid tribute to him.
adversity	noun	difficult situation	He stayed strong in the face of adversity.
memoir	noun	a book about someone’s life	He wrote a memoir about his journey.

❓ 5 Questions About the Article

1. What were some of Val Kilmer’s most famous roles?
2. How did he lose his voice?
3. What role did AI play in Top Gun: Maverick?
4. How did Tom Cruise describe Val Kilmer?
5. Why is Val Kilmer’s death meaningful for movie fans?

💬 5 Discussion Questions

1. Do you have a favorite actor from the 1980s or 1990s?
2. What qualities make an actor “unforgettable”?
3. How do you feel about using AI to recreate someone’s voice?
4. Do you think older films still have value today?
5. How can actors inspire us beyond the screen?