Val Kilmer shared his final Instagram post just days before his passing at 65 on April 1. His daughter, Mercedes, confirmed he died of pneumonia after years of health struggles.
Diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, Kilmer underwent chemotherapy and a tracheotomy, which damaged his vocal cords. In the documentary *Val*, he said, “I obviously am sounding much worse than I feel… It’s an obstacle that is very present with whoever sees me.”
His last film role was in *Top Gun: Maverick* (2022), where he reprised his role as Iceman. After stepping away from acting, he focused on art, frequently sharing his work online. His final Instagram post featured a painting with the caption, “It’s got that late-night glow… like when the campfire cools down but you’re still wide awake.”
His last personal photo, posted on February 23, showed him in a Batman mask with artist David Choe, joking, “It’s been a while.”
Tributes poured in after his passing. Josh Brolin remembered him as “a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker,” while Josh Gad wrote, “RIP Val Kilmer… You truly were an icon.”
Rest in peace, Val Kilmer.
