LOS ANGELES — Val Kilmer, di versatile actor wey don portray many iconic roles like Bruce Wayne for “Batman Forever” and Jim Morrison for “The Doors,” don pass away at age 65 on Tuesday night. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirm say him die from pneumonia in Los Angeles.
Before he die, Kilmer don battle throat cancer since 2015 wey make am lose him voice. He recover for some time but pneumonia later take him life. In one emotional email to di Associated Press, Mercedes say, “My papa was surrounded by family and friends when he die.”
Kilmer get fame wey start from 1984 when he act as a rock star in di spoof film “Top Secret!” He come blow up as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky for di 1986 blockbuster “Top Gun” alongside Tom Cruise. Dis role make him a household name for Hollywood.
For di early 90s, Kilmer shine for various films like “Tombstone,” where he play di sickly but lively Doc Holliday, and “Heat,” where he act alongside legends Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. His role as Morrison for “The Doors” in 1991 get plenty praise. Roger Ebert, di notable film critic, talk say, “Kilmer performance na di best thing for di movie.”
After his success as Iceman, he don take many dramatic roles including his stint as Batman. His performance in “Batman Forever” attract mixed reviews, but di film still make over $336 million globally, establishing Kilmer as a strong leading man in Hollywood.
During his life, Kilmer dey known as person wey throw himself fully into roles. When he dey prepare for “The Doors,” he lock himself for leather pants for months to fit di Morrison persona. His high standards put am in conflict with some directors, but he insist say his approach be about di art.
Talking about his experience, Kilmer say, “I have behaved poorly. I have behaved bravely.” Dis quote show di complexity wey dey his life and career. He also release memoir titled “I’m Your Huckleberry” in 2020, where he share his journey as an artist.
Kilmer, born on New Year’s Eve 1959, grow for Chatsworth, Los Angeles. He attended di prestigious Juilliard School at just 17, di youngest to ever do so then. His training set di foundation for his later success in stage and screen.
Aside acting, Kilmer was also a passionate writer and painter. He get two children, Mercedes and Jack, and dey often share his life with dem through various creative works. Di late actor also known for his one-man show “Citizen Twain,” where he bring di spirit of Mark Twain come alive.
Na sad day for di entertainment industry as Val Kilmer, di man wey touch many lives through film, don waka go.
