Val Kilmer, the celebrated actor known for his roles in "Top Gun," "The Doors," "Tombstone," and "Batman Forever," has died at the age of 65. The New York Times reported that the cause of death was pneumonia, citing his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer.

Kilmer rose to fame as one of Hollywood’s most prominent leading men in the 1990s, though his career faced setbacks due to his reputation as a demanding and temperamental actor. "I believe I'm challenging, not demanding, and I make no apologies for that," Kilmer said in a 2003 interview with the Orange County Register.

Born in California, Kilmer was a Juilliard-trained actor who made his film debut in the 1984 comedy "Top Secret!" and gained widespread recognition as Iceman in "Top Gun" (1986) alongside Tom Cruise. He reprised the role in the 2022 sequel "Top Gun: Maverick," despite losing his voice to throat cancer.

One of Kilmer’s most iconic performances was as rock legend Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s "The Doors" (1991). To secure the role, Kilmer created a video showcasing his ability to mimic Morrison’s voice and style. "The performance is the best thing in the movie," wrote critic Roger Ebert.

Kilmer's portrayal of Doc Holliday in "Tombstone" (1993) remains another career highlight, as does his turn as Batman in the 1995 film "Batman Forever” – a film that was received tepidly by critics, and Kilmer pulled out of the next Batman movie. Director Joel Schumacher called Kilmer "the most psychologically troubled human being I've ever worked with." Despite mixed reviews for his take on the Caped Crusader, Kilmer continued to take on diverse roles, from crime dramas to fantasy epics.

Kilmer's life and career were chronicled in the 2021 documentary "Val," which featured archival footage and insights into his creative journey. He is survived by his two children, Mercedes and Jack.