Val Kilmer’s Cause of Death Revealed: A Look Back at His Final Years

The cause of death for legendary actor Val Kilmer has been officially revealed. According to the death certificate obtained by TMZ and issued by the Los Angeles County Department of Health, Kilmer passed away from pneumonia. Additional underlying conditions listed include acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, chronic respiratory failure, and squamous cell carcinoma of the base of the tongue.

Kilmer died on April 1, 2025, as confirmed by his daughter in an interview with The New York Times. He was cremated just days later, on April 7.

The beloved actor, best known for iconic roles in films like Top Gun, The Doors, and Batman Forever, had been battling serious health issues for several years. In 2015, Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer, which significantly affected his health and ultimately led to the loss of much of his voice. Despite these challenges, he continued to work, most notably appearing in Top Gun: Maverick in 2022. For that film, advanced artificial intelligence technology was used to recreate his voice, a testament to both his resilience and the industry’s respect for his legacy.

The death certificate also cited malnutrition and a tracheocutaneous fistula as contributing factors to his passing. Sources close to the actor reported that his health had declined significantly in his final years, leaving him bedridden for months before his death.

Tributes have poured in from Hollywood and around the world in remembrance of Kilmer. Film industry icons such as Francis Ford Coppola, Cher, and Jim Carrey honored his memory, while his Top Gun co-star Tom Cruise led a moment of silence in his name during this year’s CinemaCon.

Val Kilmer’s career spanned decades and touched millions. He was known not just for his talent, but for his depth, artistic spirit, and perseverance through adversity. Though his voice may have been quieted in recent years, his legacy continues to speak volumes through his unforgettable performances and the admiration of his peers and fans alike.