PEOPLE's cover story looks at the iconic career and great loves of Hollywood rebel Val Kilmer, who lived by his own set of rules. 'He was always eccentric,' says one former director.

After his tragic death aged 65, Val Kilmer has been remembered as a true “eccentric” by one of his closest collaborators.

On April 1, 2025, movie icon Val Kilmer died from pneumonia at the age of 65. Unsurprisingly, news of Kilmer's sudden death sparked an outpour of tributes from friends and colleagues in the industry.

Hollywood's best and brightest are still remembering Val Kilmer in the wake of his passing last week at the age of 65. Yesterday Drew Barrymore added her voice to the growing list of celebrities mourning Kilmer's death.

The death of Val Kilmer at age 65 has put a spotlight on not only the actor's long career in Hollywood, but also his health. Kilmer's death was confirmed by his daughter Mercedes, who said he died April 1 in Los Angeles surrounded by family and friends, according to The Associated Press.

Hollywood stars are mourning the death of Val Kilmer. The Top Gun actor died of pneumonia on Tuesday, April 1, his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, told The New York Times. Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015 and featured in a July 2021 documentary about his life,