Val Kilmer, the charismatic actor known for his transformative performances as Batman and singer Jim Morrison, died Tuesday, April 1, in Los Angeles, California, due to pneumonia complications. He was 65.

His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed the cause of death and noted that while her father had been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, he had recovered from that illness.

The Los Angeles-born performer rose to prominence in the 1980s, making his feature film debut in the 1984 comedy “Top Secret!” where he played Nick Rivers, an American rock star inadvertently caught in an East German espionage plot. This early role highlighted Kilmer’s natural charm and comedic timing, which would later complement his dramatic capabilities.

Kilmer’s career reached new heights in the 1990s when he delivered what many consider his most memorable performances. His portrayal of Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s “The Doors” (1991) showcased his remarkable ability to embody the essence of the iconic rock star, from his physical mannerisms to his distinctive voice.

“I had to find out what music meant to him, so to speak – find his soul as a poet,” Kilmer once said about preparing for the Morrison role.

His versatility allowed him to move seamlessly between genres. In “Tombstone” (1993), he stole scenes as the witty, tuberculosis-stricken gunslinger Doc Holliday. That same year, he made a brief but memorable appearance as Elvis Presley in “True Romance,” further demonstrating his range.

In 1995, Kilmer donned the cape and cowl as Batman in “Batman Forever,” taking over the role from Michael Keaton. While the film received mixed reviews, Kilmer’s performance as the Caped Crusader added another notable character to his diverse filmography.

At the height of his fame in the 1990s, Kilmer was one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actors, with his films grossing over $3.7 billion worldwide. He took leading roles in films like “The Saint” (1997) and “Thunderheart” (1992), the latter featuring him as an FBI agent investigating a murder on a South Dakota Indian reservation.

Despite his success, Kilmer gained a reputation for being challenging on set. Several directors and co-stars spoke about difficulties working with him, attributing his behavior to his intense dedication to his craft. In later years, Kilmer acknowledged his reputation but maintained that his commitment to his roles was always his primary motivation.

Kilmer’s career experienced fluctuations, with periods away from the spotlight before returning to more prominent roles. He maintained his artistic integrity throughout, often choosing projects based on his personal interest rather than commercial potential.

In 2017, Kilmer publicly revealed his battle with throat cancer after years of speculation about his health. The disease and subsequent treatments, including chemotherapy and two tracheotomies, severely affected his speaking ability. Despite these challenges, he continued acting and made a poignant return to one of his most famous roles, appearing as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in “Top Gun: Maverick” (2022) alongside Tom Cruise.

The 2021 documentary “Val” offered fans an intimate look at his life and career, chronicling both his rise to fame and his health struggles. The film used footage Kilmer had recorded throughout his life, providing a personal perspective on his journey.

Beyond acting, Kilmer pursued various creative endeavors. He published poetry, exhibited visual art in galleries worldwide, and performed a one-man show about Mark Twain. He was also known for his environmental activism and advocacy for Native American causes.

Kilmer’s personal life included a marriage to actress Joanne Whalley, with whom he had two children: Mercedes and Jack. Although the marriage ended in divorce, Kilmer maintained a close relationship with his children.

Throughout his career, Kilmer demonstrated remarkable range as an actor, from leading man to character actor, from comedy to intense drama. His work in films like “Heat” (1995), where he shared the screen with Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, further cemented his status as a versatile performer capable of holding his own alongside Hollywood legends.

Tall and handsome with an unmistakable screen presence, Kilmer’s intensity and commitment to his roles earned him critical acclaim even when the films themselves received mixed reviews. He attended the prestigious Juilliard School as a young man, where he developed the technique and dedication that would define his approach to acting.

As news of his passing spread, tributes began pouring in from colleagues and fans alike, remembering Kilmer for his talent, creativity, and the indelible characters he brought to life during his four-decade career in entertainment.

He is survived by his children, Mercedes and Jack Kilmer.