7 Fan-Favorite 90s and 00s Hollywood Stars Who Died Too Early (2 of 4)

2. Val Kilmer (1959-2025)

Val Kilmer, born December 31, 1959, in Los Angeles, was known for his versatility and commitment to his craft. He gained fame with standout roles like Iceman in Top Gun, Jim Morrison in The Doors, and that unforgettable Batman in Batman Forever.

The actor’s diagnosis of throat cancer in 2015 led to significant health challenges, including a tracheotomy that affected his voice. Despite all the pain, he continued to work, even reprising his role as Iceman in Top Gun: Maverick, where technology helped recreate his voice.

Kilmer passed away on April 1, 2025, at the age of 65, due to pneumonia. He was surrounded by family and friends in Los Angeles. His daughter, Mercedes, confirmed his passing and noted that he had been battling health issues for several years.

3. Matthew Perry (1969-2023)

Matthew Perry, born August 19, 1969, became a household name as Chandler Bing on Friendsthe sarcastic guy everyone loved. The show was a massive hit, but behind the scenes, Matthew was battling serious addictions to alcohol and painkillers, starting while the show was still filming. He later admitted that he couldn’t remember filming several seasons and spent millions trying to get clean.

After Friends, he launched a few shows of his own, but none took off. He continued acting mostly in comedies. His personal life included relationships with Lizzy Caplan and Julia Roberts. He got engaged in 2020 to Molly Hurwitz, but they split the next year. In 2022, he published a brutally honest memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, where he opened up about his struggles.

On October 28, 2023, Perry was found dead in his hot tub. The actor was 54. It was later revealed he died due to “acute effects of ketamine.” His death sparked huge conversations about addiction again. His book became a bestseller, and fans remembered him not just as a brilliant comic actor but as someone who bravely shared his darkest battles.