Val Kilmer has sadly passed away at the age of 65. He leaves behind countless broken hearts but also an incredible oeuvre of popular films. And exactly 30 years ago, in the summer of 1995, his lead performance in Batman Forever changed everything. Here’s why.

The actor took only one turn in the famous batsuit. That film, “Batman Forever,” couldn’t be a more representative artifact of its era.

Explore Newsday's 1995 review of "Batman Forever, highlighting Val Kilner's take and Jim Carrey's inspired role as the Riddler.

Val Kilmer, the acclaimed, brooding actor who starred in a string of blockbuster hits in the 1980s and 1990s, has died at the age of 65. "CBS Evening News" co-anchors John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois look back at his life and career.

Kilmer, who died at 65 on April 1, was wholly comfortable in that sweet spot where ego and commitment intertwine.

Prolific actor Val Kilmer has died at 65 after battling throat cancer for many years, according to several news outlets.

Since news broke last night that actor Val Kilmer had died at the age of 65, there has been an outpouring of tributes from fellow actors and filmmakers praising Kilmer’s talent on-screen. Matt Corman,

Even his choice of parts could be eccentric. In the end, he’s best thought of as a character actor trapped in a leading man’s body.

From blockbuster leading man to captivating character actor, Val Kilmer did it all. The big screen icon is being remembered after dying from pneumonia at age 65. CBS News New York's Jessica Moore looks back at a legendary career in Hollywood.