Movies

Val Kilmer’s Family Follows in His Footsteps

BBG News

Val Kilmer’s children have followed in his footsteps by taking up careers as actors.

On Tuesday, the beloved actor who portrayed Iceman in the blockbuster film Top Gun (1986) and Batman/Bruce Wayne in Batman Forever (1995), passed away at the age of 65.

Or

On Tuesday, the actor, famous for his roles as Iceman in the iconic movie Top Gun (1986) and Batman/Bruce Wayne in Batman Forever (1995), sadly passed away at the age of 65.

Both sentences convey the same information but have a slightly different tone, making them versatile for various contexts.

His cherished daughter, Mercedes Kilmer (shared with ex-wife Joanne Whalley), was the one who disclosed that he had sadly died from pneumonia in Los Angeles.

In addition to Mercedes (who is 33 years old), Jack Kilmer (age 29) is also among those who survive him. Jack is the son of this individual, and they were married to his mother, fellow actress Joanne, from 1988 until their divorce in 1996.

As a die-hard fan, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride watching Mercedes and Jack’s careers soar. It’s as if fate has brought them together again and again, with their paths constantly intertwining at the most dazzling red carpet events. It’s truly a dream come true to see these two talented individuals shine side by side.

In the year 2020, Mercedes starred in her first movie role for the film Paydirt. Meanwhile, Jack has previously acted in movies like Palo Alto, sharing the screen with Emma Roberts and James Franco, as well as Summer 03.

In Paydirt, she played the on-screen daughter of her real-life father.

During an interview with PEOPLE, Val mentioned that the producer contacted him about a role, to which he replied, “I haven’t found anyone for my daughter’s part yet, but I might know someone. Her name is Mercedes Kilmer, and she might catch your interest.” After meeting with Mercedes, they all had a great time together.

In addition to her role, Mercedes was also involved behind the scenes as a co-producer for the 2021 documentary titled “Val,” which can be streamed on Amazon Prime Video. This film is centered around her father’s life.

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight in 2021, Mercedes said the ‘entire movie’ made her emotional.

She shared that while her father’s actions rarely caught her off guard given his open personality, it was unexpected for her to witness him in front of an audience. She’s accustomed to others not grasping her father and his public image differing from the amusing, playful person we’re familiar with.

As a committed collaborator, I had the honor of serving as an associate producer for the documentary, where I also lent my voice for the narrative. However, it was Val who penned the words that I spoke.

In a conversation with the Los Angeles Times, Jack shared: “The process of narration was fascinating since we aimed to make my delivery feel as authentic and unforced as possible.

In a remarkable turn of events, Val skyrocketed into fame when he starred alongside Tom Cruise in the blockbuster movie Top Gun (1986). He portrayed Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky, a naval aviator, and years later, he reprised his role opposite Cruise once more in the 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick.

Kilmer was thrilled for the opportunity to reprise his role as Iceman in Top Gun: Maverick.

In the 1986 original movie, the actor gained notoriety for portraying the composed adversary opposite Tom Cruise’s character, Maverick, who was known for his cool demeanor.

Val’s son, Jack recalled how ‘stoked’ his father was to be joining the cast.

As a die-hard enthusiast, I, along with my sister Mercedes, embarked on an exhilarating journey to San Diego’s massive naval base. Our destination was none other than the filming site for the Tom Cruise production. Let me tell you, the atmosphere was electric!

We were surrounded by real-life aviators, who were not just extras, but hundreds of inspired pilots eager to share their stories. They approached us, beaming with pride, and revealed that the original Top Gun had ignited their passion to serve in the Navy and Air Force. It was a humbling experience, standing among these heroes, all united by the magic of cinema.

‘It was one of the proudest moments of being American that you could think of really.’ 

In 2014, the screen icon was diagnosed with throat cancer and had to go through surgery, which included a tracheotomy. This operation affected his capacity to talk. Subsequently, he was confirmed cancer-free.

Kilmer gained fame for his portrayal of Iceman in the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun and Batman/Bruce Wayne in Batman Forever (1995). Despite suffering a permanent vocal impairment, he briefly reappeared on-screen in 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick, where he played Iceman alongside Tom Cruise. This marked his final appearance on the silver screen.

The Los Angeles native also famously played musician Jim Morrison in the 1991 film The Doors.

His death was confirmed by the New York Times on Tuesday.

Kilmer received treatments that included radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and a tracheostomy – a medical operation that involves making an opening in the neck to facilitate breathing.

Due to the damage, his vocal cords were changed for good, which means his speaking voice was significantly affected from then on.

Kilmer reported in 2020 that he had been cancer-free for four years.

As a devoted admirer, I’d like to share my insights from the Amazon Prime documentary titled “Val,” where Val Kilmer himself opened up about the impact of throat cancer on his life. This includes using a unique electronic device, known as a voice box, which is fitted into an artificial opening in his throat, enabling him to communicate verbally.

He mentioned, “I seem to be speaking a lot more hoarsely than I actually feel. It’s as if there’s a blockage in my throat that makes it difficult for me to talk.

An electronic speaking aid, typically powered by batteries, is usually employed to generate sounds and thus create a voice for individuals dealing with throat cancer, facilitating their communication.

The performer, who relied on a feeding tube for his meals as well, elaborated on some of the additional hurdles he faced.

He stated, “You must decide whether to breathe or eat, as this challenge is quite evident when you see me.

Earlier, I explained that Kilmer didn’t realize he had throat cancer until he spat out congealed blood one day, prompting him to summon an ambulance before losing consciousness.

He then woke up in a Santa Monica hospital after an emergency tracheotomy for throat cancer.

In an interview with The New York Times, he clarified the misconception about his throat cancer: “People thought I was denying my cancer diagnosis, but when they asked me directly, I didn’t have cancer. It’s similar to asking if you have a broken bone, and if it happened in high school, you would say no.

He stated that what caused his pain wasn’t the cancer, but rather the treatments like radiation and chemotherapy. On the other hand, Val shared that he attributes his recovery to prayers.

2020 saw Kilmer expressing that he recovered swiftly after receiving a throat cancer diagnosis, during an appearance on Good Morning America.

He stated, “This is a tracheotomy,” as he gestured to his neck. He needed it because the glands in his throat became inflamed and made it difficult for him to breathe.

When queried about what he misses most regarding his voice, Kilmer responded to GMA, saying, “I missed having one, and I also missed not laughing like a pirate.

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2025-04-02 14:19

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