Shocking Final Days of Val Kilmer Revealed Before Tragic Death at 65

Val Kilmer was ‘bed bound’ for years as his health failed before his shock death this week aged 65.

The legendary figure known for memorable performances in Top Gun, Batman, and The Doors, succumbed to pneumonia in Los Angeles on Tuesday. This happened ten years following his struggle with throat cancer.

According to family reports, Kilmer’s energy levels were affected by his cancer treatment, causing him to spend most of his time in bed. Although he was reportedly cancer-free when he passed away, his body ultimately succumbed to the strain and ceased functioning.

Towards the final stages of his life, Kilmer was found to be extremely weak. Over the last week, there had been a sudden deterioration in his health.

It’s reported that his family and companions stayed by him in the hospital in the days leading up to his demise, and there were allegations that he had been admitted to the hospital earlier this year as well.

In February, the latest video Kilmer shared featuring a Batman mask was reportedly filmed some time ago as well.

This week, it was revealed that his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer (a child he shared with former wife Joanne Whalley), announced his passing.

In 2014, the screen icon received a diagnosis of throat cancer and underwent surgery that included a tracheotomy, which substantially affected his speaking abilities. Afterward, he was pronounced cancer-free.

Kilmer gained fame for portraying Iceman in the 1986 blockbuster film Top Gun and Batman/Bruce Wayne in Batman Forever (1995). Despite his vocally impaired condition, he briefly resurfaced on the silver screen in the 2022 release of Top Gun: Maverick, where he reprised his Iceman role alongside Tom Cruise. This marked his last major film appearance.

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

Besides Mercedes, who was 33 years old, he is also mourned by his son Jack Kilmer, aged 29. Additionally, Jack Kilmer was the product of a marriage with Joanne, another actress, which took place in 1988 and lasted until 1996.

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

Kilmer received treatments such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and a tracheostomy – a process involving the creation of an artificial opening in his neck to facilitate breathing.

Due to the damage, his vocal cords were changed permanently, which means his speaking voice was significantly affected long-term.

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

Leading the tributes to the fallen star was his friend and fellow actor Josh Brolin.

In a previous moment before undergoing an emergency tracheotomy in 2014, following the discovery of his throat cancer, the actor from No Country For Old Men posted a throwback photo showing both actors smiling widely.

‘See ya, pal,’ Brolin captioned the photo affectionately. ‘I’m going to miss you.’ 

He extolled Kilmer as an “intelligent, thought-provoking, courageous, and incredibly inventive spark,” further remarking, “There aren’t many like him left.

As a die-hard admirer, I eagerly anticipate our reunion in the celestial realm once I make it there. Until that day, my mind is filled with cherished memories and tender thoughts of you.

In a touching tribute, he wrote, ‘Farewell Val Kilmer. You brought life to countless films that shaped my childhood memories. An undeniable icon, indeed.’

Jorma Taccone, the comedic actor-filmmaker known for being part of The Lonely Island alongside Andy Samberg and Akiva Schaffer, recently penned down “Love you, Val” on a social media platform X (previously known as Twitter).

Bill Simmons, the renowned sports analyst and host of his own podcast, appeared to post a Polaroid picture on set during the filming of Heat, featuring Val Kilmer in costume.

‘There wasn’t anyone quite like Val Kilmer. Really enjoyed his work. RIP,’ he wrote.

In the Amazon Prime documentary titled “Val,” Kilmer openly discussed his experience coping with the aftermath of throat cancer, which necessitated the use of an electronic device called a voice box inserted into the artificial opening in his throat for speaking.

He mentioned that he seems to be speaking more hoarsely than he actually feels, as if there’s a blockage in his throat, which makes it difficult for him to talk properly.

An electronic device known as a voice synthesizer, usually powered by batteries, generates sounds to mimic speech, assisting individuals affected by throat cancer in their communication.

The actor, who relied on a feeding tube for his meals, elaborated on some of the additional difficulties he faced.

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He stated, “There comes a point where you must decide between taking a breath or having something to eat. This challenge is quite apparent when I am around.

In the documentary, it was Val’s son who supplied the spoken narrative, but the words he spoke were actually penned by Val himself.

Back in the day, I, a devoted admirer, found myself utterly stunned as I delved into the story of Kilmer’s health struggle. You see, this legendary figure didn’t realize he was battling throat cancer until one fateful day when I, like him, coughed up congealed blood. Just like him, I summoned an ambulance before succumbing to unconsciousness.

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 misunderstanding about his throat cancer: ‘They claimed I was denying my cancer diagnosis, and when asked 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 answer no.’

He added that radiation and chemotherapy ’caused his suffering’, not the cancer itself. 

For the remainder of his life, he followed the teachings of Christian Science, a religious movement that his parents also belonged to.

Followers of Christian Science perceive illnesses and sins as misconceptions at the mental level rather than bodily issues. They believe these issues can be resolved by means of prayer and gaining insight into spiritual realities.

Val said he believes it was ‘prayers’ that cured him, not the chemotherapy. 

In 2020, Kilmer stated that he recovered rapidly after being diagnosed with throat cancer, during an appearance on Good Morning America.

He indicated, with a hand gesture towards his neck, that it was a tracheotomy – a procedure to aid breathing since the glands in his throat had become inflamed and enlarged.

I used to have it, and I wish I could still laugh like a pirate.

In 2019, Kilmer ceased participating in high-profile events like the red carpet, but continued engaging with his followers by posting his artworks and occasional selfies on his Instagram account.

Approximately two months prior to his passing, Kilmer shared one of his last social media messages on February 23, 2025.

He shared chilling videos from his time spent with artist/musician David Choe in a padded room, recorded back in 2021.

The star appeared quite fit, boasting a slender physique, a well-groomed beardless visage, and hair that was only slightly longer than usual.

In the clip, Kilmer spoke briefly before trying on a custom Batman mask made for him by Choe.

Kilmer quipped that it’s ‘been awhile’ since he’s relived his Batman glory days.

Following the placement of the mask, Kilmer gazed intently at the camera, then the frame shifted to reveal a vibrant Batman painting, likely created by Choe and gifted to him.

Additionally, Kilmer posted images of Choe’s other Batman artwork and videos featuring the artist discussing his affection for the superhero, along with the video.

In February 2023, Kilmer didn’t add a caption to his Instagram post that received almost 30,000 likes from his over half a million followers.

Kilmer’s actual final Instagram post was published on March 22.

The image showcased one of his unique artworks, personally signed by him, that was available for purchase on his official online store.

He described the artwork as having a “subdued, late-night radiance,” similar to the soft, muted hues that emerge when a campfire slowly cools, yet keeping one awake.

In the 1990s, Jim Kilmer was a highly regarded leading actor in Hollywood, but frequent disagreements with directors and fellow actors, as well as a string of unsuccessful films, adversely affected his acting career.

Over time, Kilmer became known for his volatile nature, deep passion, meticulous attention to detail, and at times, self-centered behavior.

In 2003, Kilmer said, when some individuals criticize him for being too demanding, he believes it’s a disguise for something they didn’t perform satisfactorily. He suggests that they are trying to shield themselves from accountability.

‘I believe I’m challenging, not demanding, and I make no apologies for that.’

As I trace my roots back, I hail from sunny Los Angeles, born on the last day of 1959 to Gladys Swanette and Eugene Dorris Kilmer. Our family bond was severed in 1968 when I was just eight years old, following a divorce. Tragically, my younger brother Wesley, a vibrant soul like himself, left us too soon at the tender age of 15, an event that occurred while we were enjoying the warmth of a jacuzzi.

Jim Kilmer went to Chatsworth High School with Kevin Spacey, and he was the youngest individual ever admitted to the renowned Drama Division of Juilliard School back then.

He first appeared on the big screen in the 1984 spoof of spies, Top Secret!, and subsequently featured in the zany comedy, Real Genius, in 1985.

In 1986, he soared to fame by starring alongside Tom Cruise in the blockbuster film Top Gun, portraying naval aviator Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky. Many years later, he was cast once more opposite Cruise in the 2022 follow-up, Top Gun: Maverick.

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

In the realm of cinematic glory, I can’t help but proudly proclaim myself as a devotee, enamored by an actor whose charm and charisma were unparalleled. It was his role that stole the show, opposite the dashing Maverick played by Tom Cruise, in the iconic 1986 film we all know and love. Yet, it wasn’t just his calm demeanor or cool composure that left an indelible mark; it was the electrifying rivalry he created on screen that has forever etched him into my heart as a true cinematic legend.

Yet, when the actor publicly stated during a 2013 Larry King interview that he hadn’t been contacted regarding a potential Top Gun sequel, it is said that Cruise mobilized his team to guarantee his friend’s participation in the project.

During an interview with People, Jerry Bruckheimer stated that Tom emphasized he wouldn’t create the film unless Bruckheimer was involved.

Once the final script received approval, it included a role for Ice, now an Admiral, to join in on the festivities.

The producer shared that having the actor participate in the project and successfully complete his role was deeply moving during filming because it brought back the dynamic duo of Iceman and Maverick on screen, a sight cherished by both filmmakers and viewers.

That particular element is one that received high marks from critics and fans alike.

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

My sibling, Mercedes, and I traveled to San Diego to visit a massive naval base for a filming session with Tom Cruise and the team. There, we encountered numerous extras who were actual pilots, all eagerly approaching us and sharing that the original Top Gun movie had motivated them to serve in the Navy and Air Force.

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

In 1988, Kilmer played a role directed by Ron Howard in the movie “Willow”. He also tied the knot with his British costar, Joanne, and together they welcomed two kids. However, their marriage ended in a divorce later on.

In the year 1991, under the skilled guidance of director Oliver Stone, I had the privilege to embody the iconic figure, Jim Morrison, the magnetic and tragically fated frontman of the groundbreaking rock group, The Doors. This role was a formidable test for me, but one that I embraced with unbridled passion.

To convince Stone that he should be cast, Kilmer created a 8-minute video showcasing him singing and emulating Morrison at different stages of his life. The movie features Kilmer’s real singing voice.

1993 saw Jim Morrison experience the pinnacle of his professional life, as he portrayed the legendary Old West gunfighter, Doc Holliday, in the film “Tombstone” set in the American West.

1995 was a breakthrough year for me! I shared the screen with legends like Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in the gritty crime drama Heat. Not only that, but I also stepped into the iconic role of the Caped Crusader, taking over from Michael Keaton in Batman Forever, the third installment in the Batman series – a dream come true!

In simpler terms, the movie Batman Forever was not well-received by many critics, and Val Kilmer was overshadowed by his co-stars, Tommy Lee Jones and Jim Carrey. As a result, Kilmer chose not to continue in the role of Batman for the next movie.

Director Joel Schumacher described Kilmer as the individual with the deepest psychological struggles he had ever collaborated with.

2020 saw Kilmer himself disclose in his captivating memoir, “I’m Your Huckleberry,” that he’s been a one-man show since the turn of the millennium.

‘I haven’t had a girlfriend in 20 years. The truth is I am lonely part of every day,’ he wrote.

I’ve often discovered that I find women far more captivating than men, which might be the reason behind our compatible relationship. It seems as though we are both massive, gentle elephants…while they are delicate, vibrant butterflies.

In 2005, a photo of Val was released showing him kissing Winona Ryder, while he also stated that he had a romantic involvement with Angelina Jolie, his co-star in Alexander, in 2004. However, it seems these were not long-term or serious relationships.

Kilmer has had romantic relationships with some of the most stunning women globally, notably Daryl Hannah and Cindy Crawford.

In a heartfelt tribute, the actor from “The Jay and Silent Bob Reboot” expresses warm sentiments towards his former girlfriend, Cher, who graciously let him stay at her Malibu guest house following his throat cancer diagnosis in 2015.

In a post, Val expressed, ‘Once Cher has found her place within your mind and emotions, she remains there forever. For those who are fortunate enough to be her true friends, her unwavering love and devotion endures eternally.’

Though he had a highly respected career, Kilmer was never nominated for an Oscar or an Emmy. His closest encounter with a significant award came in 2012 when he received a Grammy nomination for the category Best Spoken Word Album, specifically for The Mask of Zorro.

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2025-04-02 22:21