On April 1, 2025, renowned actor Val Kilmer passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 65 due to pneumonia, as confirmed by his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, to the New York Times. Kilmer’s health struggles spanned several years, particularly following his diagnosis of throat cancer in 2014, which necessitated surgery to remove a tumor.
Although Kilmer initially kept his cancer diagnosis private, he was eventually compelled to acknowledge it in 2017 after his colleague Michael Douglas, who also battled cancer, let slip about Kilmer’s condition during a media event in May 2016. Following this, Kilmer opened up about his health during a Reddit AMA while promoting his film, Cinema Twain, sharing his journey and challenges.
“He [Douglas] was probably trying to help me ‘cause the press probably asked where I was these days, and I did have a healing of cancer, but my tongue is still swollen although healing all the time. Because I don’t sound my normal self yet people think I may still be under the weather,” Val shared.
Although Kilmer went into remission, his well-documented history of smoking, which commenced at the tender age of eight, exacerbated his health issues. A Daily Mail article from April 2020 recounts Kilmer’s childhood experiences, revealing that he would sneak away to enjoy his uncle’s Pall Mall cigarettes, a habit he came to regret.
Medical Journey: Tracheostomy and Voice Rehabilitation
As part of his treatment for throat cancer, Val Kilmer underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and a tracheostomy, an essential procedure that creates an opening in the neck to facilitate breathing when the airway is obstructed. This intervention significantly complicated his ability to speak and swallow, necessitating the use of a voice box and feeding tube for communication, as depicted in his 2021 self-titled documentary available on Amazon.
The documentary showcased Kilmer’s remarkable life through an extensive collection of home videos, spanning 40 years, including personal footage and pivotal moments from iconic films such as Top Gun, The Doors, and Tombstone.
“My name is Val Kilmer. I’m an actor. I’ve lived a magical life, and I’ve captured quite a bit of it. I was recently diagnosed with throat cancer. I’m still struggling and recovering, and it is difficult to talk and to be understood, but I want to tell my story more than ever,”he expressed.
Kilmer’s documentary was not merely an account of his struggles; it provided insight into what it meant to navigate life as an artist facing immense personal challenges. Following his tracheostomy, he adopted the use of scarves in public, a visual representation of his journey.
In a heartfelt interview with the Hollywood Reporter in 2017, Kilmer reflected on his skepticism towards conventional medical treatment, attributing his strength to his Christian Science beliefs. He opened up about the lasting effects of his cancer treatments on his voice, admitting that he had to adapt to a new way of communicating.
Watch the documentary trailer here
During an appearance on Good Morning America in April 2020, Kilmer shared positive news of being cancer-free, though he noted the profound impact the disease had on his life, often reminiscing about the joys of speaking freely. Expressing gratitude for his recovery, he shared, “I feel a lot better than I sound but I feel wonderful,” acknowledging the need for the tracheostomy due to the swelling of his throat glands.
In a candid conversation with the New York Times later that year, Kilmer discussed his initial denial of his cancer diagnosis, describing his perceptions of health as akin to a past injury rather than an ongoing challenge. He illustrated this perspective with a metaphor, equating his experience to an old broken bone.
“When they asked me, I didn’t have cancer. It was a bit like do you have a broken bone? And if you broke it in high school, you would say no. I have had a bone broken, but why are you being so aggressive?” he explained.
In his memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry: A Memoir, Kilmer detailed his alarming experiences leading up to his diagnosis, including moments of panic and the unwavering support from loved ones, notably his former partner Cher, who facilitated his transfer to David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA for treatment.
Updates from his children, Mercedes and Jack, in August 2021 revealed the emotional toll of Kilmer’s recovery journey, with both expressing appreciation for the support they received from fans and the broader community, which brought them closer together during a challenging period.
Val Kilmer leaves behind two children, whom he shares with ex-wife and actress Joanne Whalley, and a legacy that continues to inspire many.