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Val Kilmer, a celebrated Hollywood figure, is renowned for his roles in iconic movies such as Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Real Genius, Willow, The Doors, The Ghost and the Darkness, Red Planet, and the blockbuster hit, Top Gun. His portrayal of Tom “Iceman” Kazansky resonated with audiences and the character’s return in Top Gun: Maverick (2022) was highly anticipated. Kilmer’s journey back to the franchise was not without challenges; he received a throat cancer diagnosis in 2015, triggering a demanding health battle that nearly derailed his acting career.
While his acting engagements lessened, Kilmer’s children, Mercedes and Jack, have consistently expressed support for their father, notably through their involvement in the 2021 documentary, Val, which chronicles his life and career.
In April 2025, Val Kilmer reportedly passed away at 65. Below, we explore the 7 Below actor’s confrontation with throat cancer and his subsequent journey.
Val Kilmer’s Cancer Diagnosis
In 2017, Val Kilmer publicly disclosed his throat cancer diagnosis, a revelation that surprised many. Prior to this announcement, the actor had privately managed his condition for several years. He initially discussed his health in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, alongside his children. Kilmer also reflected on his changed perspective following the diagnosis. “I was excessively serious,” he admitted. “I became agitated when accolades such as Oscars and recognition weren’t forthcoming.”
In recent times, Kilmer’s struggle with cancer has led to a reduction in his acting roles. However, he has made notable appearances in significant films, including Top Gun: Maverick. His cancer journey was also a central theme in the 2021 documentary, Val.
Understanding Throat Cancer
Throat cancer is a disease affecting the throat’s interior and the larynx. This condition encompasses various forms, contingent on the precise location of cell mutation within the organ. According to The Mayo Clinic, it arises from cellular mutations that prevent cell death, leading to the development of tumors. Risk factors for throat cancer include tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, as well as exposure to specific pathogens.
Similar to other cancers, treatment for throat cancer involves several approaches. Common methods include radiation therapy, surgical intervention, and chemotherapy, as detailed by The Mayo Clinic. Val Kilmer underwent radiation and chemotherapy, as well as a tracheotomy, which resulted in damage to his vocal cords.
Timeline of Val Kilmer’s Illness
Val Kilmer received his throat cancer diagnosis in 2015; however, the Alexander actor initially refuted claims of a cancerous tumor. Following hospitalization at UCLA in Santa Monica, California, for throat bleeding (reported by TMZ), he addressed his health status on social media. In a Facebook post in January 2015, he denied having a tumor. “Thank you for the outpouring of support,” he stated. “I have not had a tumor, tumor operations, or any surgery. A complication necessitated ICU care at UCLA. Friends, mindful of my spiritual convictions, have ensured privacy and minimized unnecessary speculation. I am hopeful for a swift return to performing. God bless you, and please, do not be concerned. Love and affection, Val.”
Remarks from Michael Douglas, seemingly validating the diagnosis, fueled ongoing rumors about Kilmer’s health. In 2017, Kilmer officially confirmed his battle with throat cancer during a Reddit AMA. When questioned about Douglas’s comments, Kilmer responded, “He was likely trying to assist, given press inquiries about my whereabouts. I did undergo cancer treatment. My tongue remains swollen, though improving. Due to my altered voice, some assume I am still unwell.”
Val Kilmer’s Remission and Recovery
Val Kilmer achieved remission from throat cancer, though the Alexander actor’s voice was altered due to the treatment. He endured chemotherapy and radiation, but a tracheotomy permanently affected his voice. In April 2020, during a Good Morning America interview, he presented a noticeably changed voice, stating his diagnosis and rapid recovery from “throat cancer.” When asked about missing his renowned voice, he responded humorously, “That I had one! And that my laugh didn’t sound like a pirate.”
Kilmer’s poignant 2021 documentary, Val, chronicled his experience with throat cancer. That same year, Sonantic, a U.K.-based voice-cloning company, utilized AI technology to recreate his original voice with remarkable accuracy. “My voice as I knew it was taken,” Kilmer shared in a Sonantic video using his AI-generated voice. “Comprehension is often a challenge for those around me. Yet, fundamentally, I am unchanged. Still a creative entity, dreaming stories, and now, able to articulate these ideas and share this facet of myself once more. A facet never truly lost, merely obscured.”
Ting Poo, co-director of Val, observed his personal growth. “He lacks the vanity one might anticipate from someone of his stature,” she noted. “Absent is the protective facade often adopted by prominent figures. His openness is quite humbling.”
In recent years, Kilmer has shifted focus from acting to artistic pursuits, including painting. He frequently showcases his art on Instagram and has participated in exhibitions. While art provides a vital creative outlet, his health has restricted his involvement in acting projects, such as the Willow reboot for Disney+. Showrunner Jonathan Kasdan mentioned in a November 2022 Entertainment Weekly interview that incorporating Kilmer into the show was a priority. “Val deeply desired to participate. I recall visiting Val early in the project, stating, ‘We’re proceeding, and the world anticipates Madmartigan’s return.’ His response was, ‘Not as much as I do,’” Kasdan recounted.
Kasdan added that they initially intended for Kilmer to appear in the series. “We planned the first season with his inclusion in mind,” he told the publication. “The realization that his participation wouldn’t be feasible came later in the process.”
Following a bout with pneumonia, Val Kilmer passed away in April 2025.