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Val Kilmer, Iconic ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Batman’ Star, Dies at 65
Renowned Hollywood actor Val Kilmer, celebrated for his iconic roles in films such as ‘Batman Forever,’ ‘The Doors,’ and ‘Top Gun,’ passed away at the age of 65 on Tuesday, succumbing to pneumonia. The acclaimed performer, known for his versatility and intensity on screen, had battled health issues in recent years.
Battle with Throat Cancer and Impact on Career
Kilmer, who shared the screen with cinematic legends Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in the crime thriller ‘Heat,’ received a diagnosis of throat cancer in 2014. While he successfully overcame the disease, the subsequent treatment, including a trachea surgery, resulted in the loss of his voice, significantly impacting his acting career.
In a revealing 2020 New York Times Magazine profile, journalist Taffy Brodesser-Akner offered an intimate portrayal of Kilmer’s arduous struggle with cancer. She detailed the severe challenges the actor faced, including difficulty swallowing and alarming episodes of bleeding.
According to Brodesser-Akner’s account, Kilmer’s health ordeal began in 2014 while he was on tour with ‘Citizen Twain.’ He experienced a noticeable lump in his throat in Nashville and struggled with swallowing, leading to the cancellation of his performance.
“Pool of Blood” and Christian Science Perspective
Brodesser-Akner further revealed the severity of Kilmer’s condition, noting instances where he awoke in a “pool of his own blood” prior to his diagnosis. She recounted a doctor’s confirmation of throat cancer, and Kilmer’s interpretation through the lens of Christian Science, his chosen faith.
Kilmer explained the Christian Science perspective as viewing illness not as a possession but as a “suggestion” or “claim” rather than an absolute reality. This philosophical approach influenced his understanding and acceptance of his health challenges.
Reflections on Life and Career
In a candid 2017 interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Kilmer, a devout Christian Scientist, acknowledged that his health experiences had profoundly shifted his outlook. He admitted to having been “too serious” prior to his illness.
He also expressed a sense of longing for greater recognition, admitting his disappointment at not receiving accolades like Academy Awards. He reflected on the universal desire for love and acceptance, using Meryl Streep’s celebrated career as a point of comparison.
Denial and Acceptance of Illness
Kilmer’s journey toward accepting his health condition was marked by initial denial. This was evident in his public contradiction of Michael Douglas’s 2016 statement that Kilmer was battling cancer.
Addressing the incident, Kilmer clarified that Douglas was likely trying to be supportive amid media inquiries about his absence from the public eye. Kilmer acknowledged undergoing cancer treatment and experiencing ongoing healing, though his altered voice led to speculation about his continued health.
‘Val’ Documentary: A Life in Film
In the 2021 documentary ‘Val,’ the actor provided an introspective look into his life, spanning four decades, through a wealth of personal video footage. The film poignantly showcased Kilmer’s post-cancer life, including his use of a voice box for communication.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in Los Angeles in 1959, Val Kilmer demonstrated early talent, gaining admission to Juilliard School’s acting program at the young age of 17. He began his career on stage before transitioning to film, achieving prominence in movies like ‘Real Genius’ and ultimately securing his breakthrough role as Iceman in the blockbuster ‘Top Gun.’