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Val Kilmer, Star of ‘Top Gun’ and ‘Batman’, Dies at 65
Movie fans mourned Wednesday upon hearing the news that Val Kilmer, the celebrated actor known for his roles in iconic films such as Top Gun and Batman, had died at the age of 65. The revered Hollywood icon, a cancer survivor, reportedly died from pneumonia, as confirmed by his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer.
Val Kilmer’s Family and Marriage to Joanne Whalley
Mr. Kilmer is survived by his two children, Mercedes and Jack Kilmer, both of whom have pursued careers in acting, following in their parents’ footsteps. He shared his children with his former wife, Joanne Whalley. Their marital separation raises questions about the circumstances surrounding the dissolution of the actors’ relationship.
Meeting and Marriage
The acclaimed actor married British actress Joanne Whalley after they encountered each other on the set of director Ron Howard’s 1988 family fantasy film, Willow. They reportedly fell in love quickly and wed within the same year.
Relocation and Name Change
Following their marriage ceremony, Ms. Whalley moved to Los Angeles to reside with Mr. Kilmer and adopted the name Joanne Whalley-Kilmer, according to media reports.
Joanne Whalley’s Career and Marital Challenges
Joanne Whalley has also achieved recognition for her roles in films including The Virgin Queen and A Texas Funeral, as well as television appearances in series such as The Edge of Darkness and Gossip Girl.
Professional Collaborations and Divorce
She shared screen time with Val Kilmer in four projects, notably Willow and Kill Me Again. However, their marriage ended in 1995, with Ms. Whalley citing “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for their divorce proceedings.
Rumored Marital Strain
Sources indicate that their marriage experienced strain due to persistent rumors regarding his romantic involvements on film sets and Mr. Kilmer’s public image as a sex symbol.
Co-Parenting and Post-Divorce Collaborations
Despite their divorce, the former couple continued to raise their children together and even acted together in two more films after their separation, appearing in Played in 2006 and Twixt in 2011.
Details of the “Devastating Split” and Kilmer’s Loneliness
Val Kilmer’s marriage to Joanne Whalley concluded in a painful separation. The actor reportedly learned about his impending divorce while watching a news broadcast in a hotel room, according to reports from news outlets. He described the situation as “no fun”.
Divorce Costs and Timing
Mr. Kilmer disclosed that his divorce was “the second most expensive in New Mexico” and occurred “only two months after the arrival of their second child.”
Kilmer’s reflections on Solitary Life
Although romantically linked to several prominent women throughout his career, Val Kilmer expressed feelings of loneliness in his memoir, admitting in 2020, “I haven’t had a girlfriend in 20 years. The truth is I am lonely part of every day.”
Past Relationships
Kilmer had associations with celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Cindy Crawford, and Cher, but revealed that actress Daryl Hannah held a special place in his affections.
Tributes Following Val Kilmer’s Death
Following the sad announcement of Val Kilmer’s death, tributes have poured in. Notably, the official Top Gun social media account paid tribute, stating: “Remembering Val Kilmer, whose lasting cinematic impact spanned genres and generations. RIP Iceman.” Fans also conveyed their grief on his last social media post, leaving heartfelt messages of sympathy.