Importance Score: 40 / 100 🔵
Val Kilmer’s Final Public Appearance with Family Preceding His Death
Hollywood mourns the loss of iconic actor Val Kilmer, who passed away at 65 due to pneumonia. Five years prior to his death, Kilmer made his last public appearance alongside his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, at the annual Thespians Go Hollywood Gala in Los Angeles. The event, held on November 18, 2019, at Avalon Hollywood, marked the final time the acclaimed performer was seen in the spotlight.
Red Carpet Appearance with Daughter Mercedes
The “Top Gun” star was accompanied by his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, 33, as they walked the red carpet and posed for photographers. This appearance offered fans a poignant glimpse of Kilmer surrounded by family during his later years.
Fashion at the Gala
For the gala, Kilmer sported a black blazer over a yellow button-down shirt, paired with burgundy jeans. He accessorized with multiple colorful necklaces of varying lengths.
Mercedes Kilmer complemented her father’s look in a classic black dress and gold open-toe heels.
Family and Children
Val Kilmer is survived by his two children, daughter Mercedes and son Jack, 29, both from his marriage to British actress Joanne Whalley. The couple was married for seven years, from 1988 to 1995.
Following in Father’s Footsteps
Both Mercedes and Jack Kilmer have pursued careers in acting, carrying on the family legacy.
- Mercedes acted alongside her father in the 2020 film “Paydirt.”
- Jack’s film credits include “The Stanford Prison Experiment,” “Woodshock,” “Palo Alto,” and “Lord of Chaos.”
- Jack also narrated the 2021 documentary about his father’s life, titled “Val.”
Confirmation of Passing and Health Battles
Mercedes Kilmer confirmed to The New York Times on Tuesday that her father passed away peacefully at his Los Angeles residence.
Val Kilmer had been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015, undergoing two tracheotomies as part of his treatment. He later recovered from the illness.
Closer Bonds Forged Through Health Challenges
In a 2020 interview with People magazine, Mercedes Kilmer revealed that her father’s health struggles had strengthened their family bond.
“The health challenges have indeed been challenging, but they have also brought forth numerous positive outcomes,” Mercedes stated. “We now spend considerably more time together. Furthermore, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with many of my father’s longtime friends from before my birth – countless beautiful things arise when you rely on the support of others.”
Kilmer shared with the outlet regarding his family, “They have truly done everything possible to normalize my health.”
Final Instagram Post
Weeks before his death, Val Kilmer’s final Instagram post featured him wearing a Batman mask, accompanied by the playful caption, “It’s been a while.”
Artist David Choe, present in the video, could be heard complimenting Kilmer’s appearance in the mask, remarking on how “great” he looked.
Legacy in Film
Val Kilmer famously portrayed Batman in Joel Schumacher’s 1995 film “Batman Forever,” succeeding Michael Keaton in the role. The movie, which featured a star-studded cast including Tommy Lee Jones, Jim Carrey, Chris O’Donnell, and Nicole Kidman, achieved significant box office success, grossing over $336 million worldwide.
Kilmer also gained considerable recognition for his role as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in the 1986 blockbuster “Top Gun,” alongside Tom Cruise. He reprised his iconic role in the 2022 sequel, “Top Gun: Maverick.”