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Val Kilmer, a celebrated actor recognized for his memorable roles in box office hits such as Top Gun and Batman Forever, passed away on April 1, 2025, at the age of 65. Kilmer, who starred alongside Tom Cruise in the 1986 film Top Gun and later portrayed Batman in the 1995 movie Batman Forever, became a prominent figure and heartthrob during the 1980s and 1990s.
Beyond his successful acting career, Val Kilmer was also devoted to his family. He entered into matrimony with actress Joanne Whalley in 1988 after they initially encountered each other on the set of Willow, where they both performed. While their marital union eventually concluded in divorce, their relationship and family life constitute a noteworthy chapter in Kilmer’s personal history. Continue reading to discover additional details regarding Joanne Whalley, her relationship with Val Kilmer, and their family.
Who is Joanne Whalley?
Joanne Whalley is a British actress esteemed for her work across film and television. She garnered significant attention throughout the 1980s and 1990s for her performances in movies including Willow (1988), where she appeared with Val Kilmer, and Scandal (1989). It was during the filming of Willow that Val Kilmer and Joanne Whalley first became acquainted.
In addition to her cinematic achievements, Whalley has also featured in several television series, such as The Borgias and Daredevil.
Val Kilmer and Joanne Whalley’s Marriage
Duration of Marriage
Val Kilmer and Joanne Whalley were husband and wife from 1988 until 1996. Whalley initiated divorce proceedings, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for the dissolution of their marriage.
Reasons for Divorce
Reports from The Tampa Bay Times indicated that their marriage faced challenges attributed to persistent rumors regarding Kilmer’s alleged romantic involvements on set and his status as a sex symbol.
Val Kilmer and Joanne Whalley’s Children
Family Life and Children
During their marriage, Val Kilmer and Joanne Whalley welcomed two children. According to the Los Angeles Times, their firstborn, a daughter named Mercedes Kilmer, arrived in 1991 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Their second child, a son named Jack Kilmer, was born in 1995, shortly before their divorce was finalized.
Val Kilmer’s Dedication to Family
Throughout his career, Val Kilmer frequently expressed the importance of prioritizing his family, even if it meant declining professional opportunities. In a March 2012 interview with Vanity Fair, he stated, “I can’t be a responsible parent and only be there three or four months a year.”
Val Kilmer was often seen spending quality time with his children, fostering a strong connection with them over the years.
In a 2020 interview with PEOPLE, Kilmer remarked, “I am just madly, wildly entertained by them. My only gripe is that I never see them enough, so I never get enough of the wild entertainment that everyone else gets, but they’re really, really entertaining.”
Both Mercedes and Jack Kilmer are credited as associate producers on the Prime Video documentary Val, which offers an intimate look into the life and career of their renowned father. Jack Kilmer also served as the narrator for the film, as Val Kilmer’s voice was significantly affected due to treatments for throat cancer.
Val Kilmer’s Marital History
Number of Marriages and High-Profile Relationships
Val Kilmer was officially married once, to Joanne Whalley, but he experienced several prominent relationships with other personalities. Notable connections included supermodel Cindy Crawford, actress Daryl Hannah, and iconic singer and actress Cher.