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Val Kilmer’s Final Years: Actor Bedridden Before Passing at 65
Reports indicate that Hollywood icon Val Kilmer, celebrated for his roles in blockbuster films such as “Top Gun” and “Batman,” had spent his last years largely confined to bed due to declining health. The acclaimed actor, who portrayed Batman and starred in “The Doors,” passed away on Tuesday at the age of 65 from pneumonia. While Kilmer had bravely fought throat cancer since a 2015 diagnosis, his daughter Mercedes confirmed to The New York Times that he was cancer-free at the time of his death, highlighting the lasting impact of his treatments.
Details of Kilmer’s Health Decline Emerge
Sources familiar with the Kilmer family revealed to TMZ on Wednesday that the rigorous cancer treatment significantly weakened the actor, leading to him being bedridden “for years preceding his death.”
These sources further explained that Kilmer’s body was simply unable to sustain further struggle towards the end, stating, “his body eventually shut down,” underscoring the severity of his health challenges.
Val Kilmer’s Frail Condition in Final Days
Known for his unforgettable performances in cinematic hits like “Top Gun” and “The Doors,” Kilmer was described as “very frail at the end of his life,” with sources emphasizing that his passing was not abrupt or unexpected.
The film star was reportedly hospitalized earlier in the year and again in the week leading up to his death at a medical facility in the Los Angeles area. Family and close friends visited him during these final days.
Misleading Social Media Post and Last Public Appearance
Despite a video featuring Kilmer in a Batman mask being posted to his Instagram in February, it was clarified that the clip was recorded “years prior” and did not accurately represent his physical condition in the months before his death. Kilmer’s most recent public appearance was in 2019 when he attended the Thespians Go Hollywood Gala alongside his daughter, Mercedes, 33.
Family Arrangements and Kilmer’s Memoir
Mercedes and her brother Jack, 29, are reportedly making arrangements for funeral services, as reported by TMZ.
Kilmer publicly acknowledged his cancer diagnosis in 2017 and openly discussed his health battles in his 2020 memoir, “I’m Your Huckleberry.”
Recounting Health Struggles in Memoir
In a poignant excerpt from his memoir, Kilmer recounted a dramatic health episode: “One night, I suddenly awoke vomiting blood that covered the bed like a scene out of ‘The Godfather.’” This incident occurred during a period when he was staying at the guest residence of his former girlfriend Cher, who had offered him accommodation as his health began to deteriorate.
“I prayed immediately, then called 911. Then alerted my hostess. Cher stepped in and stepped up,” Kilmer wrote, expressing gratitude for her support during a critical moment.
Impact of Cancer Treatments
Beyond undergoing radiation and chemotherapy to combat cancer, Kilmer underwent two tracheotomies, surgical procedures to create an artificial airway in his neck to aid breathing. These surgeries unfortunately resulted in permanent damage to his vocal cords, significantly impairing his ability to speak.
Kilmer’s Cancer-Free Status and Documentary
By 2021, Kilmer announced that he was free from cancer.
Reflecting on the lasting effects of his treatments in the 2021 documentary “Val,” produced by Mercedes and Jack, Kilmer stated, “I can’t speak without plugging this hole,” referring to his tracheostomy. “You have to make the choice to breathe or to eat,” Kilmer added, mentioning his reliance on a feeding tube. “It’s an obstacle that is very present with whoever sees me.”
In a powerful statement, he concluded, “I’m still recovering, and it is difficult to talk and to be understood. But I want to tell my story more than ever.”