TMZ is reporting regarding Val Kilmer’s death, “Family sources tell TMZ … Val had a lack of energy related to his cancer treatment — and, as a result, he was bed-bound for a long time.
Family sources tell TMZ … Val had a lack of energy related to his cancer treatment — and, as a result, he was bed-bound for a long time.”
Val Kilmer, the acclaimed actor renowned for his roles in Top Gun and Batman Forever, passed away on April 1, 2025, at the age of 65 due to complications from pneumonia. In the years preceding his death, Kilmer faced significant health challenges that profoundly impacted his life and career.
Diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, Kilmer underwent extensive treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and two tracheotomies. These procedures, while successful in rendering him cancer-free by 2021, left him with permanent damage to his vocal cords and severely affected his ability to speak. The aftermath of these treatments led to a marked decline in his overall health, resulting in prolonged periods of bed confinement. Kilmer became increasingly frail, and his energy levels diminished significantly over time. In the week leading up to his passing, his health deteriorated rapidly, prompting hospitalization where family and friends gathered to be by his side.
Despite these health setbacks, Kilmer made a notable return to the silver screen in 2022, reprising his iconic role as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in Top Gun: Maverick. To accommodate his vocal limitations, filmmakers employed artificial intelligence technology to recreate his voice, allowing him to deliver a poignant performance that resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Kilmer’s last known public appearance was in 2019 at a gala event alongside his daughter, Mercedes. In the years that followed, he maintained a low profile, focusing on his health and spending time with his family. His children, Mercedes, 33, and Jack, 29, are currently overseeing funeral arrangements.
The entertainment industry has been deeply affected by Kilmer’s passing, with numerous colleagues and fans paying tribute to his talent and legacy. Director Francis Ford Coppola remembered him as a natural talent whose abilities only grew over time, while actor Josh Brolin reflected on Kilmer’s creativity and bravery. Cher, a former partner, praised his humor and courage during his illness.
Val Kilmer’s journey through his health challenges and his determination to continue his craft despite them serve as a testament to his resilience and passion for acting. His contributions to cinema and his indomitable spirit will be remembered and celebrated by many.
