Actor Val Kilmer has passed away after a battle with throat cancer: details of his life and career
2 april 2025 в 09:13
Val Kilmer stepped away from acting to focus on his battle with throat cancer. Nearly three years after appearing in the film «Top Gun: Maverick» as his iconic character «Iceman», - the 65-year-old actor passed away on April 1, 2025. Although most fans mourning his passing assumed Kilmer’s death was due to cancer, the actor was in remission until his death.
Below you will learn more about Kilmer’s life, career, and death.
The late actor, originally from Los Angeles, starred in many well-known films. Kilmer first appeared in comedy films such as «Real Genius» and «Top Secret!» in the 1980s. He then expanded his horizons to other genres, eventually landing the role of Iceman in the film «Top Gun». Throughout the 1990s, Kilmer appeared in films such as «Tombstone», - «True Romance», - «Batman Forever», - «Heat», - and «The Prince of Egypt».
By the 2000s, Kilmer continued to receive roles in film and television, even reprising his role as Iceman in the film «Top Gun: Maverick» in 2022, which became his final film performance before his death.
In 2015, Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer. In January of that year, reports of his hospitalization surfaced, but the actor stated in a Facebook post that he did not have a tumor, according to TMZ.
«Thank you for all your support. But I have no tumor, or a tumor operation, or any operation», - Kilmer wrote. «I had a complication, and the best way to receive care was to remain under the watchful eye of [UCLA] ICU. Friends have assisted, knowing my spiritual convictions, and were very sensitive and kind to avoid gossip and silly talk. I pray for a speedy return to the stage, as they say. God bless you all and please, do not worry».
Two years later, Kilmer admitted to battling throat cancer during an interview in April 2017 with The Hollywood Reporter. The publication reported that he underwent a procedure on his trachea, which caused his hoarse voice and shortness of breath.
Later, Kilmer was in remission from his battle with cancer.
Although the official cause of death was not disclosed, Kilmer’s daughter Mercedes told The New York Times that her late father passed away after battling pneumonia. Mercedes noted that her father ultimately defeated throat cancer
Below you will learn more about Kilmer’s life, career, and death.
The late actor, originally from Los Angeles, starred in many well-known films. Kilmer first appeared in comedy films such as «Real Genius» and «Top Secret!» in the 1980s. He then expanded his horizons to other genres, eventually landing the role of Iceman in the film «Top Gun». Throughout the 1990s, Kilmer appeared in films such as «Tombstone», - «True Romance», - «Batman Forever», - «Heat», - and «The Prince of Egypt».
By the 2000s, Kilmer continued to receive roles in film and television, even reprising his role as Iceman in the film «Top Gun: Maverick» in 2022, which became his final film performance before his death.
In 2015, Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer. In January of that year, reports of his hospitalization surfaced, but the actor stated in a Facebook post that he did not have a tumor, according to TMZ.
«Thank you for all your support. But I have no tumor, or a tumor operation, or any operation», - Kilmer wrote. «I had a complication, and the best way to receive care was to remain under the watchful eye of [UCLA] ICU. Friends have assisted, knowing my spiritual convictions, and were very sensitive and kind to avoid gossip and silly talk. I pray for a speedy return to the stage, as they say. God bless you all and please, do not worry».
Two years later, Kilmer admitted to battling throat cancer during an interview in April 2017 with The Hollywood Reporter. The publication reported that he underwent a procedure on his trachea, which caused his hoarse voice and shortness of breath.
Later, Kilmer was in remission from his battle with cancer.
Although the official cause of death was not disclosed, Kilmer’s daughter Mercedes told The New York Times that her late father passed away after battling pneumonia. Mercedes noted that her father ultimately defeated throat cancer
© Artemenko Olga
