The world mourns the loss of yet another Hollywood legend and a great friend to many. Val Kilmer sadly passed away on Tuesday, April 1, of pneumonia. The actor was also diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, which he battled for many years through rigorous medication.
Kilmer was known for his work in 1986’s Top Gun and 1995’s Batman Forever. He was one of the most highly sought-after actors in the industry, who started his career on stage and later transitioned to films.
Val Kilmer on the challenges he faced after beating throat cancer
Val Kilmer’s daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, confirmed the death of the beloved star via The New York Times. The actor’s throat cancer diagnosis forced him to take a break from acting, but he surprisingly made his last movie appearance in 2022’s Top Gun: Maverick.
It was a miracle when Kilmer recovered from the disease, and although the cancer left his body, it also took his voice. As a result, he had difficulty speaking since the treatment damaged his vocal cords, leaving him sounding thin and raspy. He also had to manage life through the aid of a tracheostomy tube.
In the Amazon original documentary Val, he revealed the struggles he faced in the aftermath (via People):
I can’t speak without plugging this hole [in his throat]. You have to make the choice to breathe or to eat. It’s an obstacle that is very present with whoever sees me.
Kilmer took his meals with the help of a feeding tube. He also admitted he sounded much worse than he felt. Since the tracheostomy left a hole in his throat, he was always spotted wearing a scarf or handkerchief to cover the part.
Despite the physical limitations that his condition had caused him, Kilmer never stopped expressing his artistic side. He continued to remain passionate about his love for films, as evident in his willingness to make a franchise return in Tom Cruise’s film.
Now more than ever, fans remember him as the Caped Crusader who saved the residents of Gotham from two of his greatest foes. Like Batman, Kilmer fought his disease, and now the battle is won.
Val Kilmer also felt the same about Batman Forever
Kilmer’s death at age 65 was a tremendous loss in the industry. He had been a part of many fans’ childhoods because of his role as Batman. He admired the character, indeed, but he also shared the critics’ sentiments about it.
He chose not to do another installment for varying reasons: one, because of scheduling conflicts, and two, because of the tension on the set with director Joel Schumacher. Still, he spoke highly of the filmmaker in his memoir.
It’s a sad day for all fans of Batman and Kilmer, but if there’s anything we can learn from this tragic loss, it is the fact that Kilmer lived his life to the fullest despite the challenges he faced along the way.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
