Val Kilmer Was Bedridden Before He Died

Family Shares Heartbreaking Final Details

Val Kilmer, one of Hollywood’s most captivating and enigmatic stars, left behind a legacy that continues to stir admiration and curiosity. Kilmer’s career was as diverse as it was iconic.

But behind the fame, the actor faced a deeply private battle with illness. This illness would reshape his life in ways few knew.

Health Decline Timeline

Val Kilmer’s health journey began in 2014. He got diagnosed with throat cancer.

He kept this condition private during the initial stages of his illness, however, he ended up publicly acknowledging it in 2017. He was cancer-free in 2021, but the complications from his treatments left him bedridden in his final years.

Family’s Statement

Following Val Kilmer’s passing on April 1, 2025, his children, Mercedes and Jack Kilmer, released a heartfelt statement. In this statement, they expressed their pride in their father’s legacy and requested privacy during their time of grief.

They described him as an “extraordinary father.” The family also emphasized their desire to mourn privately.

Final Public Appearance

Val Kilmer’s last public appearance took place on November 18, 2019. He was at the Thespians Go Hollywood Gala in Los Angeles.

He was accompanied by his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer. Despite his health challenges, Kilmer appeared in good spirits and posted photos on the red carpet with Mercedes, hinting at the close bond between daughter and father.

Use of AI in Final Film

In Top Gun: Maverick (2022), Val Kilmer reprised his iconic role as Tom Iceman Kazansky. His throat cancer treatment in 2014 resulted in the actor losing his natural speaking voice.

Kilmer ended up collaborating with the London-based software company Sonanatic to digitally recreate his voice using artificial intelligence. This technology made use of archived recordings to produce a voice model that closely resembled Kilmer’s original speech.

Health Complications

Val Kilmer passed away on April 1, 2025, at the age of 65. His death certificate listed pneumonia as the immediate cause of death.

Conditions, including carcinoma of the base of the tongue, acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, and chronic respiratory failure, contributed to his death. These health issues stemmed from his battle with throat cancer.

Bedridden in Final Years

In the years leading up to his death, Val Kilmer faced extreme health challenges. Despite being declared cancer-free in 2021, the treatments, including chemotherapy, radiation, and multiple tracheotomies, left him physically weakened.

According to the sources close to the actor, Kilmer was bedridden for several years before his passing. His condition gradually deteriorated, and his body eventually shut down.

Final Hospitalization

In early 2025, Val Kilmer was hospitalized due to complications arising from his prolonged battle with throat cancer. His condition kept deteriorating until his final week, which led to another hospitalization in Los Angeles.

During this time, close family and friends gathered to be by his side. They offered him support and comfort in his last days.

Social Media Misleading Post

On February 23, 2025, Val Kilmer posted a nostalgic video on Instagram. He was seen wearing his Batman mask alongside artist David Choe.

In the clip, Kilmer quipped, “I’m ready. It’s been a while,” as he put on the mask. However, this video was filmed years earlier and didn’t reflect Kilmer’s physical condition at the time of his passing.

Memoir and Documentary

Val Kilmer openly shared his life and health struggles through his 2020 memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry, and the 2021 documentary, Val.

In his memoir, Val candidly discussed his throat cancer diagnosis. The documentary included 800 hours of personal footage, and it offered an intimate look into his journey, including his battle with cancer and its impact on his personal and professional life.

Final Film Role

Val Kilmer’s final film appearance was in Top Gun: Maverick (2022). His collaboration with Sonantic allowed Kilmer to speak his lines as Iceman.

Kilmer expressed deep gratitude for this opportunity. He stated, “The chance to tell my story, in a voice that feels authentic and familiar, is an incredibly special gift.”

Cher’s Tribute

Following Val Kilmer’s death, Cher paid a heartfelt tribute to her former partner on social media. She wrote, “VALUS Will miss u, U Were Funny, crazy, pain in the ass, GREAT FRIEND, kids love U, BRILLIANT as Mark Twain, BRAVE here during ur sickness.”

Cher and Kilmer dated in the early 1980s and maintained a close friendship after their split. In her 2024 memoir, Cher: The Memoir, she reflected on their relationship, stating, “I was madly in love with Val Kilmer, and he left.”

Final Days

In the final days of his life, Val Kilmer’s health took a sharp turn. He was surrounded by loved ones at the time of his death.

He was affected by multiple health conditions. This led to him being bedridden and left his body frail, and caused his eventual passing in April.

Kilmer’s Artistic Legacy

Val Kilmer, besides being a celebrated actor, was also a multifaceted artist. He was deeply engaged in painting, writing, and poetry.

Following his throat cancer diagnosis, Kilmer turned to the visual arts as a means of expression. The mysterious death of Gene Hackman and wife at home also shocked fans.

Public Reaction

Following Val Kilmer’s passing at age 65, heartfelt tributes poured in from around the world, honoring his remarkable talent, strength, and legacy in cinema.

Tom Cruise’s emotional message especially resonated with fans, recalling their deep bond from Top Gun and praising Kilmer’s courage, artistry, and lasting impact on Hollywood.

If you liked this post, give it a thumbs up!

Read More From This Brand:

• Celebrities React to the Death of Pope Francis
• Garth Hudson’s Death: The End of an Era for The Band
• Francisco San Martin’ Soap Star’s Tragic Death at 39

Don’t forget to follow us for more exclusive content right here on MSN.

If you liked this story, you’ll LOVE our FREE emails. Join today and be the first to get stories like this one.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.