Val Kilmer, the star of Top Gun and Batman, was bedbound in the years leading up to his death, acccording to reports.
The 65-year-old died of pneumonia according to his daughter, who announced his death on Wednesday (2 April).
In 2014, the actor had been diagnosed with throat cancer, which he had since recovered from after treatment. However, a tracheotomy left him without his voice. His life and health issues were the subject of critically-acclaimed documentary Val, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival to rave reviews in 2021.
But his health was a lot worse than it seemed, with family sources suggesting that Kilmer’s condition had deteriorated so badly he was confined to his bed for years, according to TMZ. Treatment for cancer had taken a toll on his health, leaving him with very limited energy, meaning he rarely left his home and was left “frail”.
Kilmer’s condition had also declined in the last week, with friends and family visiting him in hospital. It came after another hospitalisation earlier this year.
The Independent has contacted his representatives for comment.
The actor was last seen in public in 2019, for the Thespians Go Hollywood gala with his daughter, Mercedes. He did not appear during publicity for his documentary in 2021.
Kilmer had endured years of health issues that had left him bedbound, say family sources (Getty Images)
Kilmer was believed to be healthy again and, a few months back, nostalgically recalled his role in Joel Schumacher’s 1995 Batman Forever film in what would be his final Instagram video. However, sources told TMZ, that the video was in fact years old and had been reposted by Kilmer.
He rose to stardom in the 1980s and 1990s, earning a reputation for his dedication to his craft as well as on-set tensions with directors and co-stars.
His breakthrough came with the 1984 comedy Top Secret! and the sci-fi comedy Real Genius (1985), but it was his portrayal of “Iceman” in Top Gun (1986) that cemented his star status. Decades later, he reprised the role in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), alongside Tom Cruise, in what would be his final film. Kilmer also took on the challenging role of Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s The Doors (1991), using his own singing voice for the film.
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days
New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled
He was married to British actress Joanne Whalley, his co-star in Willow (1988). The couple had two children before divorcing.
“When certain people criticise me for being demanding, I think that’s a cover for something they didn’t do well,” he told the Orange County Register in 2003. “I believe I’m challenging, not demanding, and I make no apologies for that.”
