The Hollywood icon Val Kilmer has made a powerful comeback to the film industry through “Top Gun: Maverick” which was released earlier this year. The fans rejoiced as he reprises his antagonistic role together with Tom Cruise. He’s not the only actor who chose to reprise their roles after more than three decades, Eddie Murphy will be reprising his role in the film “Coming 2 America” as well. It was an emotional moment since everyone knew that Kilmer had been battling cancer for years.
Fortunately for his fans, he is able to heal and recover from his illness and has been doing better these days. The comeback of the iconic actor who made the hallmark of the film industry in the 1990s is the most awaited return in Hollywood.
Val Kilmer’s Life Prior To Cancer Diagnosis
Val Kilmer has a pretty colorful life in the aspect of his love and career. The 62-year-old actor gained fame in Hollywood after his portrayal of the character Jim Morrison in “Oliver Stone’s The Doors” in 1991.
His success continued as he was frequently cast as the main character in numerous critically acclaimed movies, including “Tombstone”, “True Romance”, “Heat” and “Top Gun”. Kilmer also played the iconic role of Batman once.
He has had a long and bumpy road to success in Hollywood, leading him to become one of the most prominent actors today. His acting skill has paved the way to his success and he was recognized for it. He has been nominated for Best Actor in Movie category in numerous award-giving bodies such as Chicago Film Critics Association and MTV Awards.
Aside from his successful career, he also has an exciting love life and dated famous actresses. He has dated Cindy Crawford, Angelina Jolie, Cher, and a lot more. However, he found true love with Joanne Whalley whom he met while working together for the movie “Willow”.
They got married in 1988. However, they eventually called it quits on 1996. The pair have one daughter named Mercedes and a son named Jack.
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Val Kilmer Bravely Opens Up On The Tragic Details Of His Illness
Michael Douglas shocked the world when he stated that Val Kilmer was battling terminal cancer in October 2016. Douglas claimed that things don’t look good for Kilmer during an event in London.
A few days later, Kilmer dispelled Douglas’ claims and stated that he was misinformed. He posted through his Facebook account and told everyone that the last time he spoke with Douglas was two years ago.
He later on admitted to the public that he has been battling throat cancer which affected his life. He suffered from the life-changing disease since he had to undergo a tracheostomy, and the operation has permanently damaged his vocal cords. He added that he needed to use a feeding tube as he has to choose whether to eat or breathe.
Aside from tracheostomy, he had to undergo radiation and chemotherapy treatments at the same time. These treatments took a toll on his body; fortunately, these treatments have led him to continuous healing and recovery from cancer.
The actor stated during his interview with New York Times that he does not want to undergo numerous treatments after his diagnosis; however, he was convinced by his children to undergo formal treatment.
Kilmer admitted that it had been an obstacle for him, but despite the experience being hard on him, he feels that he has rediscovered himself. He proudly shared that he had lost and found parts of himself that he never knew existed, and he feels very blessed to have experienced these things.
How Is Val Kilmer Doing These Days
Val Kilmer reveals struggle ‘to breathe or eat’ after throat cancer battle https://t.co/F8Fg5WDeR1 pic.twitter.com/6JgDqzEwgn
— New York Post (@nypost) August 25, 2021
With all the hardships that Val Kilmer had to go through from his throat cancer, he was able to overcome them. He recently reprised his role as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in the film “Top Gun: Maverick”.
According to The Hollywood Reporter’s interview of the film producer Jerry Bruckheimer, it was Tom Cruise who insisted that Val Kilmer be part of the movie.
Tom Cruise will only accept the project if Val Kilmer would be part of the film. The film was indeed a great reunion for everyone after 35 years. Bruckheimer added that while they were filming scenes of Kilmer, everyone on set got emotional, especially seeing him work with Cruise again. It’s not all emotional as there are also times when Cruise and Kilmer cannot stop laughing while filming.
During Val Kilmer’s interview with LA Times, he stated reprising his role in “Top Gun: Maverick” is personal and moving for him. He then went on to reveal that he was close with Cruise; they exchange Christmas gifts every year.
Kilmer’s cameo in the film has received surprisingly enthusiastic reactions from the public. He was overjoyed by it. At the moment, the 62-year-old actor is doing great. He claims that he feels stronger daily regarding his physical and emotional well-being. He proclaimed that he was not yet done and would want to play Frankenstein with Werner Herzog as the director. He is excited to work on the project and hopes to show the world their creative talents soon.