Val Kilmer's Journey: How Illness Reshaped His Career and Life

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Val Kilmer’s passing, the intense actor famous for his roles as Batman and Jim Morrison in The Doors, was verified by his daughter just yesterday. Mercedes Kilmer .

The 65-year-old actor died from pneumonia Following a ten-year period marked by various health issues, including being diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 which necessitated two tracheotomies, the strain on Kilmer’s throat due to both the illness and treatments led to a reduction in his capacity for speech.

In 2021, directors Leo Scott and Ting Poo unveiled "Val," a documentary assembled from an extensive collection of over 800 hours of video material captured by Kilmer throughout his career. The film chronicles his journey to stardom along with his battles against illness.

Here's what we learnt.

A father communicating via his son

The documentary is penned by Kilmer but voiced by his offspring, Jack, who likewise acts.

Starting with Kilmer at the beginning of his acting journey, it swiftly moves to a more mature version who is intensely involved in scrapbooking.

He recently received a diagnosis of throat cancer; however, he recovered swiftly from it. The subsequent intensive radiation and chemotherapy have resulted in an impairment of his vocal abilities,” explains his son.

I'm still recuperating, and I find it challenging to communicate effectively.

Occasionally, Kilmer addresses the audience directly, clutching his throat as he delivers lines in a hoarse whisper that may startle fans accustomed to his powerful screen presence. He discusses his desire to showcase the vast collection of visuals he has amassed throughout his six-decade career.

"Having led my life, it’s largely encapsulated within these containers; however, the deep sorrow lies in realizing its incompleteness. Despite filming extensively and putting forth immense effort, I find myself unable to convey any of this adequately," states Kilmer.

I understand that isn’t factually correct, yet emotionally, that’s how I experience it.

The beginning of sickness

Towards the end of his career, shortly before falling ill, Kilmer took part in a theatrical performance centered around the life of writer Mark Twain. Struggling with financial burdens due to his recently finalized divorce, he decided to sell 6,000 acres (2,428 hectares) of property he had acquired in New Mexico—land he originally planned for an artists' colony—to finance this show.

However, following numerous successful shows, Kilmer started experiencing health issues.

“I was about to perform 'Citizen Twain' in Nashville when I lost my voice. Initially, I rescheduled the show thinking it would only take a month or two to recover,” he explains. “However, instead of improving, my condition worsened over time. One day, I began coughing up blood and had to be taken to the hospital immediately.”

Via therapy and prayers, I gradually healed, yet the extent of my vocal recovery stayed uncertain.

I grappled with the prospect of my career coming to an end and plunged into despair.

During his time in the hospital, he started painting once more—a pastime he had developed during his younger years. Upon being discharged, he immersed himself fully in creating art and established a studio large enough to accommodate his concepts.

He states, 'That studio has turned into a hallowed ground where artists come together, work collaboratively, and assist the upcoming batch of creators in our community to flourish.'

The scene shifts to archival interview clips of Kilmer, appearing fresh-faced and lively as he responds to the question posed by the interviewer: "Assuming heaven is real, what do you hope God will tell you when you reach the gates of pearl?"

"I had a dream once," Kilmer starts off clearly and deliberately.

When this occurred, she spread out her arms, embracing me with that sensation and uttered, 'I love you.'

Regarding death, dying, and daughters

Occasionally, Kilmer candidly discusses how cancer has transformed his life. You can observe the tracheotomy strap encircling his neck and the artificial opening that enables him to talk. Halfway into the movie, he delves into his beliefs regarding the afterlife.

He remarks, 'I notice this gap in my throat and I ponder if others contemplate whether I was afraid of death.'

I've experienced some fears, yet they've never been overpowering because I don't subscribe to the idea of death. Throughout my entire life, I’ve aimed to view the world as a single entity of existence. Right? When you step away from Earth, you realize that everything is interconnected and part of one continuous life force.

The scene swiftly shifts to Kilmer encountering his offspring, Mercedes, whom he introduces via a title card as "My brilliant daughter."

Confirming that their rendezvous is impending, Kilmer becomes so enthusiastic that he performs a little jig. The movie discloses that they are neighbors, prior to transitioning to blurry footage from a personal video recorder showing Kilmer and his ex-spouse, actress Joanne Whalley, joyfully marking the arrival of their newborn child.

Revising professional goals following an illness

In certain parts of the movie, Kilmer grapples with the change in his career following his battle with cancer, stating that he firmly believes his "illness closed off several professional prospects."

At a 2019 fan screening in Texas of his 1993 film "Tombstone," he arrives to find the entire audience radiating with excitement over seeing him. Despite trying to express gratitude for their presence, he finds it challenging to do so due to the overwhelming reception from the fans.

"I sometimes get so down and severely blue about the constant travel across the nation," he explains.

I may not appear fantastic, but I’m essentially peddling my past self and previous career. To lots of folks, this feels akin to the least desirable activity one could engage in—discussing former snapshots and auctioning off photos from when I played Batman.

However, it allows me to connect with my fans and ultimately leaves me feeling extremely thankful instead of embarrassed since there are so many people involved.

A joker till the very last

Later, Kilmer mutters to the camera that he’s heading to Arizona since his mother, Gladys, has passed away, and adds, “At this moment, she doesn’t have anybody to cremate her.”

Upon arriving at the family residence nestled amidst cacti and desert landscapes, Kilmer promptly begins spraying his relatives with silly string ("It lights up in darkness!" he cheerfully tells them), just as they are dressed in their somber black attire for funerals.

"He mentions something pleasant from last night, detailing her style, her hairstyle, and her jewelry, which always stood out," he shares about his mom, then the scene shifts to Kilmer silently crying.

I long for my mother, yet I saw a glimpse where she seemed utterly content with her youngest child.

Kilmer often discusses his beliefs and how they connect with his daily existence.

"I have explored all the prominent religions; they’ve always fascinated me. Usually, whenever I converse with someone, our discussion eventually turns to matters of belief. I usually inquire..." begins Kilmer, but he suddenly finds difficulty breathing and collapses onto an adjacent couch. It becomes apparent though that this episode was merely a prank orchestrated for his concerned son’s benefit.

"That’s not amusing," Jack remarks from off screen.

"It’s out of my hands," Kilmer remarks, grinning broadly at the flawlessly carried-out joke.

I’m an illegitimate child, and I adore you. This is incredibly hilarious.

Val is currently available for streaming on Prime Video.