Val Kilmer's Memorable Journey: Highest-Paid Actor, Quit Films For Kids, Lost His Voice To Cancer

The Batman Forever star, Val Kilmer, said goodbye to the world in the early hours of April 2, 2025 (IST). The actor, according to a statement given by his daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, to the New York Times, passed away of pneumonia at his LA home. However, Val's journey as one of the most iconic actors in Hollywood is nothing short of mesmerising. 

Val Kilmer was born on December 31, 1959, in Los Angeles, California. His love for acting has been evident since he was a little kid, as he became the youngest person at the time to be accepted into the Juilliard School's Drama Division. There he was a part of Group 10. He entered the entertainment world as a stage actor and soon found fame after appearing in the comedy film Real Genius.

Val Kilmer's rise in Hollywood as an actor

Val Kilmer began his career with Slab Boys in 1983. However, it was his appearance in the film, Top Gun opposite Tom Cruise that made Kilmer a rising star. He further enhanced his fame with some of the most iconic roles, including 'Jim Morrison' in Oliver Stone's The Door. This ignited a streak of successful hits for Val, with films like Tombstone and Heat and fan's all-time favourite, Batman Forever. However, he was pulled out of the sequel due to critics' belief that the antagonists overshadowed him, Tommy Lee Jones and Jim Carrey. Nonetheless, that didn't stop Val from aiming bigger. For a brief period in the mid-'90s, he became the highest-paid actor in the world, leaving behind phenomenal actors like Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Val Kilmer's downfall and exit from Hollywood

As the world entered the 21st century, the time proved to be difficult for the actor. The 2000s did not go easy on Val Kilmer, as his graph turned upside down, and he delivered several flops, including Red Planet and Alexander. The actor was soon labelled 'difficult' by his peers after Val got involved in several rows with directors and co-stars. Val spoke about the same in an interview with the Orange County Register back in 2003. He stated:

"When certain people criticize me for being demanding, I think that's a cover for something they didn't do well. I think they're trying to protect themselves. I believe I'm challenging, not demanding, and I make no apologies for that."

Val Kilmer could be called a spasmodic actor by the 2010s rolled in. He had almost disappeared from the films, largely only in direct-to-video releases. However, he stated that this change was because he wanted to spend some time with his children. The life of an actor can take a toll on his life with his family, and Val, according to his 2012 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, didn't want that. 

Val Kilmer lost his voice to cancer

In 2017, Val Kilmer announced being 'healed' from cancer after denying having the disease two years before. However, the cancer persisted, and Val fought even harder. Unfortunately, the price of it came with the actor losing his voice. Val was known for his outstanding delivery, making the loss even harder for the actor. Nonetheless, he did not let the blow push him back, and he returned to the film scene with an electric voice box in Jay and Silent Bob Reboot in 2019. In 2022, he also reprised his role as 'Iceman' in his hit film, Top Gun: Maverick , marking his reunion with Tom Cruise after 36 years. The film also marked Val's last appearance on the screen.

Val Kilmer will always hold a place in the hearts of his fans for his dedication towards the arts and his passion for acting. What are your thoughts on Val's journey in Hollywood? Let us know.

Next Read: Meet Rachel Zegler: Actress Facing Backlash For Playing Snow White In Disney's Remake Of Iconic Film

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