Val Kilmer, who sadly passed away on April 1, 2025, at the age of 65, was a high-profile actor known for his iconic roles throughout his career. From his breakout performance in Top Gun alongside Tom Cruise in 1986 to his portrayal of Batman in Batman Forever (1995), he became a heartthrob of the ’80s and ’90s.
Beyond his acting career, Val was also a family man. He married actress Joanne Whalley in 1988 after meeting on the set of the film Willow, where they co-starred. Although they later divorced, their relationship and family life remain a significant part of Val’s story. Find out more about Joanne, their relationship, and their family below.
Joanne is a British actress known for her roles in both film and television. She gained recognition in the 1980s and 1990s for her performances in films like Willow (1988), where she starred opposite Val, and Scandal (1989). It was on the set of Willow where Val and Joanne first met.
In addition to her film career, she has appeared in several TV series, including The Borgias and Daredevil.
The couple was married from 1988 to 1996. Joanne filed for divorce from Val, citing irreconcilable differences.
According to The Tampa Bay Times, their marriage struggled due to “constant rumors about his on-set romances” and his sex symbol status.
The couple had two children during their marriage. According to the Los Angeles Times, their first child, daughter Mercedes, was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 1991. Their second child, son Jack, was born in 1995, just before their divorce.
