Val Kilmer, 65, is a Hollywood icon who has starred in memorable films like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Real Genius, Willow, The Doors, The Ghost and the Darkness, Red Planet, and of course Top Gun. His character, Tom “Iceman” Kazansky even returned for the release of Top Gun: Maverick in 2022. Val hasn’t had an easy road back to the franchise — the actor was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015, and the grueling battle nearly cost him his acting career.
While his acting has slowed down, Val’s kids Mercedes and Jack have shown their love for their dad on plenty of occasions, including participating in the 2021 documentary about him, simply titled Val. They’ve also shared encouraging messages to their dad on social media. Here’s what to know about the 7 Below actor’s throat cancer battle and how he’s doing now.
Val Kilmer surprised fans when he publicly announced that he was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2017. The actor had kept his diagnosis private for a few years, but he first spoke about it in an interview alongside his kids with The Hollywood Reporter. He also spoke about how his outlook changed after he received his diagnosis. “I was too serious,” he said. “I’d get upset when things like Oscars and recognition failed to come my way.”
In recent years, Val’s battle with cancer has had him slow down on acting, although he has managed to make a few appearances for major movies like Top Gun: Maverick, and his battle with cancer was included in the 2021 documentary Val.
Throat cancer is a form of cancer that affects the inside of the throat or the voice box. There are various types of throat cancer that can form in different part of the organ, and it refers to the mutation of cells where they don’t die when healthy cells would, which can lead to tumors forming, per The Mayo Clinic. Some of the causes of throat cancer include tobacco and alcohol use, and exposures to certain types of illnesses.
There are various ways that doctors fight throat cancer, similar to other forms of the disease. Some common treatments include radiation therapy, surgery, and chemotherapy, according to The Mayo Clinic. Val has received radiation therapy and chemotherapy and a tracheotomy, which has damaged his voice.
Val got the diagnosis of throat cancer in 2015, but the Alexander actor denied the tumor was cancerous. After being rushed to UCLA in Santa Monica, California, for bleeding from the throat (per TMZ,) he took to social media to address his health, denying that he had a tumor. “Thank you for all your sweet support,” he said via Facebook in January 2015. “But I have not had a tumor, or a tumor operations, or any operation. I had a complication where the best way to receive care was to stay under the watchful eye of the ucla ICU. Friends have assisted who know my spiritual convictions and have been most sensitive and kind for the extra effort in making sure there’s minimum gossip and silly talk. I am praying for a speedy return to the boards as they say. God bless you all and please don’t worry. Love and deep affection , Val.”