Val Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015 and kept his health condition private as he underwent two years of treatment. His illness affected his ability to speak and eat, impacting his work in front of the camera.
Kilmer’s close friend of over three decades, Tom Cruise, became emotional when they reunited, and Cruise invited him to reprise his role as Iceman in “Top Gun: Maverick.”
Val Kilmer starred in several major films in the 1990s, such as “Batman Forever,” “Top Gun,” “Heat,” and “Tombstone,” contributing to their collective earnings of over $2 billion.
Despite his previous on-screen success, fans were shocked to learn that the actor had been privately battling throat cancer for years. He eventually underwent a tracheotomy, rendering it nearly impossible for him to speak.
Initially reluctant to seek medical attention, Kilmer was persuaded by his children, leading to rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
Through treatment, Kilmer fully recovered from cancer and entered remission, though he needed a tracheostomy tube and a feeding tube, impacting his speaking and eating abilities.
Determined to overcome these challenges, Kilmer made a comeback in the film industry with “Top Gun: Maverick,” reuniting with his friend Tom Cruise.
During his cancer battle from 2015 to 2017, Kilmer kept his struggles hidden. However, after his friend Michael Douglas hinted at his condition, Kilmer decided to open up in 2017.
Kilmer stated that he sounded worse than he felt, emphasizing his excitement for life.