Val Kilmer shared his final Instagram post just days before his passing.
The 65-year-old actor passed away on April 1 after battling multiple health issues over the past decade. His daughter, Mercedes, told The New York Times that pneumonia was the cause of his death.
Fans may recall that the Top Gun and Batman Forever star was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014. During his treatment, Kilmer underwent chemotherapy and a tracheotomy, which resulted in permanent damage to his vocal cords.
The actor, who first appeared on screen in 1984’s Top Secret, opened up about his illness and recovery in his 2020 memoir, I’m Your Huckleberry, as well as in the Amazon Prime documentary Val.
“I obviously am sounding much worse than I feel,” Kilmer explained in the documentary. “I can’t speak without plugging this hole (in his throat). You have to make the choice to breathe or to eat.
“It’s an obstacle that is very present with whoever sees me.”
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Val Kilmer’s final film appearance was in Top Gun: Maverick, released in 2022, where he reprised his legendary role as Iceman.
After enduring a tough battle with cancer, Kilmer stepped away from acting and shifted his creative focus to art. This transition was perhaps most evident on his Instagram page, where he frequently shared his artwork.
His very last Instagram post featured a photo of one of his paintings, accompanied by the caption: “It’s got that late-night glow. Cool tones with a low burn, like when the camp fire cools down but you’re still wide awake.”
The final post showing Kilmer himself was shared on February 23. In the image, the Willow actor appeared alongside Walking Dead star and fellow artist David Choe, wearing a Batman mask and joking: “It’s been a while.”
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Tributes to the late star have poured in across the internet following the heartbreaking news of his passing.
Actor Josh Brolin shared on social media: “You were a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker. There’s not a lot left of those. I hope to see you up there in the heavens when I eventually get there. Until then, amazing memories, lovely thoughts.”
Meanwhile, Josh Gad wrote: “RIP Val Kilmer. Thank you for defining so many of the movies of my childhood. You truly were an icon.”
Rest in peace, Val Kilmer!
