Val Kilmer, the renowned actor, recently released a documentary titled Val on Amazon Prime in July 2021.
In this film, he candidly discusses his life and his ongoing battle with throat cancer.
The documentary begins with Kilmer's son, Jack Kilmer, narrating, “My name is Val Kilmer.
I'm an actor.
I was recently diagnosed with throat cancer.
Although I recovered quickly from the extensive radiation and chemotherapy, the aftermath has left my voice impaired.
I am still in the process of recovery, and communicating and being understood is challenging.”
As a result of his condition, the Top Gun star now relies on a hole in his throat for breathing and communicates using a voice box.
Back in 2015, Kilmer had been hospitalized, but the true reason behind his absence was not revealed until three years later.
It was Michael Douglas, Kilmer's co-star in The Ghost and the Darkness, who disclosed in 2016 the reason for Kilmer's extended period of absence.
He stated, “Val was a wonderful guy who is dealing with exactly what I had, and things don't look too good for him.
My prayers are with him.
That's why you haven't heard too much from Val lately.”
Fast forward to the present day, and it is evident that the former heartthrob's appearance has drastically changed.
Some attribute this to the natural process of aging, while others speculate that it is linked to his battle with cancer.
Let's delve into what really happened to Val Kilmer's face.
To understand the transformation in Kilmer's looks, we need to trace back to its origins.
In 2007, the actor experienced weight gain, leading to media labeling him as “Fatman.”
This subjected him to public scrutiny for nearly half a decade.
Around the same time, he disappeared from the spotlight after working on a series of low-budget films.
From 2011 to 2012, Kilmer resided in a ranch he purchased in Mexico.
When he reemerged in 2012 after selling the ranch, he appeared noticeably thinner.
The press had much to say about his transformation once again.
Both Kilmer's weight loss and weight gain garnered attention from the media.
TMZ reported, “Val Kilmer is half the man he used to be … and we're told he shed the pounds the old fashioned way with determination … and walking his *ss off.
We're told ‘Iceman' looked in the mirror and realized he had let himself go … and decided to change everything.
There was no personal chef or magic diet pill … just healthy eating and exercise, especially long walks on the beach by his home in Malibu … which doesn't suck.”
Those were certainly harsh tabloid days.
The beginning of Kilmer's battle with throat cancer dates back to 2015 when he was admitted to the hospital due to a “cancerous tumor.”
Initially, he denied Michael Douglas' claims that he had cancer.
However, in 2018, Kilmer finally opened up about having a tracheotomy as a result of his throat cancer.
This explained why he looked and sounded different during his portrayal of Mark Twain in the one-man play Citizen Twain in 2017.
It also clarified why he started wearing scarves around his neck.
In 2020, Kilmer announced that he had been cancer-free for four years after undergoing chemotherapy and two tracheotomies.
Additionally, he shared that he now relies on a feeding tube for nourishment.
In recent public appearances, Kilmer's head appears disproportionately heavy for his neck.
This is the primary reason behind the changes in his facial structure over the past few years.
It is a natural consequence of the numerous operations he has undergone.
As described by The New York Times, “He's 61 now.
He is still so handsome.
His hair is still blond.
His eyes are still the unimaginable green of Oregon grass right after the rain.
His jaw is still the main event — the nasolabial area of his cheek bookending the inferior jowl so that his superior jowl appears sunken and his face takes on romantic geological proportions.”
In his documentary, Kilmer acknowledges, “I obviously am sounding much worse than I feel.
I can't speak without plugging this hole [in my throat].
You have to make the choice to breathe or to eat.
It's an obstacle that is very present with whoever sees me.”
Nevertheless, the actor remains optimistic about his future, stating, “I have behaved bizarrely to some.
I deny none of this and have no regrets because I have lost and found parts of myself that I never knew existed.
I am blessed.”
Despite the challenges he faces due to the damage to his voice, Kilmer was able to reprise his iconic role as Iceman in the 2022 film Top Gun: Maverick.
Although his performance was affected, he cherished the opportunity to return to the franchise alongside Tom Cruise.
