Val Kilmer’s passing earlier this month left fans around the world heartbroken.
Known for his unforgettable roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever, and The Doors, Kilmer’s death at the age of 65 came as a tough blow to Hollywood and beyond.
Now, just over a week later, new details have emerged surrounding what ultimately caused his death—and they paint a picture of a man who fought long and hard against serious health battles.
Cause of Death Confirmed as Pneumonia with Cancer Complications
According to a death certificate obtained by TMZ, Kilmer died of pneumonia on April 1.
His daughter had previously confirmed the lung infection was what took his life.
But the full medical report also listed several underlying causes, including acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, chronic respiratory failure, and squamous cell carcinoma at the base of his tongue—a form of throat cancer that Kilmer had battled publicly.
Squamous cell carcinoma is a serious cancer that develops in the flat cells lining the throat, including the larynx and pharynx.
Though Kilmer once announced in 2020 that he had been cancer-free for four years, the certificate confirms the disease had unfortunately returned.
A Painful Journey Through Illness and Recovery
Kilmer was first diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014. Over the years, he underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and emergency tracheotomies—procedures that altered his voice permanently.
One of the more complicated effects of these treatments was the development of a tracheocutaneous fistula, an abnormal opening between his windpipe and the skin after the removal of his breathing tube.
Malnutrition was also cited as a contributing factor in his decline.
Kilmer, at one point, had to be fed through a tube and spoke using a mechanical voice box, an assistive device often used by throat cancer survivors.
His Family Speaks Out with Love and Gratitude
After news of his death broke, Kilmer’s children—Mercedes and Jack—released a heartfelt statement expressing their grief and appreciation.
“We are so proud of him and honored to see his legacy celebrated,” they shared. “At this time, we would like to grieve privately.”
Mercedes confirmed to the New York Times that her father died in Los Angeles.
The actor has since been cremated, as noted in official documents.
A Legendary Career That Spanned Decades
Kilmer was a powerhouse in Hollywood, earning fame with his role as Iceman in the original Top Gun (1986), then stepping into the cape as Batman in 1995’s Batman Forever.
He later wowed audiences with his transformation into Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991), showcasing his versatility and commitment to his craft.
Despite the loss of his natural voice, Kilmer made an emotional return to the big screen in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), reprising his role as Iceman alongside Tom Cruise.
It was his final on-screen appearance and a touching tribute to his legacy.
Candid Reflections in His Final Years
Kilmer wasn’t one to shy away from the realities of his health struggles.
In the 2021 Amazon Prime documentary Val, he opened up about life after cancer, including the challenge of speaking through a voice box.
“I obviously am sounding much worse than I feel,” he said. “I can’t speak without plugging this hole [in my throat].”
He also shared how the feeding tube altered basic life functions, explaining, “You have to make the choice to breathe or to eat.”
The documentary offered a vulnerable look at his day-to-day life, with narration provided by his son Jack, using words penned by Val himself.
A Deep Bond with His Children
Val Kilmer often said that his greatest joy in life was his children.
He prioritized them over big Hollywood roles, once telling Vanity Fair that he turned down major projects to be more present at home.
“I can’t be a responsible parent and only be there three or four months a year,” he said.
Mercedes and Jack have been at his side throughout his health struggles.
In fact, Mercedes once revealed that she and her father were in the hospital at the same time—she had been hit by a car shortly after he was diagnosed with cancer.
On-Screen Chemistry with Real-Life Connection
In 2020, Val and Mercedes shared the screen in the film Paydirt, where she played his daughter.
The experience not only brought them closer but also gave Mercedes a new perspective on acting.
“It taught me so much watching him, how he communicated physically,” she said.
“My dad’s able to very artfully circumvent the limitations of his speech.”
She added that working alongside her father helped her better understand how to collaborate with actors who have different abilities.
A Life of Artistry, Grit, and Love
Throughout his career and even during his illness, Val Kilmer remained a symbol of strength and creativity.
Whether he was delivering iconic performances, creating art, or mentoring his children, he lived fully—despite the challenges.
Mercedes, who also served as an associate producer on the documentary Val, once told Entertainment Tonight that although the film made her emotional, nothing about it surprised her.
That’s just who her father was—an open book, a creative soul, and a loving dad to the end.