Diagnosed in 2014, Kilmer kept his cancer battle private for years, eventually confirming it in 2017. His treatment included chemotherapy, radiation, and a tracheostomy, a procedure that permanently altered his voice. Despite significant health challenges, Kilmer remained active professionally and shared his journey candidly with the public.
In the 2021 documentary Val, he reflected on his health and career, stating, “I deny none of this and have no regrets, because I have lost and found parts of myself that I never knew existed.” His resilience was further evident in Top Gun: Maverick, where he reprised his role as Iceman, playing a character also facing illness—a performance that echoed his real-life condition.
Medical experts note that the physical toll of long-term cancer treatment can weaken the immune system, making patients more susceptible to infections like pneumonia. Dr. Robert Alter, a head and neck oncology specialist, explained, “Your body just cannot fight as much off,” particularly after enduring years of aggressive therapies.
One particularly harrowing moment in Kilmer’s health battle occurred in 2015, when he was rushed to hospital after vomiting blood while staying with his former partner Cher. He later credited her with being a critical support during that crisis.
Though he was declared cancer-free in 2021, the prolonged impact of his illness likely contributed to his vulnerability to pneumonia. His death marks the end of a courageous journey that inspired many with its openness and honesty.
Kilmer leaves behind a powerful legacy of resilience and artistry, survived by his two children.