logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

Val Kilmer Gives a Health Update after His Tracheotomy –– Inside His 2-Year Battle with Throat Cancer

Christell Fatima M. Tudtud
Aug 05, 2020
08:00 P.M.

Val Kilmer, who has been battling throat cancer for two years, recently updated his fans about the results of his tracheotomy.

Advertisement

In an interview on “Good Morning America,” the 60-year-old actor said that the surgical procedure has affected his ability to talk. He said he needed to figure out a way to communicate, especially at work.

The actor has to speak carefully, but while he finds it challenging, he assures fans that he feels “a lot better.”

Veteran actor Val Kilmer during the 2004 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Hollywood. | Photo: Getty Images

Veteran actor Val Kilmer during the 2004 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Hollywood. | Photo: Getty Images

The “Top Gun” actor went public about his cancer diagnosis in 2017. He detailed his diagnosis in his memoir "I'm Your Huckleberry."

There is a reason why Kilmer denied his diagnosis in 2016 and confirmed it late. The actor, who was told by doctors about a lump they found in his throat, had a theory about throat cancer treatments.

Advertisement

Amid his struggles of health, Kilmer said he is now in a better place that attracts "better roles."

Val Kilmer and daughter Mercedes Kilmer will star in this year's movie "Paydirt." | Photo: Getty Images

Val Kilmer and daughter Mercedes Kilmer will star in this year's movie "Paydirt." | Photo: Getty Images

A Christian Scientist, he did not believe in seeking traditional medical guidance. Instead, he claimed that he suffered from the "suggestion of throat cancer."

Believing that his faith will heal him, Kilmer began to work with his spiritual advisor. His non-Christian Scientist children, Mercedes and Jack, 24, were uncomfortable with his decision to try to heal by himself.

The siblings were able to convince the actor to go through traditional treatment. Kilmer went through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. The process resulted in the actor being attached to a feeding tube.

Advertisement
Val Kilmer during the 2012 signing event of his one-man show "Citizen Twain." | Photo: Getty Images

Val Kilmer during the 2012 signing event of his one-man show "Citizen Twain." | Photo: Getty Images

His operation was a success, according to his doctor. As for Kilmer, he believes it was his faith and prayer that cured him.

Meanwhile, the veteran actor is set to mark his new role in the movie, "Paydirt," which will be released this week. The action-packed film is special for him because he will star alongside his 28-year-old daughter Mercedes, who will play his character’s child.

Mercedes, on the other hand, said that portraying Kilmer’s daughter in the movie was “trippy and perfect.” She added that it means a lot to her to work with a veteran actor, and no less than her own father.

Advertisement

Amid his struggles of health, Kilmer said he is now in a better place that attracts "better roles."

The actor has five projects to be filmed this year. He is preparing for the release of "Top Gun: Maverick." the long-awaited sequel to the 1986 movie. He will reprise his iconic role as Iceman.

While he did not spill any additional details about the film, Kilmer gave a clue about his co-star Tom Cruise, who plays Maverick, the movie protagonist. Kilmer hinted that they will be friends.

Val Kilmer will reprise his role as Iceman for the "Top Gun" sequel. | Photo: Getty Images

Val Kilmer will reprise his role as Iceman for the "Top Gun" sequel. | Photo: Getty Images

Aside from his movies, Kilmer is also known for his dating past. In his memoir, "I’m Your Huckleberry," he details his past romances with a number of beautiful and influential women in the industry.

Among them were Cher, Michelle Pfeiffer, Cindy Crawford, and Angelina Jolie. The actor also wrote that he has never had a girlfriend for 20 years now.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

Jeff Bridges Fell for Waitress, Accepting Her with Facial Injuries — Years Later She Doesn’t Leave Him When Death Looms

December 02, 2023

Ryan O'Neal Blamed His Daughter for Farrah Fawcett's Death — They Found Strength to Reunite Before His Death

December 12, 2023

Robert Redford Lost Both Sons: The Story of Two of the Darkest Days of His Life

December 08, 2023

Meg Ryan's Looks Have Changed since She Disappeared after Divorce – Now She's a Single Mom of 2

November 08, 2023

Dolly Parton Called Her Dying Fan before Christmas - Their Conversation Revealed

December 27, 2023

Michael Strahan’s Daughter, 19, Was Hospitalized after Starting New Chemo Treatment: Details

February 26, 2024

Michael Strahan’s Daughter, 19, Was Hospitalized after Starting New Chemo Treatment: Details

February 23, 2024

5 Celebrities Who Revealed They Raise Children with Special Needs

January 26, 2024

Jeff Bridges' Wife Asked Doctors to 'Save His Life No Matter What' during His Health Crisis – Inside Their Love Story

December 04, 2023

Charlie Chaplin Had 11 Children with 3 Women & Some of His Kids Became Actors Too

January 14, 2024

Jill Martin, 47, Cries While Trying on Wigs after Losing Hair amid Her Battle with Breast Cancer

December 28, 2023

Ryan O'Neal's 4 Kids: Two Were Raised with 'No Food', While One Became Oscar-Winner

December 13, 2023

Tennis Legend Chris Evert Battles Cancer with Ex-husband by Her Side: Photo & Details

February 16, 2024

Irene Banerjee Was Chippendales Founder Somen Steve Banerjee's Wife

December 09, 2023