Val Kilmer’s Final Artwork Becomes Touching Memorial Tribute
Hollywood icon Val Kilmer’s final Instagram post has transformed into an impromptu memorial as fans flood the comments with tributes following his death on Tuesday at age 65. The “Top Gun” and “Batman Forever” star died from pneumonia in Los Angeles while surrounded by family and friends, his daughter Mercedes Kilmer confirmed to The Associated Press.
Just ten days before his passing, on March 22, Kilmer shared what would become his last social media post – a photograph of one of his own paintings, described as having “that late-night glow. Cool tones with a low burn, like when the camp fire cools down but you’re still wide awake,” according to Yahoo Entertainment.
The actor, who had been selling his artwork through his personal website, had increasingly focused on visual art in recent years as he battled throat cancer and its aftermath, which had permanently damaged his speaking voice following a tracheotomy.
Career Defined by Iconic Roles
Kilmer’s death marks the end of a storied career that spanned four decades. He soared to fame playing Iceman opposite Tom Cruise in 1986’s “Top Gun,” a role he reprised in the 2022 sequel “Top Gun: Maverick” despite his health challenges.
His filmography includes unforgettable performances as Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone’s “The Doors” (1991), the tuberculosis-stricken gunslinger Doc Holliday in “Tombstone” (1993) – where he delivered the iconic line “I’m your huckleberry” – and as Batman in 1995’s “Batman Forever.”
Tributes have poured in from across Hollywood, with the official “Top Gun” social media account noting that Kilmer’s “indelible cinematic mark spanned genres and generations,” NBC News reported.
Actor Josh Brolin wrote on Instagram: “See ya, pal. I’m going to miss you. You were a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker. There’s not a lot left of those.”
How Val Kilmer turned to NFTs to promote his art after losing his voice in 2017. Web3 Crypto https://t.co/kp1NpUcPAJ
— XRP-WINS (@EdsonXRPWINS) April 2, 2025
Health Struggles and Cancer Battle
In recent years, Kilmer had been open about his battle with throat cancer, which he first revealed in 2017. According to People magazine, he initially ignored symptoms including a lump in his throat and difficulty swallowing until a frightening episode in 2015.
“One night I suddenly awoke vomiting blood that covered the bed like a scene out of The Godfather. I prayed immediately, then called 911,” Kilmer wrote in his 2020 memoir, “I’m Your Huckleberry.”
Following his diagnosis, he underwent a tracheotomy, chemotherapy, and radiation. The treatment saved his life but permanently altered his distinctive voice. “It isn’t easy to talk and be understood,” he wrote on his website in 2022. “I am improving all the time, but am not able to be out in the world the same way I had become accustomed.”
Art as Expression
As his acting career slowed due to health challenges, Kilmer increasingly turned to visual art as a form of creative expression. In addition to his final post, he had shared another artwork on March 16, writing: “Some art hums like a power chord—loud, untamed, and unforgettable.”
In February, the actor demonstrated his enduring sense of humor when he donned a Batman mask in a video promoting his artwork, playfully acknowledging one of his most recognizable roles.
Fans have transformed these recent posts into impromptu memorial sites. “Rest in Peace, you amazing artist and human! 💔🌸,” wrote one person, while another commented: “Rest in Peace, Val. Thank you for your art, your heart, your spirit, your boldness, your depth, your humanity.”
It’s very sad to hear about Val Kilmer. I did buy one of his stunning art works. RIP pic.twitter.com/AbUcGQG1pN
— Stephen (@MoutonIsAClaret) April 2, 2025
A Life Reflected
The 2021 documentary “Val,” which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, offered viewers an intimate look at Kilmer’s life through thousands of hours of home videos he had recorded throughout his career. In it, Kilmer reflected candidly on his journey.
“I have behaved poorly. I have behaved bravely. 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,” he said toward the end of the film. “And I am blessed.”
Known for his method acting approach, Kilmer was infamous for his total immersion in roles. He filled his bed with ice when playing the tuberculosis-stricken Doc Holliday and wore leather pants constantly while portraying Jim Morrison. This intensity contributed to both his critically acclaimed performances and his reputation for being difficult on set.
Kilmer is survived by his two children, Jack and Mercedes, from his marriage to actor Joanne Whalley. His legacy lives on not only through his memorable film performances but also through the artwork that occupied his final creative chapter.
