Val Kilmer Talks About His Bout With Throat Cancer In New Memoir
Val Kilmer has recently opened up about his battle with throat cancer in a new interview.
CNN reports that the 60-year-old actor was interviewed on “Good Morning America” as part of the publicity tour for his new memoir, “I’m Your Huckleberry.” In the video, Kilmer sounds different from what people may remember because of his battle with throat cancer. Kilmer revealed that he had to have a tracheotomy so that he could breathe because his throat cancer had caused the glands in his throat to swell up.
Kilmer’s illness was initially something that he denied. It was only in 2017 that he came out with his cancer diagnosis.
Aside from his battle with cancer, Kilmer’s new memoir also talks about his relationships with famous women like Cindy Crawford, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Cher. Kilmer shared that he really needed to be committed to Crawford, especially since she was America’s top model at the time.
ABC News also reports that the memoir, “I’m Your Huckleberry,” traced Kilmer’s decades-long career. Kilmer is especially known for his role as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in “Top Gun.” Kilmer is set to reprise the role in the sequel, “Top Gun: Maverick.” Kilmer had actively campaigned for the role, posting a photo of himself on his Instagram account wearing a shirt that had an illustration of his character. Kilmer says coming back to the role was “moving,” especially when he saw Tom Cruise, the movie’s star, wear the same jacket from the first “Top Gun” film.
“Top Gun: Maverick,” like a lot of films affected by the coronavirus pandemic, has had to change its premiere dates because of the lockdowns caused by the illness. The film was initially set to premiere on Jun. 26, but has now been moved to Dec. 23. Other films that have had to change their premiere dates include Warner Bros.’s “The Batman,” which has been moved to Oct. 1, 2021. Pixar’s “Soul” has been moved to a Nov. 20 release date.
Aside from the “Top Gun” films, Kilmer has also had a variety of memorable roles. He rose to stardom thanks to the comedy films “Top Secret!” and “Real Genius.” Kilmer played Jim Morrison in the 1991 Oliver Stone film “The Doors,” a performance that was roundly praised by critics.
Kilmer also played Batman in “Batman Forever,” which was a commercial success despite a mixed reception from critics. He also starred alongside Robert Downey Jr. in the critical favorite “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang."