Val Kilmer Makes Rare Public Appearance After Stepping Away from Spotlight Following Cancer Diagnosis
Plenty of rumors surrounded “Top Gun” star Val Kilmer when he decided to take a break from acting a few years ago. Since then, the movie star has rarely been spotted at public events, at least until recently. Kilmer just broke his hiatus when he appeared to support a fundraiser in Los Angeles.
Kilmer was initially quiet about his hiatus, sparking rumors about how the actor was faring. In 2017, Kilmer officially revealed in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that he’d been diagnosed with throat cancer. The actor has undergone chemotherapy and surgery on his trachea, which has weakened his voice.
When 59-year-old Kilmer stepped into the spotlight at the fundraiser, he appeared healthy and in good spirits.
The fundraiser was in support of his TwainMania Foundation, which aims to educate children about the life and legacy of author Mark Twain, People reported.
The movie star was accompanied by his 23-year-old son, Jack. Sporting a pair of binoculars around his neck, Kilmer posed for photos on the red carpet and delivered a speech about the TwainMania foundation.
The public event was the first of many more to come for Kilmer. The actor is about to make his Hollywood comeback in “Top Gun: Maverick,” a long-awaited “Top Gun” sequel. In the film, Kilmer will reprise his role as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky.
Tom Cruise, who will also return in “Top Gun: Maverick,” confirmed that Kilmer seems to be faring well in his battle against cancer. For him, the opportunity to work with his old costar again was a “special” experience.
“He’s doing really well,” Cruise told Extra.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Kilmer’s break from the spotlight has been essential to his recovery and mental health.
Kilmer said that he was “too serious” about achieving perfection at the height of his acting career.
“Fame is sort of a mess. You get treated differently, but it doesn’t have anything to do with who you actually are,” Kilmer said.
Fans will have the opportunity to watch Kilmer on the big screen once again on June 26, 2020, when “Top Gun: Maverick” hits theaters.
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