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Val Kilmer wasn't just a Hollywood legend; he was a devoted dad until the very end. The "Top Gun" and "Batman Forever" star, who passed away at 65 from pneumonia, shared an unbreakable bond with his two kids, Mercedes, 33, and Jack, 28, whom he co-parented with ex-wife Joanne Whalley.
Even as he faced an 11-year battle with throat cancer that left him using a voice box, Kilmer made sure his children came first. Whether it was bringing Mercedes as his date to his last public event or turning down A-list directors to spend more time at home, the actor never let Hollywood get in the way of fatherhood.
© Ron Galella Collection via Getty"I Never See Them Enough"
Kilmer was always upfront about his love for his kids. In a 2020 interview with People, he raved about how much joy they brought into his life. "I am just madly, wildly entertained by them. My only gripe is that I never see them enough," he said.
Despite his demanding career, Kilmer made sure his children felt like a priority. He told Vanity Fair that he once turned down working with "10 really great directors" to put his family first. "I can't be a responsible parent and only be there three or four months a year," he explained.
His Last Public Outing With Mercedes
Kilmer's last major red carpet appearance was in 2019 at the Thespians Go Hollywood Gala in Los Angeles, and he brought Mercedes as his plus one. The father-daughter duo, who also co-starred in the 2020 film "Paydirt," stuck close to each other as they smiled for photos.
Their bond wasn't just for the cameras. In People, Mercedes described Kilmer as a "good friend" and someone she'd love to hang out with, even if he weren't her father. "He's a smart and creative person," she said.
© GC ImagesFamily First, Always
As Kilmer's health declined, his children remained by his side. Mercedes spoke openly about how their family leaned on each other during tough times. "We all spend so much time together," she told People. "Even just getting to meet all my dad's friends from before I was born—there are so many beautiful things that happen when you need help from people."
© Getty ImagesTheir connection ran so deep that they ended up simultaneously in the hospital. In a past interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Mercedes recalled being hit by a car shortly after Kilmer's cancer diagnosis. "We were in the same hospital at the same time," she shared.
Honoring His Legacy
Kilmer's impact on his children extended beyond their personal lives; he inspired their careers, too. Mercedes took on the role of his daughter in "Paydirt" after Kilmer himself suggested she'd be perfect for it. The experience strengthened their bond and helped her grow as an actress.
"It revealed how much I had to gain from working with people who have different abilities," she explained. "My dad's able to very artfully circumvent the limitations of his speech, so I learned so much watching him."
© Getty ImagesShe also served as an associate producer behind the scenes on "Val," the 2021 Prime Video documentary about her father's life. She admitted the entire film was emotional for her, but added that nothing about it really surprised her. "My dad is an open person, and I know him very well," she told Entertainment Tonight.
A Hollywood Icon and a Devoted Father
Kilmer's legacy will always include his unforgettable roles, whether as Iceman in "Top Gun," "Batman," or Jim Morrison in "The Doors." Even after losing his voice to cancer, he returned triumphantly in "Top Gun: Maverick" in 2022.
But more than anything, he'll be remembered for his love for his kids. As Mercedes confirmed his passing to The New York Times, it was clear that, through all the Hollywood glitz and personal hardships, Val Kilmer's most significant role was being a father.
