Hollywood icon Val Kilmer, who passed away at the age of 65 due to complications from pneumonia, shared a deeply personal and loving family life away from the spotlight. One of the most poignant relationships in his life was with his ex-wife Joanne Whalley, the British actress he married in the late 1980s and shared two children with—Mercedes Kilmer, 33, and Jack Kilmer, 29.
In the wake of Kilmer’s death, touching images emerged of Joanne and their daughter Mercedes embracing in grief outside a home in West Hollywood. The pair were seen hugging, just a day after Mercedes confirmed the loss of her father. The moment captured the quiet heartbreak of a family mourning a man who, despite years of health struggles, remained a devoted father and once-husband.
Who is Joanne Whalley?
Joanne Whalley, now 63, is a respected British actress known for her powerful performances in both television and film. She rose to fame in the 1980s with roles in productions such as Edge of Darkness and The Singing Detective. But it was during the filming of Ron Howard’s 1988 fantasy adventure Willow that she met Val Kilmer. The two fell in love on set and married that same year.
Their marriage lasted until 1996, and while it ended in divorce, the couple remained connected through their shared role as parents. Their bond, built during the golden years of Kilmer’s career, carried through decades of change, including Kilmer’s health decline and retirement from mainstream acting.
Val Kilmer and Joanne Whalley’s Family Life
Together, Val and Joanne welcomed two children. Their daughter Mercedes Kilmer followed in her parents’ footsteps and pursued acting. She has appeared in films like Paydirt (2020), where she starred alongside her father, showcasing their real-life connection on screen. Their son, Jack Kilmer, is also an actor and musician who has been building his career with roles in films such as Palo Alto and The Nice Guys.
Despite their separation, Kilmer and Whalley maintained mutual respect, with both prioritizing their children’s well-being. Joanne remained a steady presence in her children’s lives and was by Mercedes’ side as they publicly mourned Val’s passing.
Mercedes and Jack: Val Kilmer’s Pride and Joy
Throughout his life, Kilmer expressed deep admiration for his children. In a 2020 interview with People, he stated:
“I am just madly, wildly entertained by them. My only gripe is that I never see them enough… they’re really, really entertaining.”
His daughter Mercedes, in particular, remained close to him during his health battles. She accompanied him to his final public appearance in 2019 at the Thespians Go Hollywood Gala, where the two posed together on the red carpet. Their tight bond was evident not only in public but also on screen, with their co-starring roles in Paydirt offering fans a glimpse into their real-life chemistry.
Jack, meanwhile, has spoken about how much he learned from his father—not just about acting, but about life. The two were seen together in various events before Kilmer’s health took a turn for the worse.
Val Kilmer’s Battle with Throat Cancer and Final Days
Val Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, a condition that significantly affected his voice and physical appearance. He underwent a tracheotomy, which left him using a voice box, and endured multiple rounds of treatment over nearly a decade. While he was reportedly cancer-free at the time of his death, Kilmer’s body had been severely weakened by the long-term effects of his illness.
According to reports, the actor had been bedbound in recent years and was in and out of the hospital in the months leading up to his death. In his final days, family and close friends gathered by his side, offering him comfort during his last moments.
A Life of Love, Loss, and Legacy
Val Kilmer and Joanne Whalley’s relationship may have ended long ago, but their connection never truly faded. Whalley’s presence at her daughter’s side in West Hollywood is a powerful reminder of the bond the former couple shared and the life they built together.
In addition to his film legacy—with memorable roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever, The Doors, and Tombstone—Kilmer leaves behind a more personal legacy: two children who adored him and a family that stood by him until the very end.
Val Kilmer’s Net Worth at the Time of His Death
At the time of his passing, Val Kilmer’s net worth was estimated at $10 million, according to multiple sources. His earnings came from a mix of blockbuster film roles, voiceover work, real estate investments, and memoir sales. His 2020 autobiography, I’m Your Huckleberry, provided raw insights into his career, health journey, and family life—offering fans an intimate portrait of the man behind the fame.
