Val Kilmer, the beloved actor known for his roles in iconic films like Top Gun and Batman Forever, passed away on April 1, 2025, at the age of 65. His daughter, Mercedes, announced his death, revealing that he had been battling pneumonia after previously overcoming throat cancer in 2014. Kilmer's life was not only marked by his cinematic achievements but also by a series of high-profile romances with some of Hollywood's most famous women, including Cher, Cindy Crawford, Angelina Jolie, and Daryl Hannah.
In his 2020 memoir, I'm Your Huckleberry, Kilmer candidly reflected on his love life, noting that he had not experienced a significant relationship in the two decades leading up to the book's release. "I haven't had a girlfriend in 20 years. The truth is I am lonely part of every day," he wrote, giving readers a glimpse into the emotional struggles he faced despite his fame.
One of Kilmer's most notable relationships was with Cher, whom he dated from 1982 to 1984. The two were introduced at Cher's birthday party, and their romance blossomed from there. Cher, who was 14 years Kilmer's senior, fondly recalled their time together, saying, "We became friends because we laughed at the same things constantly." However, their relationship ended due to their strong personalities clashing. Cher explained, "We were both Alpha males, and neither of us was going to give up on that." Despite their breakup, the two remained friends, and Cher supported Kilmer during his health struggles, even inviting him to stay at her home during a particularly difficult time. Kilmer recounted a harrowing experience during which he awoke vomiting blood, and Cher's presence provided comfort amidst the chaos. "Cher stepped in and stepped up," he wrote.
Following his relationship with Cher, Kilmer married British actress Joanne Whalley in 1988 after meeting on the set of Willow. The couple welcomed two children, Mercedes and Jack, but their marriage faced challenges, leading to a divorce in 1996. The split was reportedly contentious, with Whalley expressing concerns over their financial situation and Kilmer's rising stardom. Despite the difficulties, Kilmer remained close to his children, who have since pursued careers in acting.
After his marriage to Whalley ended, Kilmer began dating supermodel Cindy Crawford, whom he met at the premiere of Batman Forever in 1995. In his memoir, he reminisced about their time together, saying, "Oh God, I loved Cindy and just kept loving her. I thought I could have died from her love because its delight was simply too much to bear." Their relationship lasted for two years, ending in 1997, but Kilmer held Crawford in high regard, describing her as a "smart girl with a great sense of humour" and a fantastic cook.
In 2004, Kilmer was romantically linked to actress Angelina Jolie while they worked together on the film Alexander. He expressed admiration for Jolie, writing, "I couldn't wait to kiss Angie, buy her a Gulfstream jet and have a V+J painted in rainbow glory on the tail." He credited her with helping him during a challenging time in his life, stating, "I was rescued from an icy inferno of solitude by another angel. Perhaps the most soulful and serious of them all. Angelina." Kilmer's affection for Jolie was evident, as he described her as "more gorgeous. More wise. More tragic. More magic. More grounded."
However, it was his relationship with Daryl Hannah that left a lasting mark on Kilmer's heart. The two met on the set of In God We Trust in 2001 and began dating shortly thereafter. Kilmer later confessed that Hannah was his "one true love," and their breakup was the most painful experience of his life. He wrote, "Lord knows I've suffered heartache. But Daryl was by far the most painful of all." He admitted to crying every day for six months after their split, stating, "I am still in love with Daryl. When we broke up, I cried every single day for half a year." Kilmer even took a jab at Hannah's husband, musician Neil Young, saying, "Neil Young, I always loved you, but I'm afraid I hate you now."
Despite the heartache, Kilmer maintained a deep affection for all the women in his life, particularly Cher, who he described as someone who never leaves one's heart once they have made an impact. In his memoir, he wrote, "Once Cher works her way inside your head and heart, she never leaves. For her true friends, her steadfast love and loyalty never die." This sentiment encapsulated Kilmer's complex relationships, filled with both love and loss.
As Kilmer's health declined, he reflected on his past with a mix of gratitude and sorrow. He expressed relief over his recovery from cancer, stating, "I have been healed of cancer for over four years now, and there has never been any reoccurrence. I am so grateful." His return to the screen in 2022's Top Gun: Maverick was a triumphant moment for the actor, showcasing his resilience in the face of adversity.
Val Kilmer's legacy is not only defined by his impressive filmography but also by the profound connections he made with the women who shaped his life. His story is one of love, heartbreak, and ultimately, redemption. As fans remember him, they reflect on the man behind the roles—a passionate artist who wore his heart on his sleeve and navigated the complexities of life with courage and vulnerability.
