Val Kilmer Was Reportedly 'Bed-Bound For A Long Time' Before His Death

Hollywood star Val Kilmer was reportedly bedridden for years before eventually passing away on Tuesday, April 1.

The legendary actor, who hadn't been seen publicly since 2019, is said to have died of pneumonia at age 65.

Val Kilmer previously opened up on his battle with throat cancer, leading him to undergo a procedure that left his voice raspy.

Shocking details of Val Kilmer's final moments have emerged, suggesting his final years were marked by prolonged periods of confinement to his bed.

According to TMZ, the "Batman Forever" actor's health had deteriorated before his death, and he couldn't walk well and ended up being bedridden.

"Val had a lack of energy related to his cancer treatment -- and, as a result, he was bed-bound for a long time," a family source told the news outlet.

The news outlet reports that Kilmer was "very frail" near the end of his life, and his death "wasn't sudden."

Sources explained that his health had "seriously declined" in the past weeks, and his loved ones came to his side while at the hospital.

It has also been revealed that an Instagram video he posted where he donned a Batman mask was taken years ago, so his exact physical state before his death cannot be ascertained.

Kilmer had become a reclusive figure in the years before his death, last attending the Thespians Go Hollywood Gala in 2019 with his daughter, Mercedes.

In a December 2017 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Kilmer opened up about his battle with throat cancer and how it changed his life.

The "Top Gun" actor was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 and later recovered, but his voice was irreparably harmed by the condition after the disease took "its toll" on him.

His health issues first became apparent in January 2015, when a spokesperson told People Magazine that he was rushed to the hospital "for a possible tumor."

However, Kilmer later took to Facebook to deny the report, saying that he "had a complication."

"I have not had a tumor, or a tumor operation, or any operation I had a complication where the best way to receive care was to stay under the watchful eye of the UCLA ICU," the actor said in a post on Facebook at the time. "I am praying for a speedy return to the boards as they say. God bless you all and please don't worry."

Kilmer is survived by two children, daughter Mercedes and son Jack, as reports suggest they're working on his funeral arrangements.

Mercedes confirmed in a statement to the New York Times that her dad died after a battle with pneumonia.

Kilmer, who identified as a Christian scientist while he was alive, discussed illness through the lens of his faith in a 2020 interview with Men's Health.

"Well, something that was reaffirmed to me – on such a level, it was almost shocking – was a sense of universal love, a kind of power and a different sense of love. It was coming into my consciousness and my body while I was at the hospital," he said, going on to add that he didn't "believe in death."

In 2021, the late actor shared a story for the documentary "Val," which he produced with children.

The film, directed by Leo Scott and Ting Poo, focused on his difficult recovery process and received a standing ovation when it premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.

"He's such a layered person, there's the childlike playfulness, but then there's also the deep wisdom of somebody who's been on a spiritual path their whole life at the same time," Mercedes told People Magazine of her father in 2021.

She continued, "He's a lot of opposites that make him incredibly interesting, and it's kind of why our film is so interesting."

Tributes from fans and other celebrities have since poured in to honor the late actor after the news of his passing.

Singer Cher, who notably had a romantic fling with Kilmer, remembered him in a heartfelt post, writing, "VALUS, I'll miss you. U Were funny, crazy, pain in the a-s, GREAT FRIEND, kids [love] U. BRILLIANT as Mark Twain, BRAVE here during ur sickness."

On a post on the actor's Instagram page, a fan said, "So sad, Val Kilmer. Thank you for your art and movies; you are the best. My condolences to your kids, Mercedes and Jack. You live in those 2. Thank you, Val."

Another commented, "Heartbroken to hear the news of your passing. You were one of the good ones. An iconic, talented man and you will be missed tremendously."

A third person noted, "Will miss you, Val. Thank you for making our childhoods and cinema in general so special. Rest in peace."