Val Kilmer Reflects on Loneliness, 20-Year Absence from Dating

Val Kilmer, the iconic actor known for his roles in 'Top Gun' and 'Batman Forever,' passed away at 65 from pneumonia after a long health battle, including a previous fight with throat cancer. Throughout his career, Kilmer was romantically linked to several high-profile figures, including Cher, Cindy Crawford, and Angelina Jolie, yet he faced profound loneliness in his later years, stating in his 2020 memoir that he had not had a girlfriend for two decades. Kilmer's marriage to actress Joanne Whalley ended in 1996 due to personal struggles, and while he admired women, he expressed feelings of loneliness and a longing for connection in his final years. Cher, who dated Kilmer in the 1980s, reflected on their relationship, noting the unique bond they shared despite the age difference. His daughter confirmed his passing, reflecting on the love and admiration he fostered for women throughout his life, even as he faced personal challenges. Kilmer's legacy as a beloved Hollywood star is marked not only by his film contributions but also by the emotional depth he conveyed about love and relationships in his later years.