Val Kilmer Wore His Iconic Batman Mask One Final Time Before Saying Goodbye
Just weeks before his passing, Val Kilmer embraced his legendary role as Batman one final time. The beloved actor, who brought the Dark Knight to life in 1995’s Batman Forever, passed away on April 1 at the age of 65. His daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, revealed to The New York Times that he succumbed to pneumonia.
In his last weeks, Kilmer revisited his role as Bruce Wayne in a heartfelt moment captured in an Instagram video alongside artist and musician David Choe. The clip, shared on February 23, shows Kilmer seated on the ground before slipping on a black-and-white Batman mask. A glimmer of his old charisma shines through as he declares, “I’m ready. I have an angle for us. It’s been a while.”
Choe, engrossed in creating an art piece inspired by Kilmer’s mask, reassures him, “Well, you look great.” The post continues with Choe’s Batman-themed artwork and home videos that showcase his deep admiration for the iconic vigilante.
Beyond acting, Kilmer was an artist in his own right. Even in his final days, he remained creatively active, posting his artwork on Instagram and his website. His last shared piece, posted on March 22, was accompanied by a poignant caption: “It’s got that late-night glow. Cool tones with a low burn, like when the campfire cools down but you’re still wide awake.”
Kilmer’s life was a testament to resilience. Diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, he fought through years of treatment and recovery. Despite his struggles, he returned for a touching final film appearance in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), reuniting with Tom Cruise in an emotional onscreen moment.
In 2017, Kilmer opened up about the toll of his illness, revealing how it left him short of breath and with a raspy voice. In late 2015, he was seen in public with what appeared to be a tracheostomy tube, though by early 2016, he was spotted without it—leaving only a scar as a reminder of his battle.
Though his voice grew quieter, Kilmer’s presence never faded. His final act, slipping into Batman’s mask one last time, was a fitting farewell for a man who lived with passion, creativity, and an enduring love for the characters he brought to life.
(Video) Val Kilmer Wore His Iconic Batman Mask One Final Time Before Saying Goodbye
