Val Kilmer forced to sell paintings and hats before death as cancer battle left him virtually bankrupt

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Once one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, 'Top Gun' legend Val Kilmer was left virtually bankrupt in his final years.

He was reportedly reduced to selling personal paintings, signed memorabilia, and replica hats from 'Tombstone' as cancer took away his voice, his career, and ultimately, his fortune.

Val Kilmer turned to art after cancer silenced his voice

At the peak of his fame, Kilmer, born in Los Angeles in 1959, carved out a legacy that spanned decades, from Jim Morrison in 'The Doors', to Bruce Wayne in 'Batman Forever', to the unforgettable Iceman in 'Top Gun'.

But after a devastating throat cancer diagnosis in 2015, his career crumbled.

The actor, once celebrated for his charisma and booming voice, was left unable to speak without a voice box, and unable to take on the high-paying roles that once defined his life.

Stripped of his main income, Kilmer turned to art, turning pain into paintings and selling deeply personal pieces dedicated to God through his official website, ValKilmer.com.

One of the standout artworks was emblazoned with affirmations like "I dream of being happy" and "I dream of being loved".

Priced at $300, the listing stated: "Val selected a favorite of his GOD paintings for this series. The first is right here! It's a cold press Giclee print on heavy archival paper. These have not been available before and are issued in a limited edition of only 10 high quality prints. Each numbered print is hand-signed by Val."

Val Kilmer sold movie memorabilia to survive

Val Kilmer didn’t just sell his art. In a heartbreaking reflection of how far his circumstances had changed, he also sold pieces of his movie legacy.

A replica of his iconic 'Tombstone' hat was listed for $895 on his website, described as, "A creative collaboration between Val Kilmer and Tom Hirt, the official hat maker for the film Tombstone."

Apart from 'Doc Holliday' prints, limited-edition playing cards, even an autographed 'Wonderland' poster was up for grabs for $250.

These items, once sacred souvenirs of his onscreen triumphs, became lifelines in a quiet financial storm.

According to Radar Online, Kilmer had no choice but to lean on what was left of his fame and following to keep going.

Val Kilmer reflected on life after cancer in his memoir

Val Kilmer candidly reflected on his journey from global stardom to reclusive artist in his moving 2022 memoir, 'I'm Your Huckleberry.'

“My name is Val Kilmer. I'm an artist. I've lived a magical life. For more than half a century, I have been honing my art, no matter the medium. Be it literature, movies, poetry, painting, music, or tracking exotic and beautiful wildlife in the most remote African bush, to capture ephemeral moments with a camera, I yearn to express my creative spirit.”

He described how the cancer, and the treatments that followed, reshaped his world.

“Six years ago, I was diagnosed with throat cancer, and after much prayer, medical science, and the love of my family and community, I beat cancer. But because of the radiation and chemotherapy interventions, my voice and throat were severely damaged... I am improving all the time, but am not able to be out in the world the same way I had become accustomed. When one thing is taken, though, another is given.”

“With little voice, my creative juices were boiling over and pouring out of me. I started creating again, painting, writing anything I could. I felt the art healing me.”

He even opened a studio in Hollywood, a sanctuary for artists and friends, only for the Covid-19 pandemic to shut it down.

“A fun sacred space... and then the unthinkable, a global pandemic that pushed us all into our homes. You can’t snuff out destiny. The story is far from over.”

Val Kilmer died on April 1, 2025 in Los Angeles from complications of pneumonia at age 65, after years of living in physical agony.

Mercedes Kilmer, 33, and Jack Kilmer, 29, released a statement to People magazine, mourning his loss, as per People.

"Thank you for honoring our extraordinary father's memory," the statement read. "We are so proud of him and honored to see his legacy celebrated. At this time, we would like to grieve privately." 

Diagnosed in 2015 after coughing up blood, Kilmer underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and a tracheotomy that left him with permanent vocal damage.

Though declared cancer-free in 2016, he continued to battle respiratory complications and severe limitations to his mobility.