Cliff Notes – Val Kilmer seen in haunting final Instagram post weeks before death aged 65

Val Kilmer’s last Instagram post, shared just a week before his death, featured a celebration of Batman and showcased various artworks, reflecting his enduring connection to the character he portrayed in 1995’s Batman Forever.
The actor, who battled throat cancer and had damaged vocal cords, expressed his readiness and shared personal moments in a video with artist David Choe, highlighting his artistic spirit despite health challenges.
Tributes from fans and fellow actors poured in following his passing, with many recalling the impact of Kilmer’s performances in films like Real Genius, Top Gun, and his role as Jim Morrison in The Doors.

Val Kilmer seen in haunting final Instagram post weeks before death aged 65

The last post in which late star Val Kilmer was seen has resurfaced after his death aged 65.

The Batman and Top Gun actor died from pneumonia in Los Angeles, his daughter Mercedes revealed in a statement to New York Times with actors like Josh Brolin and Josh Gad paying tribute to his legacy.

The late Hollywood actor posted a video, alongside several other photos and clips, at the end of February in which he celebrated the iconic superhero Batman.

He played the role in the 1995 movie, Joel Schumacher’s Batman Forever.

In the video, likely taken around 2021, he is in a room with artist David Choe.

The actor, who had damaged vocal cords from throat cancer treatment which included chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a tracheostomy, shared that he was ‘ready’.

He donned a Batman mask (Picture: TikTok / @davidchoe)

He then pulled on a homemade Batman mask, declaring it had ‘been a while’ as David told him he ‘looked great’. He then showed a painting of Batman, presumably created by someone in the room.

The rest of the post showed several more paintings of Batman, a childhood video where they are playing a pretend Batman game and another clip paying tribute to all the characters that love the Caped Crusader.

He also had two more Instagram posts after this series of photos and videos, sharing more artwork with his 640k followers.

He shared several different paintings and drawings of Batman (Picture: Instagram / Val Kilmer)

He was joined by his friend David Choe (Picture: Instagram / Val Kilmer)

In one post he shared a pink, blue and black splatter on a purple canvas with the caption: ‘Some art hums like a power chord—loud, untamed, and unforgettable,’ as he encouraged his followers to purchase one.

And in the final post, shared just a week ago on March 22, he revealed a cooler toned art piece in a similar style.

‘It’s got that late-night glow. Cool tones with a low burn, like when the camp fire cools down but you’re still wide awake,’ the caption read.

This final post is flooded with tributes from fans who have followed him throughout his career with credits including Real Genius, Thunderheart, The Ghost and the Darkness and as Jim Morrison in The Doors.

‘Rest in Peace, Val. Thank you for your art, your heart, your spirit, your boldness, your depth, your humanity. Thank you for being part of my childhood into manhood. From Real Genius to Top Secret and everything in between – you are a part of my and many others fondest memories,’ asfarasmyeyecansee commented.

‘Thank you for making my childhood so much fun with Real Genius, Thunderheart, The Ghost and the Darkness, and of course Top Gun and Batman,’ kidbaklava76 echoed.

‘RIP Val, you were my introduction to Batman, thank you for art,’ flyinggrayson added.

He was a Hollywood leading man throughout the 90s. (Picture: Lucasfilm/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock)

Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 and later declared cancer-free.

In an Amazon Prime documentary, titled Val, he opened up more about how his diagnosis changed his life including using a voice box to speak.

‘I obviously am sounding much worse than I feel. I can’t speak without plugging this hole [in his throat]. You have to make the choice to breathe or to eat. It’s an obstacle that is very present with whoever sees me,’ he said at the time.

Kilmer was married to Joan Whalley from 1988 to 1996 and they shared two children, Melissa and Jack.