Here’s What Val Kilmer’s Only Wife and Mother of His Children Looks Like Today – Photos

Joanne Whalley and Val Kilmer first met on the set of the fantasy film Willow, where an on-screen connection sparked a real-life romance. Their chemistry was undeniable, and in 1988, the two actors tied the knot in a private ceremony in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Though their marriage ended in the mid-1990s, their mutual respect and shared devotion to their two children, Mercedes and Jack, created a lifelong bond.

Val Kilmer, known for his magnetic screen presence and celebrated roles in Batman Forever and The Doors, was linked to several high-profile women throughout his career. However, Joanne Whalley remains the only woman he ever married. Their love story began unconventionally — Val once claimed he dreamt about his future wife and later recognized Joanne on stage in London. Despite not introducing himself then, fate brought them together in Willow, where their romance truly began.

Following their wedding, the couple honeymooned on Marlon Brando’s private island in Tahiti, and Joanne relocated to Los Angeles. She temporarily stepped away from her acting career to raise their children. In 1991, their daughter Mercedes was born, followed by their son Jack in 1995. During this time, Val continued to ascend in Hollywood, but he often emphasized his commitment to fatherhood, even turning down major film roles to prioritize his family.

Despite these efforts, the marriage faced challenges. Val discovered their separation while watching CNN, and soon after, their divorce became one of the most publicized of the decade. In 1996, Joanne was granted custody of both children and returned to Los Angeles with them. Despite the end of their romantic relationship, Val and Joanne maintained a strong co-parenting dynamic.

In the years that followed, both children entered the entertainment industry. Mercedes pursued theater and film, eventually acting alongside her father in Paydirt (2020). Jack began his career with Gia Coppola’s Palo Alto and later appeared in multiple films, including The Nice Guys. He also co-produced and narrated the 2021 documentary Val, chronicling his father’s life and career.

Joanne returned to acting as well, appearing in acclaimed productions like The Virgin Queen, Wolf Hall, and The White Princess. In 2022, she reprised her role as Sorsha in the Willow sequel series, while her son Jack voiced Val’s character, Madmartigan, as Val could not participate due to health issues.

Val Kilmer battled throat cancer beginning in 2015. He underwent extensive treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, and multiple tracheotomies, which affected his ability to speak. Despite these challenges, he continued to create, supported closely by Mercedes and Jack. Their bond strengthened through his illness, particularly during a time when Mercedes was hospitalized following a serious accident — both father and daughter found themselves in the same hospital.

Val ultimately announced he was cancer-free in 2021, though his speech remained impaired. Jack spoke of the daily effort to care for Val’s voice and health, emphasizing their deep appreciation for every moment they spent together as a family.

On April 1, 2025, Val Kilmer passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 65 due to complications from pneumonia. His death marked the end of a long and courageous health journey. The following day, Joanne Whalley and Mercedes Kilmer were seen together outside Mercedes’s home in West Hollywood, sharing a private moment of grief. It was a rare and intimate glimpse into the enduring connection of a family built on love, creativity, and resilience.

Joanne Whalley may have stepped out of the limelight, but her presence remains deeply woven into Val Kilmer’s story — not just as his only wife, but as the mother of his children and a quiet force during his final chapter.