How Val Kilmer Lost His Voice — and the Remarkable Role AI Played in Giving It Back

For years, Val Kilmer recorded and preserved hours of personal footage, capturing his life both on and off movie sets. When he lost the ability to speak due to illness, those very recordings became essential to something extraordinary — the recreation of his voice through artificial intelligence.

Kilmer’s voice was his weapon — emotional, strong, and unmistakable. Whether singing as Jim Morrison or delivering sharp lines as Doc Holliday, his voice was at the heart of his performances. But in 2014, a throat cancer diagnosis changed his life forever.

After undergoing a tracheotomy and various treatments, Val could no longer speak the way he used to. Still, with the help of archived audio and a dedicated team — and with the support of his family — he was able to “restore” his voice. In collaboration with the UK-based company Sonantic, and using old recordings alongside advanced AI technology, a digital model of his authentic voice was created.

“My voice is gone… but I’m still here,” he shared in a video using the AI-generated voice — proving to the world that creativity doesn’t end when speech does.

Val Kilmer at Simply Shakespeare’s Live Read of “The Merchant Of Venice” in 2019 | Source: Getty Images

From a career that began with Top Secret! and Top Gun, to legendary roles in The Doors and Tombstone, Val built a legacy on voice, charisma, and deep commitment to every character he portrayed.

In the 2021 documentary Val, made using his own personal footage, we witness a raw and intimate portrait of an artist grappling with identity loss — and finding a new way to stay present.

Mercedes Kilmer and Jack Kilmer attend the Premiere of Amazon Studios’ “VAL” at DGA Theater Complex on August 03, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

His children, Mercedes and Jack, played a key role in his recovery and creative projects. His son even lent his voice for the narration in the documentary, while his daughter stood by him during his most difficult moments.

In May 2022, he made a powerful return to the screen — as Iceman in Top Gun: Maverick, side by side with Tom Cruise. Though the scene was brief, it was emotional and impactful — just like Val himself.

Val Kilmer attends the 2019 annual Thespians Go Hollywood Gala at Avalon Hollywood on November 18, 2019 | Source: Getty Images

Sadly, on April 1, 2025, Val Kilmer passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 65 due to complications from pneumonia. His daughter Mercedes confirmed the news and shared that although he had beaten cancer, his health remained fragile.