Val Kilmer in high spirits in LA despite throat cancer battle
Val Kilmer showed he’s in high spirits as he danced around an art gallery amid his ongoing medical battle, seen in exclusive DailyMailTV footage.
Kilmer played around for the cameras and showed he was still in top form despite undergoing treatment for throat cancer.
The Hollywood star, who once played Batman, acted the joker as he larked around while hosting artist Tamie Adaya’s GLAM Art Exhibition at his HelMel studio in Los Angeles on Saturday.
The 59-year-old embraced Adaya and held up the HelMel sign through the window to promote the show before pretending to direct Adaya on camera like an eccentric director.
Moments later the actor, dressed in a black jacket above a brightly checked shirt and a turquoise scarf around his neck, pretended to fly away across the room.
Val Kilmer, 59, hammed it up for the camera while hosting artist Tamie Adaya’s GLAM Art Exhibition at his HelMel studio in Los Angeles on Saturday
The 59-year-old embraced Adaya and held up the HelMel sign through the window to promote the show before pretending to direct Adaya on camera like an eccentric director
Moments later the actor, dressed in a black jacket above a brightly checked shirt and a turquoise scarf around his neck, pretended to fly away across the room
The beloved star, who rocketed to fame with Tom Cruise in Top Gun in 1986, insisted on attending the night as he is also an artist who is big on promoting local art talent in LA.
He picked Adaya to be his exhibitor after being ‘blown away’ by her pop art creations following an introduction from gallery partner assistant Tom Stratton.
Kilmer shied away from giving interviews to media, but supportive Stratton reflected on the star’s commitment to art and love of Adaya’s work.
Stratton said said despite fighting throat cancer Kilmer is ‘100 percent’ behind the gallery.
‘What you saw tonight he and Tamie dancing, he was the first one on the carpet and looking forward to a wonderful time. I am sure he is dancing inside,’ he said.
‘Val is a celebrity for film and to stretch into a new medium as an artist is something we all understand, we are starting at the bottom of the mountain.
‘We are looking for artists who believe in us as much as we believe in them.’
Stratton said that Kilmer is already expanding his art studios worldwide.
The beloved star (left on Saturday and right in 1994), who rocketed to fame with Tom Cruise in Top Gun in 1986, insisted on attending the night as he is also an artist keen to promote local art talent in LA
Kilmer posed with some of his friends and attendees on the red carpet, even making comic gestures and running around
The actor was joined by celebrity guests Bond girl Britt Ekland, Cult star Billy Morrison, writer/producer Brad Koepenick and celebrity plastic surgeon Dr. Jason Champagne.
Kilmer posed with some of his friends and attendees on the red carpet, even making comic gestures and running around.
Artist Adaya told DailyMailTV: ‘Val is a very creative soul and he is a true artist not just in terms of acting but he has put his money where his mouth is.
‘He wants to make this a community center. It is unbelievable to me because I am so happy to be supported by Val because he is such an icon in Hollywood.’
She added that Kilmer was in ‘great spirits’ with ‘such infectious energy and he is such a love ball. And he just sends out love to everyone.’
Friend and actress Caroline Williams added: ‘It is a celebration of Val Kilmer – his career, creativity and work as an artist.
‘He is a valiant man waging a valiant fight, but he still has time and inclination to give himself over to this marvelous gallery and these works of art.
‘It is the actor and artist I strive to emulate and imitate. He has just got well springs of strength and confidence.’
Kilmer posed with some of his friends and attendees on the red carpet, even making comic gestures and running around. Artist Adaya told DailyMailTV: ‘Val is a very creative soul and he is a true artist not just in terms of acting but he has put his money where his mouth is’
Kilmer’s public appearance demonstrates the star’s determination to continue living life to the full despite his ongoing health issues.
The actor has made very few public appearances over the past few years as he undergoes various treatments for throat cancer.
A procedure on his trachea has reduced his voice to a rasp and made him short of breath.
Despite that, the star still has maintained a busy screen career. He stars in Jay and Silent Bob Reboot, which will be out on November 29.
He’s also expected to reprise his most famous role as navy fighter pilot Iceman opposite Tom Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick, out on June 26.
Kilmer is also releasing his memoir, ‘I’m Your Huckleberry’, in April.
