Who Are Val Kilmer’s Children and Ex-Wife?

Val Kilmer was much more than just a movie star. Known for iconic roles in films like “Top Gun”, “Batman Forever”, “Heat”, and “The Doors”, he built a remarkable career that spanned decades. But his legacy goes far beyond the screen. Off-camera, Kilmer lived a complex life filled with love, heartbreak, and a deep bond with his two children, both of whom followed him into the world of acting and creativity.

After Val Kilmer passed away at the age of 65 due to pneumonia, many looked back not only on his work but also on his personal life—his marriage, his kids, and the impact he left behind.

A Look at His Ex-Wife: Joanne Whalley

Instagram | quem | Joanne Whalley has achieved considerable success independently of her former marriage to Val Kilmer.

Joanne Whalley isn’t just known for being Val Kilmer’s ex-wife—she has an impressive career in her own right. Born in England, she began her acting journey in the late 1970s and quickly found her way into British television. Her early performances in “Edge of Darkness” and “The Singing Detective” earned her critical praise, with nominations from BAFTA and the Laurence Olivier Awards.

Whalley met Kilmer in 1988 while filming “Willow”, and their connection was immediate. They married that same year and later welcomed two children. As Val’s Hollywood career took off, their relationship hit rough patches. By the mid-90s, after rumors and personal tensions, Joanne filed for divorce, which was finalized in 1996. At the time, their split was reported to be one of the most expensive divorces in New Mexico, where they lived.

Despite the end of their marriage, Joanne continued to work steadily in TV and film. Her recent credits include a role in the 2023 series “Carnival Row”, proving her lasting power in the industry.

The Couple’s Daughter: Mercedes Kilmer

Born in October 1991, Mercedes Kilmer was the first child of Val and Joanne. Growing up, she stayed close to her father and even made her film debut alongside him in “Paydirt” in 2020. While she hasn’t acted as frequently as her brother, Mercedes has carved out her space in the creative world as a producer and musician.

She was also deeply involved in the making of the 2021 documentary “Val”, which gave a raw and emotional look at Kilmer’s life, career, and battle with throat cancer. In a personal moment, Mercedes revealed that during her father’s hospital stay, she was admitted to the same hospital after being struck by a car. “We were literally in the same place at the same time,” she said in an interview, adding a touch of irony to a difficult period.

Now 33, Mercedes continues to pursue music and keeps her fans updated about her performances through social media. She was the one who shared the news of her father’s death with the New York Times, showing just how close their relationship remained through the years.

Their Son: Jack Kilmer

Instagram | gettyentertainment | Val and Joanne have two children, Mercedes Kilmer and Jack Kilmer.

Jack Kilmer, born in June 1995, took a slightly different path into acting. Growing up in Los Angeles, he became friends with filmmaker Gia Coppola during school. She asked him to audition for her adaptation of “Palo Alto”, based on James Franco’s book. He got the part, marking his debut in 2013, and even got to share the screen with his father in that project.

After that, Jack decided to stick with acting. His film credits include “Len and Company”, “The Nice Guys”, and “The Pretenders”. He also appeared in the Disney+ show “Willow”, which continued the story from the original movie that brought his parents together. In addition to acting, Jack is also involved in music, a shared passion across the Kilmer family.

He also served as the narrator for the “Val” documentary, adding a personal layer to the story of his father’s life.

A Legacy that Lives On

Val Kilmer wasn’t just a star—he was a father, husband, and a deeply creative soul who inspired those closest to him. His children, raised with an appreciation for the arts, continue to carry forward that legacy. Whether through acting, music, or storytelling, both Mercedes and Jack remain deeply connected to their father’s world.

Though Val’s voice was altered by illness and surgeries later in life, his impact never faded. His performances in “Tombstone”, “Willow”, “True Romance”, and many others remain unforgettable. But perhaps his most lasting legacy is the one he left at home—with a family who knew the man behind the characters.