Val Kilmer On Surviving Throat Cancer: 'I Want to Share My Story More Than Ever' | PEOPLE

Six years after a throat cancer diagnosis and the radiation and chemotherapy treatments that followed, along with a tracheostomy that permanently damaged his speaking voice, Val Kilmer has a new lease on life.

Now cancer-free and on this week's cover of PEOPLE, the actor, 61, is showing a side of himself that fans have never seen in the new Amazon Original Documentary Val.

The film is co-directed by Leo Scott and Ting Poo and produced by Kilmer, his son Jack, 26, and his daughter Mercedes, 29. Scott, Poo, Jack and Mercedes all spoke to PEOPLE in this week's issue.

#ValKilmer #ThroatCancer #PEOPLE

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Val Kilmer On Surviving Throat Cancer: "I Want to Share My Story More Than Ever" | PEOPLE

[borisvdb]

Val's portrayal of Doc Holliday in Tombstone was chef's kiss. I have a feeling if it wasn't for the circumstances he would have gone on to do some more oscar worthy performances.

[erikramaekers]

I have nothing but respect for Val Kilmer a great actor and human being.

[gigibriese]

I’ve been a Val Kilmer fan since his breakout in the 80’s. The VAL documentary was beautifully put together, his life story a collage of truth and spirit, charmed yet humble. My heart was filled with so much emotion for him, because of him. Thru highs and lows, he embodies love. Since the documentary, I’ve listened to his audio book/memoir twice. I’m inclined next to get his book of poetry. He’s the real deal!💗

[kimberlyannayiebonyskinner]

🌹💖🌹I’m very happy that he beat throat cancer & he’s still gorgeous after all these years...this is a wonderful example & just goes to show ev’rryone the power of prayer!!!
🌹💖🌹I’ll keep prayin’to the Lord-Saviour to continue giving Val K. & his beauti’lovely Legacy Many Blessings along with Lovin’Support!!!

[itsjustmet]

This is an amazing film and shows what an overall talent, humorous and good person he is, exhibiting such Val-or with such a devastating disease.

[Xaj]

What a humble beautiful human being .❤

[micheledavidswife]

I watched his documentary. It was AMAZING. I cried like a baby .

[rtqlet]

There is not anything that I do not appreciate this man and his craft. I absolutely love him and everything he’s in including his life. Praying for you today and always #ValKilmer

[CJ]

Man his son looks just like him . I'm glad he did this it should bring hope to others.

[Titant]

Very admirable how he deals with his disease. My father although having different forms of cancer has shown his strength to me as well. It counts for a lot of people that have this countdown on life that they become wiser while maintaining their strength. I've found Val Kilmer always to be an odd but good actor. Seeing how he deals with this is truly admirable and i wish him and his family all the strength to get through this battle.

[TaliWho]

I admire your works, God bless you evermore Sir.

[karaeverman]

That is so sad and breaks my heart, but glad he survived! He is a great actor and artist and beautiful person. God bless.

[sheilataylor]

His documentary is definitely a “must see”…. It certainly will make you cry, or at least I did.

[tmackfam]

Respect!! Nothing but respect. Val has always been in my top 5 fav. Actors

[islanderbyrd]

Love ya VAL! Been following your career for decades. You could have just become a hermit and hid in your house, but NO. With courage and strength you have been honest with your fans sharing your diagnosis and struggles. Continuing on in film, as an author, and most important as a father. You Rock Bud!

[danielsaavedra]

Hope he lives a long life, his appearance in Top Gun was awesome

[kimoandrews]

He had an amazing career... thank you for making this documentary Val.

[diehardeaglesfansince]

one of my favorite characters of all time was portrayed by val ! im your huckleberry!!

[lasivianleandros]

They should have left his voice alone. Making Iceman a cancer survivor with a rough raspy voice would have made the character even more of a badass.

[johnbrown]

One of my favorite movies is ghost and the darkness