Val Kilmer has been silent for some time but that is because of a valid reason. He has been busy battling with throat cancer.

Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015 and he quickly took action to fight it. He has already been cancer-free for four years but the fight took a lot out of him. One is his trademark voice. He doesn’t sound like he used to. But despite the fact that a lot has changed, he is just happy to be alive.

During his healing process, Val had plenty of time to write a book – his memoir. It is called I’m Your Huckleberry and was officially released last April 21, 2020. In the book, he wrote more in detail about his tough battle with throat cancer.

He said that his battle against the disease was advanced. He went through a tracheotomy, chemotherapy, and radiation. While he was promoting his book, it was not a big deal for him to talk about what he went through and how his life is so different now. Aside from all these treatments, he also leaned on religion. His faith helped him get through his troubling times. And it seems like it all worked.

“I have been healed of cancer for over four years now, and there has never been any reoccurrence,” Val wrote in his book.

In his interview with Good Morning America, he said, “I feel a lot better than I sound, but I feel wonderful. I was diagnosed with throat cancer, which healed very quickly. This is a tracheotomy to help me breathe because the glands in my throat swelled up as well.”

This kind of experience can be traumatic for some, but Val is just thankful for what he had and where he is today. When asked what he missed most about his old voice, he quickly responded, “That I had one! That I didn’t laugh like a pirate.” The 60-year-old has a sense of humour regarding his battle.

Yes, Val Kilmer sounds different now, but he is not letting his past stop his career. In fact, he filmed a sequel to Top Gun once again where he starred alongside Tom Cruise. The movie release has been pushed back until later this year. But for sure, this will be a big hit. The fans of the original movie cannot wait to see this in big screens.

Tom and Val surely had a lot of fun on the set while filming the movie. Their reunion meant a lot to Val. He said, “It was absolutely moving. I really was surprised. Tom was wearing his jacket, the original [jacket] from the first movie. It was just very moving. I don’t want to give away anything, but in between takes, Tom and I just laughed like we were in high school.”

Val also credits Cher for his recovery. And yes, they briefly dated a few decades ago but they remained close friends. According to reports, Cher let Val stay with her at her house while he was recovering. And thanks to Cher, Val got the help and support that he needed. She was able to put a smile back on his face.

That simply proves that friends can help us get through our toughest times.