Cher stood by Val Kilmer when few others truly could. On April 1, 2025, when he passed away after a long struggle with throat cancer, her presence in his life remained one of its most profound and loyal constants. Their story didn’t follow the arc of typical Hollywood romances. It began in the early 1980s with a connection built on intellect, curiosity, and an unexpected emotional chemistry that lasted long after their romantic relationship had ended.
They met in 1982 at a Hollywood gathering, a chance encounter between an established superstar and a young actor still searching for his place. Kilmer had recently left Juilliard and was feeling overlooked in the film world. Cher found him interesting, intensely focused, maybe a bit brooding, and deeply committed to his craft. They didn’t rush into a relationship. Instead, they spent weeks talking, challenging each other, building a foundation that wasn’t based on fame but mutual fascination.
Their romance was unconventional, even in Hollywood terms. Cher was older, famously independent, and not one to be tied down. Kilmer was idealistic, intensely private, and fiercely ambitious. But it worked. She encouraged him when he doubted himself. One of those moments came in 1984, when he was offered the lead role in the spoof film “Top Secret!” He was unsure, worried it would damage his credibility as a serious actor. Cher convinced him to take the leap, telling him talent could shine in any form. That film, while comedic, was his first major screen appearance and opened doors that had long been closed.
Behind the scenes, Cher’s influence stretched far beyond emotional support. She used her own connections in Hollywood to help Val find the right agents and advised him on navigating an industry that often chewed up talented but uncompromising actors. When producers were unsure about casting him, she vouched for his dedication and depth. Her belief in his potential helped him land more challenging roles.
They parted ways romantically in 1986, but their emotional bond never faded. She remained a constant figure in his life, especially during pivotal career moments. When Kilmer starred in Ron Howard’s fantasy adventure “Willow” (1988), Cher praised his charisma. In 1991, he stunned critics with his uncanny portrayal of Jim Morrison in “The Doors”, a performance Cher reportedly found mesmerizing. By the time he delivered his unforgettable role as Doc Holliday in “Tombstone” (1993), it was clear that Kilmer had grown into one of Hollywood’s most respected and complex talents. Cher often said privately that she had always known what he was capable of long before the world caught on.
In 1995, he took on the coveted role of Bruce Wayne in “Batman Forever”, a high-profile but controversial casting choice. While the film divided critics, Cher supported his decision, reminding him that not every role had to earn critical praise to matter. She believed in the longevity of his talent, not just the peaks of fame.
In 2015, when Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer, everything changed. The disease and its treatments damaged his voice and required a tracheostomy. He became withdrawn, reluctant to appear in public or discuss his condition. Cher refused to let him fade into isolation. She contacted him, offered her guest house in Los Angeles, and stepped in as his caregiver and advocate. She coordinated with medical professionals, pushed for second opinions, and even used her public platform when needed to bring attention to his struggle.
During those quiet and painful months, Cher provided more than physical care. She revived his will to fight. She sat with him through his darkest nights, reading poetry, playing music, and reminding him of who he was. Kilmer, who had once struggled to be vulnerable even with friends, allowed her to see every moment of his pain. She never flinched. Her presence was a shield, a force that helped him preserve his dignity when everything else seemed to be slipping away.
In 2021, Val Kilmer made a poignant return to the screen in the documentary “Val”, which he narrated using AI technology that recreated his voice. Cher played a quiet but key role behind the scenes, helping support the film’s promotion and giving her blessing to what she called “a beautiful and courageous reflection of a warrior’s life.”
Their connection was more than affection. It was mutual rescue. She helped him believe he was still valuable, still himself. He gave her someone to protect when she no longer needed to be on stage to feel powerful. Cher gave Val Kilmer more than comfort; she gave him dignity, stability, and a fierce sense of being loved until the very end.