The Enduring Legacy: 5 Things Val Kilmer's Kids, Mercedes And Jack, Are Doing Now (Updated 2025)
The legacy of Val Kilmer, the chameleonic actor known for iconic roles in Top Gun and Tombstone, continues to thrive through his two children, Mercedes Kilmer and Jack Kilmer. Following the heartbreaking news of the actor's passing on April 1, 2025, the world turned its attention to the two artists who were instrumental in documenting their father's later life and who are now forging their own distinct paths in Hollywood and the music industry.
As of late 2025, Mercedes and Jack are navigating their careers while serving as the primary custodians of the Kilmer family's artistic heritage. Their work, which spans from independent filmmaking to alternative rock music, reflects the same creative passion that defined their father’s life. This in-depth look explores their biographies, their current projects, and how they are celebrating the memory of their extraordinary father.
Mercedes and Jack Kilmer: A Complete Biography
Val Kilmer’s two children are the product of his marriage to English actress Joanne Whalley. The couple met while filming the fantasy-adventure movie Willow (1988) and were married from 1988 until their divorce in 1996. Both children have followed their parents into the performing arts, building careers that showcase their inherited talent and unique sensibilities.
- Full Name: Mercedes Kilmer
- Born: October 29, 1991
- Age (as of late 2025): 34
- Mother: Joanne Whalley
- Profession: Actress, Writer, Activist
- Notable Works: Paydirt (2020), Val (2021 Documentary), The Birthday Cake (2021)
- Key Role: Mercedes was the one who confirmed her father’s passing from pneumonia to The New York Times in April 2025, and she has been a vocal advocate for disabled actors, drawing from her father's experience with throat cancer.
- Full Name: John "Jack" Wallace Kilmer
- Born: June 6, 1995
- Age (as of late 2025): 30
- Mother: Joanne Whalley
- Profession: Actor, Musician
- Notable Works: Palo Alto (2013), The Nice Guys (2016), Lords of Chaos (2018)
- Key Role: Jack provided the voice narration for the 2021 documentary Val, using his voice to speak his father's words after Val Kilmer’s own voice was severely affected by throat cancer treatment. He is also a working musician.
1. Jack Kilmer’s Major Upcoming Film Roles in 2025/2026
Jack Kilmer has established himself as a prominent figure in the independent film scene, often choosing roles that are gritty or artistically challenging, much like his father’s earlier work in films like The Doors. He is currently a highly sought-after actor, with multiple projects slated for release in the near future.
One of his most anticipated upcoming projects is the fantasy love story, The Tower. Filmed in 2023, the movie is expected to see a major release in 2025 or 2026, showcasing Jack alongside co-stars Bella Thorne and Cam Gigandet. The film, directed by Adam Sigal, is a mysterious tale about a mermaid trapped in a water tower, a unique concept that reflects Jack's preference for unconventional storytelling.
Beyond his work in feature films, Jack continues to build on the momentum of his previous roles, including his work in the *Detective Knight* trilogy. His commitment to diverse projects suggests a long and varied career, echoing the chameleonic nature of his father's filmography, which included everything from Batman to Doc Holliday.
2. Mercedes Kilmer’s Focus on Theatre and Advocacy
While Jack has focused heavily on the film industry, Mercedes Kilmer has demonstrated a strong passion for both film and theater, often using her platform to advocate for greater inclusion in the arts. Her feature film debut was in Paydirt (2020), where she had the unique experience of acting opposite her father, Val Kilmer, a moment she has described as deeply meaningful.
In the wake of her father’s battle with throat cancer, Mercedes has become an outspoken proponent for representing disabled actors and characters authentically on screen. She believes that including actors with disabilities “only enlivens the work” and inspires new forms of communication, a perspective undoubtedly shaped by watching her father’s challenges and triumphs.
Mercedes is actively exploring new theater opportunities, a medium that has historically been a significant part of the Kilmer family's artistic roots. Her current focus is on expanding her writing and acting career in spaces that prioritize collaboration and meaningful storytelling.
3. Carrying the Torch: The Documentary 'Val' and the Family Statement
The most profound collaboration between Val Kilmer and his children is the acclaimed 2021 documentary, Val. This film, compiled from decades of Val Kilmer’s personal video footage, offers an intimate look at his life, career, and his struggle with throat cancer. Both Mercedes and Jack feature prominently, but it was Jack who provided the voice-over narration for his father, a poignant and powerful act of love that bridged the communication gap caused by Val’s medical condition.
Following Val Kilmer’s death in April 2025, the children released a joint statement expressing their profound grief and pride. They thanked the public for honoring their father’s life and work, and they specifically asked for privacy during their time of grieving. This public acknowledgment underscored their role as the keepers of his memory and the inheritors of his artistic spirit.
The documentary, which is currently available to stream, serves as a living testament to Val Kilmer's extraordinary life and remains a central piece of the Kilmer family legacy, ensuring his story is told in his own words, through his son’s voice.
4. Jack Kilmer’s Dual Career as a Musician with Lou Salome
Beyond his acting roles, Jack Kilmer is a serious musician, a path he was pursuing even before his breakout role in Palo Alto. He is one half of the New York-based duo Lou Salome, alongside artist Leah Hennessey, who is the step-daughter of New York Dolls frontman David Johansen.
The band, which crafts dreamy, alt-rock anthems, released their debut album, Something You Cared About In High School, with a release slated for late 2025. This dual career path—balancing the demands of a film schedule with the creative process of writing and recording music—shows Jack’s commitment to a multifaceted artistic life, a trait he shares with his father, who was also a talented musician and singer (famously portraying Jim Morrison in The Doors).
5. The Future of the Kilmer Family Legacy in Hollywood
The work of Mercedes and Jack Kilmer is a clear indication that the Kilmer name will remain a fixture in Hollywood for years to come. They are not merely relying on their father's fame but are actively shaping careers defined by their own artistic choices and personal convictions.
Mercedes, with her focus on writing and advocacy for inclusive representation, and Jack, with his blend of independent film projects and a burgeoning music career, represent a new generation of Hollywood talent. Their continued presence on red carpets, film sets, and in the public eye ensures that the creative, passionate, and often complex spirit of Val Kilmer endures. Their bond, strengthened by their shared experience of caring for their father and collaborating on his documentary, is the heart of the Kilmer family's next chapter.
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