**Val Kilmer’s Children: Inside Mercedes and Jack’s Creative Journeys**Val Kilmer, famed for roles in *Top Gun* and *Tombstone*, shares two children with ex-wife Joanne Whalley: **Mercedes** (born 1991) and **Jack** (born 1995). Both have carved their own paths in the arts:– **Mercedes Kilmer**: A NYU Tisch School of the Arts alum, she debuted in *The Book of Love* (2016) and models for brands like Levi’s. Active on Instagram, she often shares glimpses of her creative projects and family moments.– **Jack Kilmer**: Known for indie films like *Palo Alto* (2013) and *The Nice Guys* (2016), he’s also explored music and collaborated with director Gaspar Noé. Despite a quieter presence, he’s praised Val’s influence on his career.Both siblings have supported Val through his health struggles, reflecting a close-knit bond. Mercedes and Jack continue to honor their father’s legacy while thriving in their eclectic artistic pursuits.

Val Kilmer prioritized his children, daughter Mercedes and son Jack, above all else.

The actor — who passed away at 65 on April 1 due to pneumonia — co-parented his kids with ex-wife Joanne Whalley. Despite his fame as Iceman in Top Gun, Val consistently chose family commitments over professional opportunities.

“Being an engaged father isn’t possible if I’m absent nine months a year,” he revealed to Vanity Fair in March 2012.

During a joint interview with his children for The Hollywood Reporter in December 2017, Val discussed his throat cancer battle. Speaking to PEOPLE in August 2020, the Batman Forever star praised his offspring as “extraordinarily gifted.”

“They constantly amaze me with their wit and creativity,” he expressed. “My only regret is not having unlimited time to enjoy their company – they’re endlessly fascinating individuals.”

Despite health struggles, Mercedes highlighted silver linings in their family’s journey.

“This experience deepened our connections,” she explained. “We’ve reconnected with old friends from Dad’s past – adversity often reveals unexpected blessings.”

Explore the lives of Val Kilmer’s children below.

Mercedes Kilmer, 33

Born October 29, 1991 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Mercedes entered the world during her parents’ marriage that began in 1988. The Los Angeles Times documented her birthplace and parentage.

Mercedes acknowledged to The Hollywood Reporter in 2017 that celebrity awareness permeated her childhood. “Our challenge was managing public perceptions rather than personal identity struggles,” she noted.

Following her father’s cancer diagnosis, Mercedes endured her own medical crisis after being struck by a vehicle. “Our hospital stays overlapped,” she disclosed to THR.

Mercedes describes her bond with Val as both familial and collegial. “His creativity and intelligence make him fascinating company beyond just being my parent,” she told PEOPLE in August 2020.

Their professional collaboration began with 2020’s Paydirt, where Mercedes portrayed Val’s fictional daughter. Val humorously recounted casting her: “I suggested the producer consider Mercedes – they met and immediately clicked.”

Collaborating offered Mercedes fresh perspectives on performance art.

“Working with Dad’s altered speech patterns taught me invaluable lessons about non-verbal communication,” she reflected. “His physical expressiveness expanded my understanding of acting beyond dialogue.”

As associate producer for the documentary Val, Mercedes joined her brother at its 2021 Cannes premiere. She told Entertainment Tonight the film’s emotional impact stemmed from “watching audiences finally see Dad’s authentic, humorous self.”

Regarding Val’s Top Gun: Maverick reunion with Tom Cruise, Mercedes described it as “profoundly moving – Dad cherished revisiting that chapter with contemporaries turned legends.”

Jack Kilmer, 29

The Kilmer family expanded with Jack’s arrival in June 1995. Val commemorated his son’s 2013 graduation enthusiastically: “Proud parent moment!” he captioned a celebratory photo.

Despite limited early acting experience, Jack landed a significant role in 2013’s Palo Alto. Interview magazine highlighted his rapid transition from novice to co-starring with James Franco.

“Our creative synergy transcends family ties,” Jack commented about collaborating with Val. “Script analysis sessions became special bonding opportunities.”

Subsequent roles in Pretenders and Summer 03 cemented Jack’s acting career. Like Mercedes, he contributed to the Val documentary as associate producer.

Jack’s narration in Val provided crucial vocal support post his father’s cancer treatments. “Achieving natural delivery was our narrative focus,” he informed the Los Angeles Times.

Val marveled at their vocal similarities: “Jack’s narration sometimes tricked me into thinking I was hearing my younger self.”

Regarding Val’s health, Jack clarified to PEOPLE: “We prioritize daily vocal therapy, though damage remains. His spirit outweighs physical limitations – he remains as talkative as ever.”

Jack concluded: “Every shared moment feels precious – we cherish our time together immensely.”