Val Kilmer, seen here attending a 2014 basketball game, has denied reports he's battling cancer. Photo/Getty
Val Kilmer, seen here attending a 2014 basketball game, has denied reports he's battling cancer. Photo/Getty
Val Kilmer doesn't have cancer.
The Willow star has confirmed he isn't suffering from the disease after his pal Michael Douglas claimed he had throat cancer, but the 56-year-old actor insists his friend is "misinformed" and he simply has a "swollen tongue".
I love Michael Douglas but he is misinformed. The last time I spoke to him was almost two years ago, when I asked him...
In part of a 424-word Facebook post, Val wrote: "I love Michael Douglas but he is misinformed. The last time I spoke to him was almost two years ago, when I asked him for a referral for a specialist to get a diagnosis for a lump in my throat, which prevented me from continuing a tour of my play CITIZEN TWAIN. I ended up using a team at UCLA and have no cancer whatsoever. I still have a swollen tongue and am rehabbing steadily.
"I've made 3 films in the last year, one of which I directed and am presenting as a personal appearance introducing it and then answering questions after. Come see me live and happy and in person in Westwood next week if you think I'm fibbing!! I've done 3 Q and A's so far and am having the best time.
"The film is called CINEMA TWAIN and is a recording of my play. I'm right proud of the performance and the writing, altho editing Mark Twain is pure joy! What a lover of life and humanity.
"Naturally I'm also drawn to him because of his unlikely devotion to Mrs. Eddy, the genius discoverer and founder of my faith, Christian Science.
"Some fans have mistakenly thought my silence about my personal issues meant that somehow I wasn't being responsible to my health, because of my reliance on prayer and Love. Nothing could be further from the truth. Altho I am very grateful for all the support from around the world, when people found out I had a physical challenge. (sic)"
Despite Douglas getting Val's diagnosis wrong, the actor insists he is still a "loving and devoted friend" and he doesn't think the 72-year-old star - who successfully fought tongue cancer six years ago - meant any "harm".
He added: "I hope this puts to rest any further concerns about my health by publications that have no respect for the truth. Whatever led Michael Douglas to speculate about my health, he's a loving and devoted friend to a privileged group of talent people around the world, and I'm sure he meant no harm.
Being healthy and having the respect of my peers and love from my family, friends, peers and fans is a DAILY source of inspiration, for which I am so grateful, you have no idea. I work VERY hard at my craft, and being appreciated since I was a little boy for being able to give this gift, has literally made my life. Thank you all. And I've only just begun, now that I'm finally telling stories that I've written and produced the way my vision intends them. God bless you all and I hope to see you in Westwood on the 10th and 17th at the Landmark. Yahoo! "Apparently there is nothing that cannot happen today..." Mark Twain (sic)"
His comments come after Douglas spoke about shooting The Ghost in the Darkness with Val in 1996, and claimed he was suffering cancer.
Speaking during a Q&A with TV host Jonathan Ross at 'An Evening with Michael Douglas' in London, the Oscar-winning star said: "The picture didn't turn out as well as I hoped but I had a wonderful time.
"Val was a wonderful guy who is dealing with exactly what I had, and things don't look too good for him.
"My prayers are with him. That's why you haven't heard too much from Val lately."
Kilmer also denied he had cancer in January 2015 after he started bleeding from the throat and was admitted to hospital.
Writing on his Facebook page, he said: "I am perfectly well folks. Thank you for all your love and support. I am having a grand time. And I should mention I do not have cancer or a tumor.(sic)"
