News about Val Kilmer is sketchy at best, and Mr. Kilmer himself has issued a statement obviously intended to put concerned fans at ease and deflect media attention from his recent hospitalization, reported People magazine.
“Thank you for all your sweet support. But I have not had a tumor, or a tumor operations, or any operation. I had a complication where the best way to receive care was to stay under the watchful eye of the ucla ICU. Friends have assisted who know my spiritual convictions and have been most sensitive and kind for the extra effort in making sure there’s minimum gossip and silly talk. I am praying for a speedy return to the boards as they say. God bless you all and please don’t worry. Love and deep affection, Val.”
However, it has only been a few hours since that post and a spokesperson for Mr. Kilmer has released a new, updated statement.
“Film actor Val Kilmer is currently undergoing tests at a Los Angeles Hospital for a possible tumor. The 55-year-old Kilmer is being cared for by his two children, Mercedes, 23, and son Jack, who is 19, both L.A. residents.”
Mr. Kilmer’s representative has also reported that doctors are feeling hopeful for a full recovery, reporting that Val has been responding well.
The Santa Monica Fire Department confirmed that a man was transported from Kilmer’s address on Monday night as the result of a 911 call placed from that same location. Concern was raised when it was learned that Mr. Kilmer was transported via ALS [advanced life support]. ALS paramedics typically respond to reports of more serious conditions that may require enroute IVs, medications, and further support, whereas private ambulance services generally respond to minor injuries.
According to ABC News , Mr. Kilmer had been busily working on a number of projects, prior to the 911 call that resulted in his hospitalization. Val reported on his own Facebook page that he’s been currently working on his dream project, a film entitled Mark Twain and Mary Baker Eddy , due to hit theaters in April. Kilmer wrote the film himself and will star as Mark Twain. Mark Twain and Mary Baker Eddy will focus on the author’s obsession with Mary Eddy Baker.
“Mark Twain was a thin man, and finally after the usual amount of effort, I’m thin again too,” Kilmer wrote of his role as the author.
Val will also co-star with Christian Bale, Michael Fassbender and Natalie Portman in a currently untitled project to be directed by Terrence Malick.
Possibly an early warning sign of this current illness, Val Kilmer recently spoke about his sudden weight loss.