Actor Val Kilmer steps out for the first time in rare public appearance after throat cancer battle

Publish Date
Tuesday, 23 July 2019, 5:47PM

Hollywood star Val Kilmer has been spotted out and about in downtown New York - and we almost didn't recognise him!

Walking through the streets of Manhatten with what appeared to be a trachea breathing device, the 59-year-old looked completely different from his fresh-faced Top Gun character, LT Tom "Iceman" Kazansky.

The public outing is one of the first times Kilmer has been spotted since he announced in 2017 that he was battling throat cancer.

The Batman Forever star's appearance was caught on video by a member of the public and although Kilmer didn't verbally respond, he smiled politely and nodded when he was asked if he was a Clippers fan.

Kilmer's health has been the subject of rumours but earlier this month he updated his Facebook page to tell the world: "I guess there's some rumour I've passed on but I'm alive and well friends."

The outing comes after fans got their first glimpse at the upcoming Top Gun sequel, which will see his former co-star, Tom Cruise, reprise his role as the reckless US Navy fighter pilot, Maverick.

Kilmer was previously confirmed to return in his own iconic role from the original 1986 film as Maverick's rival, Iceman.

Kilmer showed his excitement towards the new movie by sharing a link to the trailer and writing: "You up for this one, Maverick?

Top Gun: Maverick is scheduled to land in cinemas in 2020.

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