Val Kilmer's heartbreaking reaction to hearing his AI voice for the first time in Top Gun after losing ability to speak
Three years prior to his death this week, actor Val Kilmer partnered up with audio tech firm Sonantic to create an AI voice for himself.
The Batman actor tragically lost his own voice in 2014 following treatment for throat cancer.
He underwent a procedure on his trachea that 'reduced his voice to a rasp' and 'rendered him short of breath', according to a statement released to the Hollywood Reporter. The movie star also underwent both radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
Kilmer previously discussed his cancer journey in the Amazon Prime documentary Val, telling viewers: "I obviously am sounding much worse than I feel. I can’t speak without plugging this hole (in his throat). You have to make the choice to breathe or to eat.
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"It’s an obstacle that is very present with whoever sees me."
In 2021 - a year after declaring himself four-years cancer free, however, he supplied a biotech agency with hours worth of archival footage of himself speaking in a bid to reclaim his voice.
These pieces of audio were subsequently fed through the company's algorithms, and transformed into a model of voice.
Have a listen below:
The Los Angeles actor later gave his fans an insight into how it felt to be given a voice again.
In a heartfelt statement, Kilmer gushed: "I'm grateful to the entire team at Sonantic who masterfully restored my voice in a way I’ve never imagined possible.
He added: "As human beings, the ability to communicate is the core of our existence and the side effects from throat cancer have made it difficult for others to understand me. The chance to narrate my story, in a voice that feels authentic and familiar, is an incredibly special gift."
Fortune previously claimed that it was this voice used for Kilmer's appearance in 2022's Top Gun: Maverick - in which he reprised his role of Tom 'Iceman' Kazansky.
His character in the much-loved sequel had also been diagnosed with cancer, and was seen to be communicating through typing, meaning Kilmer was only asked to utter one brief line of dialogue.
The film's director, Joseph Kosinski, later told USA Today, however, that Kilmer's actual voice was used in the production - though, it had been digitally altered for clarity.
Kilmer's death was announced earlier today (2 Apr) by his daughter Mercedes, who told the New York Times that he'd died of pneumonia the day prior, aged just 65.
Tributes have since been pouring aimed at the veteran star, whose famous film credits also included the likes of Batman Forever, True Romance and Heat.
Fellow actor Josh Gad penned on Instagram: "RIP Val Kilmer. Thank you for defining so many of the movies of my childhood. You truly were an icon."
Hollywood veteran Josh Brolin, son of James Brolin, also admitted was going to miss his 'pal'.
"You were a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker," the actor wrote in an Instagram post. There’s not a lot left of those. I hope to see you up there in the heavens when I eventually get there. Until then, amazing memories, lovely thoughts."
Kilmer married British actor Joanne Whalley in 1988, meeting her whilst working on the film Willow. They had two children - Mercedes and Jack - before divorcing in 1996.
Topics: Artificial intelligence, Cancer, Celebrity, Health, TV And Film, Technology, US News, Val Kilmer
Rhianna Benson