Val Kilmer learning to speak again after tracheotomy in throat cancer battle

Val Kilmer has opened up about learning to communicate after he underwent a tracheotomy as part of his throat cancer recovery.

The 60-year-old actor, who is known for his role in Top Gun, was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015 and had the procedure to help him breathe.

The medical procedure involves making an incision in the neck and opening up a direct airway.

Speaking about his former cancer battle on Good Morning America, Val admitted that he was actually doing great after his tracheotomy.

The star, who is preparing a return to the big screen, noted that the procedure made communication difficult but he was able to learn how to speak on screen once again.

“I’m doing great, I feel a lot better than I sound,” he told the presenters.

Val added: “It’s just like any other language or dialect.

“You have to figure out a way to communicate that’s no different than any other acting challenge but it’s just a very unique set of circumstances.”

Val appeared on the show alongside his daughter Mercedes, 28, who is making her film debut alongside her dad in the film Paydirt.

Mercedes told the hosts: “I’m so proud to have been in this film and to have worked on this film like not just because my dad is my actual dad, but because I know you don’t really lead with this but you do have now a disability with your voice, and it really meant a lot to me to be able to be involved in this film that centers a disabled actor, or an actor with a disability.”

Val underwent two tracheotomies after his glands and tongue swelled, however he is now cancer free.

The Batman actor, who puts a finger to his throat in order to communicate, has not let his cancer battle hinder his acting.

As well as releasing a memoir titled I’m Your Huckleberry, the iconic actor has also returning to his role as Iceman and will star in the much-anticipated TopGun comeback Top Gun: Maverick.

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