The veteran actress’s ex-husband found out about their divorce during a televised broadcast. The shocking revelation came at a delicate time for the couple, as they had just welcomed their second child.
Best known for her standout roles in “Willow” and “Scandal,” the film star once captivated audiences with her on-screen talent.
However, after choosing to settle down and focus on raising her children, her career took a back seat. Sadly, her marriage also unraveled over time, and she was left with no alimony.
The actress pictured on January 5, 1988, in Cannes, France. | Source: Getty Images
The British actress found love with actor Val Kilmer, whom she met earlier in her career in what felt like a destined encounter. Just days before their paths crossed, Kilmer dreamt of the woman he was meant to be with and was moved to write a poem titled, “We’ve Just Met but Marry Me Please.”
Their meeting happened in London when she performed in a play he attended. Captivated by her presence, he followed her to the pub after-party but remained too awestruck to speak to her. Though no words were exchanged that night, the connection lingered.
(L- R) Val Kilmer, the actress, George Lucas, Ron Howard and Warwick Davis pose during a photocall for the movie “Willow” on May 23, 1988, in Cannes, France. | Source: Getty Images
Fate stepped in two years later, in 1987, when they were cast together in “Willow.” This time, the opportunity blossomed into a romance that led to marriage. The couple wed in February 1988.
Their joy grew when they welcomed their daughter, Mercedes Kilmer, in October 1991, and their son, Jack Kilmer, followed in June 1995. Embracing her role as a mother, the mother of two chose to step away from her career to dedicate herself to raising their children.
Val Kilmer and the actress attend the “Hurlyburly” Opening Night party on November 16, 1988, in Century City, California. | Source: Getty Images
Reflecting on this decision, she once shared, “I can’t think of anything better to do than to have my kids. If I was career-orientated, I could say: ‘Well, I could have done that…’ But I don’t think like that at all. For me, being able to stay home with my kids is the biggest luxury in the world.”
Her commitment to motherhood was unwavering, but cracks in their marriage grew impossible to ignore. In 1995, Kilmer learned their relationship was over in the most public way — while watching CNN in a hotel room. Recalling the moment, he admitted, “It was no fun.”
Val Kilmer and the actress photographed on a film set on July 21, 1995, in Las Vegas. | Source: Getty Images
Their divorce reportedly ranked as the second most expensive in New Mexico. The news came just two months after the birth of their second child, exposing a deeper fracture beneath the surface.
Kilmer’s rising status as a Hollywood heartthrob and relentless rumors of his on-set affairs had strained their bond. The final blow reportedly came when she walked into his “Batman Forever” trailer to find him half-dressed and sharing a kiss with a crew member.
Val Kilmer and Nicole Kidman on the set of “Batman Forever,” 1995 | Source: Getty Images
What had once been a story of fate and devotion was now a closed chapter. Their divorce was finalized in 1996, and she relocated to Los Angeles with their two children after winning the custody battle.
The separation left a profound impact on her former spouse. In a 1999 interview, he confessed, “I miss my children every single way that’s possible, and ways I didn’t know were possible.”
Val Kilmer attends the “Eyes Wide Shut” premiere party on July 13, 1999, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Though their marriage ended, a mutual respect and dedication to their children endured. In 2005, she reflected on this dynamic, “The bottom line, for me, is that we have children together, and my parents are really important to me, and I’m sure Kilmer feels the same about his, and our children are lucky enough to have both parents available. […] It’s better that we should get on.”
The doting mom believed it was impossible to share so much history and parenthood with someone and then deny that there were things once admired about them. While their relationship had changed, it remained intact in a different form.
The actress on the set of “Jackie Bouvier Kennedy Onassis,” 2000 | Source: Getty Images
As time passed, she grew comfortable with where she was in life. She felt secure in her age and appreciated the confidence that came with it.
For her, there was nothing she would change or miss out on, knowing she could handle whatever challenges arose. Reaching this stage was a blessing, and she welcomed the new and interesting roles the future had in store.
The actress at the premiere of “Willow,” 2022 | Source: Getty Images
As time went on, their co-parenting relationship faced new challenges. By 2011, Joanne Whalley claimed that Kilmer had fallen behind on his child support obligations. Though their children were now in their late teens, the issue resurfaced, leading her to pursue legal action to secure the payments she believed were owed.
Court documents from New Mexico revealed that he had originally agreed to pay $27,500 per month in child support, but she alleged that he was no longer meeting this commitment. To ensure compliance, she placed a lien on his property.
Joanne Whalley arrives at the Winter TCA Tour NBCUniversal Press Tour Day 2 on January 14, 2016, in Pasadena, California. | Source: Getty Images
This wasn’t the first time she had taken such action. A similar situation unfolded in 2007 when she accused him of missed payments, prompting her to place a lien on his assets. That matter was resolved the following year when he settled the debt, and the lien was lifted.
By the time the child support disputes resurfaced, she had long returned to her roots in British television. She had taken on the lead role in “Child of Mine” and portrayed Queen Mary in the Elizabethan drama “The Virgin Queen.”
Joanne Whalley and Jack Kilmer arrive at the “Palo Alto,” 2013 | Source: Getty Images
In a 2010 interview, the Manchester-born actress reflected on her history of playing rebellious characters — a path that began in 1975 with roles in “Crown Court” and “Juliet Bravo.”
Her dark, mischievous eyes seemed to suit truants and tearaways. Around 1978, she even joined the punk band SlowGuns, which released two collectible singles.
Joanne Whalley visits Build Series on October 5, 2018, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Her Hollywood ventures, like “Shattered” and “Kill Me Again,” didn’t bring mainstream success, but she valued the freedom to move between big projects and daring stage roles.
Ultimately, family took precedence. Yet, her favorite role was Scarlett O’Hara in the 1994 miniseries “Scarlett,” where she delighted in embodying the iconic schemer. In that experience, she recaptured the wonder of her childhood love for storytelling.
Joanne Whalley-Kilmer on the set of “Scarlett,” 1994 | Source: Getty Images
Whalley’s passion for storytelling and talent for playing complex characters have left a lasting impression on audiences. Having turned 63 in August 2024, fans continue to admire her timeless beauty and grace.
One X user fondly recalled, “Such a beautiful actress. I remember being smitten by her while watching ‘Edge of Darkness’ and ‘The Singing Detective.'” Another fan added, “She was the sexiest thing on TV. And the series was brilliant. Come on Netflix, do the right thing.”
The actress at the premiere of “Willow,” 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Compliments flowed as someone else remarked, “Fantastic actress and stunningly beautiful.” Another admirer reminisced, “My buddy told me she was from Bredbury. She was & probably still is, one of my favourites.”
Joanne Whalley’s enduring talent and striking presence continue to captivate audiences, proving that her legacy is as vibrant as ever. With a career spanning decades, she remains a beloved figure whose artistry and beauty defy time.
