Hollywood mourns the loss of a legend as Tom Cruise shares heartfelt words for his late friend and Top Gun co-star, Val Kilmer.
During a moving moment at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas, Tom Cruise, 62, paid tribute to Val Kilmer, who passed away unexpectedly this week at the age of 65.
The two first lit up the screen together in the original Top Gun back in 1986, with Kilmer playing the iconic “Iceman” alongside Cruise’s “Maverick.”
They later reunited in the 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, giving fans a nostalgic moment they’ll never forget.
Speaking on stage at Caesar’s Palace, Cruise took a pause during his appearance and, as reported by Variety, honored Kilmer as a “dear friend,” expressing the deep bond they shared both on and off-screen.
“I can’t tell you how much I admire his work, how grateful and honored I was when he joined Top Gun and returned later for Top Gun: Maverick,” said Cruise.
“I think it would be really nice if we could have a moment together because he loved movies and he gave a lot to all of us. Just kind of think about all the wonderful times that we had with him.”
“I wish you well on the next journey.”
The Hollywood superstar shared an emotional moment on stage, holding his hands together and lowering his head. He was there to promote Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, which is releasing this year on May 23.
In 2022, he had expressed how meaningful it was to have Kilmer return for Top Gun: Maverick, calling their reunion a special moment.
“I just want to say that was pretty emotional. I’ve known Val for decades,” Cruise shared on Jimmy Kimmel Live.
“For him to come back and play that character… he’s such a powerful actor that he instantly became that character again. You’re looking at Iceman.”
In 2021, producer Jerry Bruckheimer told People that it was Cruise’s determination that brought Kilmer back to the project. He emphasized that Cruise was the one who pushed to make it happen, ensuring Kilmer’s return to the iconic role.
Val Kilmer, who became a star in the 1980s with memorable roles in films like Batman Forever, Billy the Kid, and The Doors, passed away due to complications from pneumonia after a long struggle with several health issues.
Diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015, Val spent much of his later years away from the public eye, focusing on his health and personal life.
Kilmer leaves behind his daughter, Mercedes, and son, Jack, whom he had with his ex-wife, actress Joanne Whalley.
The heartbreaking news of his passing was announced by Mercedes on Tuesday.
Source: Variety
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