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As tributes continue to pour in from across the globe for Val Kilmer following his tragic death, his longtime friend and Top Gun co-star, Tom Cruise, has shared his heartfelt respects.
During the 2025 CinemaCon on April 3, Cruise took a brief pause from promoting his upcoming film Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning to honor his late friend. Before diving into the details of the final Mission: Impossible installment, Cruise addressed the audience with an emotional tribute to Kilmer.
According to People magazine, Cruise expressed, “I’d like to take a moment before we get started today to honor a dear friend of mine, Val Kilmer. I can’t tell you how much I admired his work and him as a human being—how grateful and honored I was that he joined Top Gun and came back for Top Gun: Maverick.”
With a deep sense of reverence, Cruise asked the crowd to join him in remembering Kilmer. “He loved movies, and he gave a lot to all of us with his performances and his films,” he continued. “If we could just all take a moment and think about all the wonderful times we had with him.”
Following a respectful moment of silence, Cruise closed the tribute with a heartfelt farewell. “Thank you, Val. I wish you well on your next journey. Thank you all for doing that. I know he appreciates it.”
Cruise and Kilmer’s collaboration in the 1986 Top Gun cemented their status as one of Hollywood’s most iconic on-screen rivalries, with their characters, Maverick (Cruise) and Iceman (Kilmer), becoming enduring symbols in cinematic history. Kilmer’s portrayal of the cool-headed Iceman captured hearts, and his return in Top Gun: Maverick further solidified his legacy.
As Top Gun remains beloved by fans worldwide, Kilmer’s contribution to the film and his lasting impact on the industry will never be forgotten.