Tom Cruise in July 2023. Photo: Mike Coppola/WireImage
April 03, 2025 | By FlashpointNews Team
At this year’s CinemaCon in Las Vegas, Tom Cruise took a heartfelt moment to honor his long-time friend and Top Gun co-star, Val Kilmer, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 65. “I can’t tell you how much I admired his work, how much I thought of him as a human being,” Cruise said, bowing his head in a moving tribute at The Colosseum theatre. “I’m grateful and honoured that he joined Top Gun.”
A Bond Forged in Hollywood History
The two actors first appeared together in the original Top Gun (1986), with Kilmer playing the iconic role of Tom “Iceman” Kazansky. Their on-screen rivalry turned into a deep mutual respect off-screen, a connection that continued over the decades. Kilmer’s appearance in the 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, became a particularly emotional moment for Cruise. In an interview with Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Cruise admitted: “I was crying. I got emotional. He’s such a brilliant actor. I love his work.”
Their reunion scene in Maverick was especially poignant. Kilmer, who had undergone tracheotomies due to throat cancer, used a voice box in real life and typed on a screen to communicate in the film. Despite his health challenges, his performance resonated with audiences and offered a powerful farewell to one of Hollywood’s most dynamic actors.
Val Kilmer: More Than Iceman
Kilmer’s career extended far beyond Top Gun. Known for his versatility and intensity, he played iconic roles such as Batman in Batman Forever (1995), Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991), and Doc Holliday in Tombstone (1993). Critics often described Kilmer as one of Hollywood’s most underrated talents—brilliant, unpredictable, and wholly committed to his craft.
According to The New York Times, Kilmer’s portrayal of Morrison remains one of the most authentic performances of a musician on screen. He also left his mark in indie films and stage productions, showcasing an impressive range and depth that few actors achieve.
A Passion for Art and Literature
Beyond film, Kilmer was also an accomplished visual artist and writer. He published his memoir I’m Your Huckleberry in 2020, where he detailed his journey through Hollywood, spirituality, and illness. The book became a New York Times bestseller and was praised for its honesty and poetic insight into his life.
He also held several art exhibitions, where his abstract and thought-provoking pieces revealed a man driven by creative energy even in the face of adversity.
A Final Goodbye at CinemaCon
During Paramount Pictures’ presentation at CinemaCon, Cruise led the packed theatre in a moment of silence for Kilmer. As he stood on stage with notecards in hand, Cruise offered simple yet profound words: “Thank you, Val — wish you well on your next journey.”
While Cruise also unveiled a sneak peek of his upcoming film, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, the night was clearly marked by a sense of loss and reverence. As tributes continue to pour in across Hollywood, Kilmer’s legacy as an actor and a beloved friend remains undeniable.
Honoring a Life Well-Lived
Kilmer passed away in Los Angeles after developing pneumonia, following years of battling throat cancer. He was surrounded by family and remembered by colleagues, fans, and friends alike as a passionate artist with an unshakable spirit.
He once said in his memoir:
“I don’t want to be a figure of tragedy. I want to be seen as someone who had a full life, a spiritual life, a creative life.”
In the words of Cruise, spoken from the heart: “He was a dear friend. And I’m honoured to have known him.”
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