At a packed CinemaCon event in Las Vegas, Tom Cruise took a moment to honor his late co-star Val Kilmer, who tragically passed away at the age of 65. Known for his iconic role as Ice Man in the original 1986 film Top Gun, Kilmer’s impact on Hollywood resonated deeply with Cruise and the audience. During his speech, Cruise expressed his admiration for Kilmer and led a moment of silence to remember his friend.
Cruise described the honor of having Kilmer join him in Top Gun, stating, "I can't tell you how much I admired his work and how grateful I was when he joined Top Gun.” Kilmer’s last on-screen appearance was in the 2022 film Top Gun: Maverick, where he poignantly reprised his role as Iceman despite undergoing significant health challenges, including treatments for throat cancer that resulted in the use of a voice box.
After the tribute, Cruise presented an exclusive sneak peek of his upcoming film, Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, while also praising the film's director, Christopher McQuarrie. The audience was treated to thrilling scenes featuring Cruise performing his own stunts in dramatic fashion.
In a heartfelt moment, Cruise reflected on the emotional reunion with Kilmer during the filming of Top Gun: Maverick, where he admitted to being moved to tears. "I was crying, I was crying. I got emotional," he shared on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, emphasizing Kilmer's talent as an actor.
Kilmer's family revealed he succumbed to pneumonia, a complication after a long battle with cancer, marking a poignant end to a remarkable career celebrated by fans and colleagues alike. As the industry remembers this gifted and versatile actor, Tom Cruise’s tribute stands as a testament to their enduring friendship in Hollywood.
