At CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas, Tom Cruise honored his late “Top Gun” co-star, Val Kilmer, with a heartfelt tribute. Addressing a gathering of movie theater owners and industry professionals, Cruise expressed deep admiration for Kilmer’s talent and their enduring friendship. He fondly recalled Kilmer’s passion for cinema and his significant contributions to the film industry, highlighting their collaborations in both the original 1986 “Top Gun” and its 2022 sequel, “Top Gun: Maverick.”
During his speech, Cruise invited the audience to join him in a moment of silence to honor Kilmer’s memory, stating, “I know he’d appreciate that.” This solemn gesture underscored the profound impact Kilmer had on his colleagues and fans alike.
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Val Kilmer, renowned for his portrayal of Tom “Iceman” Kazansky, passed away at the age of 65 due to complications from pneumonia, following a long battle with throat cancer. Despite his health challenges, Kilmer reprised his iconic role in “Top Gun: Maverick,” utilizing AI voice technology to overcome speech difficulties resulting from a tracheostomy.
Reflecting on their reunion for the sequel, Cruise previously shared the emotional experience of working with Kilmer again. He described being moved to tears during their scenes together, emphasizing Kilmer’s powerful performance and the depth he brought back to the character.
The tribute at CinemaCon highlighted the deep bond between Cruise and Kilmer, celebrating a partnership that spanned decades and left an indelible mark on cinematic history.
