Tom Cruise paid tribute to his “dear friend” and “Top Gun” co-star Val Kilmer during CinemaCon 2025 on Thursday, April 3, 2025, following Kilmer’s death from pneumonia at 65.
The 62-year-old actor took a break from promoting “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” to commemorate Kilmer, who played Tom “Iceman” Kazansky opposite Cruise’s Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in “Top Gun” (1986) and its 2022 sequel.
At the Colosseum at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, Cruise displayed visible emotion as he requested the audience to observe a moment of silence.
“I’d like to honor a dear friend of mine, Val Kilmer,” Cruise said. “I can’t tell you how much I admire his work, how grateful and honored I was when he joined Top Gun and came back later for Top Gun: Maverick.”
Cruise bowed his head and clasped his hands before continuing, “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.”
Kilmer died Tuesday, April 1, from complications related to pneumonia after years of health challenges. The actor was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 and underwent extensive treatment, including a tracheotomy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Their on-screen rivalry as Maverick and Iceman in the original “Top Gun” elevated both actors to fame. Despite Kilmer’s initial reluctance to accept the role, the film became 1986’s biggest box office hit and secured their status as Hollywood A-listers.
Barry Tubb, who played fighter pilot “Wolfman” in the original film, described Kilmer as “the coolest cat” with remarkable acting talent and a playful sense of humor. Kilmer often filmed behind-the-scenes moments with his own camera, some of which appeared in his 2021 documentary “Val.”
The on-screen rivalry between Maverick and Iceman reportedly extended off-camera. While Cruise maintained a disciplined approach, Kilmer formed bonds with other cast members and enjoyed the social aspects of production.
“Tom refrained from our revelry, with good reason,” Kilmer once said of his co-star. “From day one, he was laser-focused on a singular goal – to become the greatest action hero in the history of film.”
Decades later, the actors reunited for “Top Gun: Maverick,” with Kilmer making a significant appearance as Iceman despite his health challenges. After his tracheotomy, he used an artificial voice box to speak. For the sequel, he communicated through typing on a computer screen, with artificial intelligence technology assisting in recreating his voice.
In a 2022 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Cruise spoke about working with Kilmer again: “I’ve known Val for decades. 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.”
Securing Kilmer’s participation in the sequel was reportedly significant to both the actor and the production. “Tom was Maverick, but Maverick’s nemesis was Iceman. The two went together like salt and pepper,” Kilmer had insisted.
Apart from “Top Gun,” Kilmer had a notable career with roles in films like “Batman Forever,” “The Doors,” “Tombstone,” and “Heat.” His portrayal of Jim Morrison in “The Doors” demonstrated his commitment to method acting, reportedly remaining in character throughout filming.
While renowned for his talent, Kilmer also gained a reputation for being difficult on set. “Batman Forever” director Joel Schumacher once described him as “psychotic,” while “The Island of Dr. Moreau” director John Frankenheimer declared he would never work with Kilmer again.
In his later years, Kilmer addressed his professional reputation in his documentary, acknowledging, “I have behaved poorly, I have behaved bravely, I have behaved bizarrely to some.”
The cancer diagnosis in 2014 required Kilmer to step back from Hollywood. After treatment, he faced challenges, including difficulty speaking and eating through a feeding tube. “You have to make the choice to breathe or to eat,” he explained in his documentary.
Despite his health struggles, Kilmer maintained his creative spirit. In a 2021 interview, he expressed optimism despite his changed voice: “I obviously am sounding much worse than I feel.”
Kilmer is survived by his daughter Mercedes and son Jack from his marriage to British actress Joanne Whalley. His death was confirmed by Mercedes on Tuesday.
Cruise continues promoting “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” set for release on May 23, 2025. But for a moment at CinemaCon, he paused to remember his wingman.
As fans recall their on-screen chemistry, Kilmer’s line from the original film resonates: “You can be my wingman any time.”
