Tom Cruise paid an emotional tribute to his longtime friend and Top Gun co-star Val Kilmer during a surprise appearance at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas. The 62-year-old actor opened his presentation for Mission: Impossible, The Final Reckoning with a heartfelt speech, honoring Kilmer and requesting a moment of silence to remember him.
In a room filled with film executives and fans, Cruise reflected on the deep respect he had for Kilmer’s talent and character. He admitted to admiring his work and his person, and after the silence, thanked him. The tribute moved the audience and showcased the emotional bond between the two co-stars.
Tom Cruise’s tribute to Val Kilmer moves fans and colleagues
Cruise and Kilmer first starred together in the 1986 classic Top Gun, where Kilmer played Iceman, Maverick’s rival turned ally. Their chemistry made the film iconic, and their reunion in Top Gun: Maverick decades later was one of the most celebrated moments in the sequel, largely pushed by Cruise himself.
Fans recall how Cruise insisted Kilmer be part of the 2022 sequel, despite Kilmer’s health struggles. They described their reunion scene as deeply emotional, on and off camera. Cruise later revealed in interviews that he cried during filming, while Kilmer expressed how special it was to work with Cruise again, calling him a long-lost friend. He said their time together was filled with fun, behind the scenes and during work.
Celebrating a friendship and career
Cruise and Kilmer remained close, exchanging birthday wishes publicly and sharing fond memories. Kilmer even once joked about their home movies as proof of their relationship. Kilmer’s death at 65 due to complications from pneumonia left a void in Hollywood, but tributes like Cruise’s ensure his memory lives on.
Kilmer is survived by his two children, actress Mercedes Kilmer and actor Jack Kilmer, whom he shared with ex-wife and fellow actress Joanne Whalley. Tributes like Cruise’s ensure that both Kilmer’s legacy and the friendships he nurtured will continue to be remembered.