‘Grateful and honoured’: Tom Cruise pays tribute to Val Kilmer

Hollywood star Tom Cruise has paid a heartfelt tribute to his Top Gun co-star Val Kilmer, who passed away earlier this week at age 65.

Speaking at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, Cruise led a moment of silence in Kilmer’s memory, describing him as “a dear friend” and a brilliant actor.

“Thank you, Val – wish you well on your next journey,” Cruise said solemnly before a packed theatre of industry professionals.

Kilmer, best known for iconic roles in Top Gun, Batman Forever, and The Doors, died in Los Angeles from complications related to pneumonia, following years of treatment for throat cancer.

Cruise recalled their emotional reunion in Top Gun: Maverick during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! “I cried having him on set. He’s such a brilliant actor. I love his work,” he shared.

Kilmer's last appearance was in the 2022 sequel, where he reprised his role as Iceman, communicating through a screen due to a voice box. Their touching scene ended with a hug and Iceman jokingly asking who was the better pilot.

During the Paramount Pictures presentation, Cruise also unveiled a sneak peek of *Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning*, set to release later this year. Director Christopher McQuarrie received CinemaCon’s Director of the Year award.

Cruise remains one of the few major stars to publicly reflect on Kilmer’s passing, as tributes continue to pour in across the industry.