Tom Cruise Pays Emotional Tribute To Val Kilmer After His Passing!

Tom Cruise, who starred alongside Val Kilmer in Top Gun and its 2022 sequel Top Gun Maverick, paid an emotional tribute to his late co-star after Kilmer passed away at 65 due to pneumonia earlier this week. Cruise honored Kilmer’s legacy during his speech at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, sharing heartfelt words about their friendship and the impact Kilmer had on the film industry.

A Heartfelt Tribute at CinemaCon

At the event on Thursday, Cruise took a moment to honor Kilmer, expressing his admiration for the actor’s work. “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 said. The actor, known for playing Maverick, spoke fondly of their partnership both in the original 1986 film and its 2022 follow-up, which marked a special reunion for the two actors.

Reflecting on Kilmer’s Impact

Cruise continued, emphasizing how much Kilmer loved movies and how much he contributed to the industry. “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,” Cruise added. He concluded his tribute by urging everyone to reflect on the wonderful times shared with the beloved actor, before wishing Kilmer well on his “next journey.”

A Special Reunion in Top Gun Maverick

Cruise and Kilmer’s relationship extended beyond their professional partnership. They first met on the set of Top Gun in the 1980s, where Kilmer portrayed the rival pilot Tom “Iceman” Kazansky. Despite Kilmer’s battle with throat cancer, he made a remarkable return for Top Gun Maverick in 2022. Kilmer had lost his ability to speak due to aggressive treatments for cancer, but he communicated through the use of AI technology, making his appearance in the film both poignant and inspirational.

Kilmer’s Health Struggles

Kilmer’s health had been declining for years after his throat cancer diagnosis in 2015. Despite being declared cancer-free in 2021, Kilmer continued to suffer from the side effects of his treatment, which left him frail and bedridden. Reports indicated that he had been hospitalized recently, and his daughter, Mercedes, confirmed his death on Tuesday at his Los Angeles home.

A Family in Mourning

Kilmer’s passing leaves behind a legacy in Hollywood and a grieving family. He is survived by his ex-wife Joanne Whalley, with whom he shared two children, Mercedes and Jack. Just a day after his death, Mercedes and Joanne were spotted hugging outside their home, offering a poignant moment of familial solidarity as they mourned the loss of a beloved father and ex-husband.

Val Kilmer’s death marks the end of an era for many fans of Top Gun and his other iconic roles. His bond with Tom Cruise, both professionally and personally, was a testament to the deep connections formed on set and the lasting impact of their work together. As Cruise poignantly said, Kilmer gave a lot to the world of cinema, and his legacy will continue to resonate for years to come.