Tom Cruise pays tribute to Top Gun co-star Val Kilmer

Tom Cruise has honoured his late Top Gun co-star, Val Kilmer, who passed away on April 1 at the age of 65 due to pneumonia.

Appearing at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas, Cruise initiated a moment of silence during his address, reflecting on Kilmer's significant contributions to film and their shared experiences on set.

"I'd like to honour a dear friend of mine, Val Kilmer," said Cruise.

"I really can't tell you how much I admired his work, how much I thought of him as a human being, and how grateful and honoured I was when he joined Top Gun and then came back for Top Gun: Maverick."

He continued: "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, renowned for his portrayal of Iceman in the original 1986 Top Gun, had a prolific career with notable roles in Batman Forever, The Doors, and Heat. The actor had battled throat cancer after being diagnosed in 2014, and he made his final screen appearance in the Top Gun 2022 sequel Maverick.

Kilmer leaves behind two children, from his marriage to actress Joanne Whalley.