The legendary Hollywood star Val Kilmer of Top Gun and Tombstone passed away from pneumonia earlier this week at the age of 65. On Thursday, Kilmer’s Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick co-star Tom Cruise paid tribute to him with a moment of silence at CinemaCon.
Moment Of Silence For Kilmer
Cruise, 62, appeared at Cinemacon in Las Vegas, Nevada to reveal new footage from his upcoming movie Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. Before presenting the clips, however, Cruise took the time to honor his late friend Kilmer.
“I’d like to honor a dear friend of mine, Val Kilmer for a moment,” Cruise said. “I can’t tell you how much I admired his work.”
Cruise went on to talk about how grateful he was to reunite with Kilmer onscreen in the 2022 movie Top Gun: Maverick. He then asked for a moment of silence.
“If we just all take a moment to remember the wonderful time we had with him – let’s just take a moment,” Cruise stated. “I wish you well on your next journey.”
Related: Val Kilmer Talks Emotional Return In ‘Top Gun: Maverick’
Kilmer’s Death – Reunion With Cruise
Kilmer died on Tuesday in Los Angeles, California. Kilmer’s death was confirmed by his daughter Mercedes. She told The New York Times that he died of pneumonia on April 1. He had been diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014, and he subsequently had to undergo two tracheotomies. His daughter made a point of saying that Kilmer managed to beat throat cancer.
In the wake of Kilmer’s death, a 2023 clip resurfaced in which Cruise opened up about their “emotional” reunion on the Top Gun: Maverick set.
“I just want to say that was pretty emotional. I’ve known Val for decades,” Cruise began while appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in February of 2023. “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.”
Kilmer had played Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in the original Top Gun back in 1986. Fans were unsure if Kilmer would return for the Top Gun sequel, given his many years of health struggles. Indeed, Kilmer was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014. He then had to undergo two tracheotomies and lost the normal use of his voice.
Despite this, Kilmer still managed to return for Top Gun: Maverick. That’s why Cruise couldn’t help but burst into tears when his old friend came on to reprise his role.
“I was crying, I was crying. I got emotional,” Cruise told Kimmel of filming with Kilmer. “He’s such a brilliant actor, I love his work.”
Watch Cruise talk more about this in the video below.
Full Story: Tom Cruise Broke Down In Tears Reuniting With Val Kilmer In ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Before His Death
Kilmer Gushes Over Cruise
Kilmer also greatly enjoyed his reunion with Cruise.
“Tom and I get along really well,” Kilmer told the Los Angeles Times in 2022. “We giggled like little kids in school between takes. I consider him a real friend. We shared intimate stories and challenges about our different lifestyles!!”
Check out Kilmer and Cruise’s touching Top Gun: Maverick scene for yourself in the video below.
Kilmer was a true legend, and there will never be another one like him. Please join us in saying a prayer for Kilmer’s family during this tragic time!
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