At CinemaCon in Las Vegas on April 3, 2025, Tom Cruise took a moment during the promotion of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning to honor his longtime friend and Top Gun co-star, Val Kilmer, who passed away at 65 due to pneumonia. Cruise expressed his deep admiration for Kilmer’s work and his love for movies, calling him an important figure in the film industry. The audience observed a moment of silence in respect for Kilmer.

Cruise and Kilmer first formed their bond through their iconic roles as Maverick and Iceman in the 1986 hit Top Gun, which became the highest-grossing film of that year. Nearly 40 years later, they reunited for Top Gun: Maverick, where Kilmer’s return as Iceman was a touching tribute to his legacy in the franchise. In a 2013 interview, Kilmer praised Cruise as a dedicated and hard-working actor, acknowledging him as the “glue” that held the original film together. Cruise also advocated for Kilmer’s inclusion in Top Gun: Maverick, underscoring his belief in Kilmer’s talent.

Following Kilmer’s death, other celebrities also paid tribute to him. Cher, who had a romantic relationship with Kilmer in the 1980s, honored him on social media, reflecting on his humor, creativity, and bravery. Michelle Pfeiffer shared a black-and-white photo from their 1985 film One Too Many, emphasizing their deep connection. Kilmer’s legacy as a gifted actor and cherished friend was celebrated by many after his passing.

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