Tom Cruise, standing amidst industry professionals in Las Vegas, led a moment of silence for his late co-star Val Kilmer, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 65. The tribute took place during the Paramount Pictures presentation at CinemaCon. Cruise reflected on Kilmer's impact on him personally and professionally, stating, "I 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." Kilmer, widely recognized for portraying the character Iceman in the original 1986 film, recently appeared in "Top Gun: Maverick," which is noted as his last performance.
In a heartfelt farewell, Cruise offered, "Thank you, Val - wish you well on your next journey," after the moment of silence. The actor also showcased a trailer for his upcoming film "Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning," highlighting his commitment to performing thrilling stunts.
Cruise had previously shared his emotional memories of working with Kilmer during interviews, revealing how it brought him to tears to have him on set for "Top Gun: Maverick." Kilmer's family confirmed that he succumbed to pneumonia after battling throat cancer, which had significantly affected his ability to speak. Tragically, his health challenges were evident in his poignant scenes in the 2022 film, where he communicated with Cruise’s character through typed messages.
As Hollywood mourns, Cruise's tribute underscores the deep connection and respect he held for Kilmer, a tremendously talented and beloved actor whose legacy will endure in the hearts of fans and colleagues alike.
