At CinemaCon in Las Vegas, Tom Cruise celebrated his late friend and co-star Val Kilmer, who passed away recently, leading a heartfelt tribute that resonated with fans and industry insiders alike.
Tribute to Val Kilmer: Tom Cruise Reflects on Their Friendship at CinemaCon

Tribute to Val Kilmer: Tom Cruise Reflects on Their Friendship at CinemaCon
Tom Cruise honors late co-star Val Kilmer during an emotional CinemaCon tribute.
In the heart of Las Vegas at the prestigious CinemaCon event, Tom Cruise took an emotional moment to commemorate his friend and fellow actor Val Kilmer, who sadly passed away at the age of 65. During the Paramount Pictures presentation at The Colosseum theatre, Cruise urged attendees to observe a moment of silence in memory of Kilmer, famed for his portrayal of Ice Man in the iconic 1986 film Top Gun. “I can’t express how much I admired his talent and the human being he was, and how grateful I felt when he joined Top Gun,” proclaimed Cruise. Kilmer's role in the recent sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, marked the last appearance in his storied career.
The Los Angeles native, known for captivating performances as Batman and Jim Morrison in The Doors, passed away due to complications from pneumonia. Cruise, visibly moved, showcased a deep sense of loss as he bowed his head in reflection before a gathering of industry professionals. “Thank you, Val - wish you well on your next journey,” he added poignantly.
While unveiling upcoming projects, including a thrilling trailer for Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, Cruise did not shy away from expressing the emotional weight that Kilmer’s passing had on him. Recalling their time together on the set of Top Gun: Maverick, he candidly shared, “I was crying. I got emotional. He’s such a brilliant actor.”
Kilmer's family confirmed the actor's passing while revealing he endured two tracheotomies during his battle with throat cancer, altering his ability to communicate. In his last film, he used a voice box and engaged in a significant scene with Cruise's character, leading to an impactful exchange that struck a chord with fans and reinforced the bond between their characters.
As Hollywood reflects on the contributions of the beloved actor Val Kilmer, Tom Cruise’s heartfelt tribute attests to the enduring legacy of a man who left an indelible mark on both cinema and friendship.
The Los Angeles native, known for captivating performances as Batman and Jim Morrison in The Doors, passed away due to complications from pneumonia. Cruise, visibly moved, showcased a deep sense of loss as he bowed his head in reflection before a gathering of industry professionals. “Thank you, Val - wish you well on your next journey,” he added poignantly.
While unveiling upcoming projects, including a thrilling trailer for Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, Cruise did not shy away from expressing the emotional weight that Kilmer’s passing had on him. Recalling their time together on the set of Top Gun: Maverick, he candidly shared, “I was crying. I got emotional. He’s such a brilliant actor.”
Kilmer's family confirmed the actor's passing while revealing he endured two tracheotomies during his battle with throat cancer, altering his ability to communicate. In his last film, he used a voice box and engaged in a significant scene with Cruise's character, leading to an impactful exchange that struck a chord with fans and reinforced the bond between their characters.
As Hollywood reflects on the contributions of the beloved actor Val Kilmer, Tom Cruise’s heartfelt tribute attests to the enduring legacy of a man who left an indelible mark on both cinema and friendship.