Tom Cruise Honors Val Kilmer With Emotional Tribute After Co-Star’s Passing at 65
“I wish you well on the next journey.”
These were the heartfelt words Tom Cruise shared on stage as he honored the late Val Kilmer, his Top Gun co-star and longtime friend, who passed away at age 65.
While attending CinemaCon at Caesars Palace last week, Cruise took a moment to publicly acknowledge Kilmer’s passing and celebrate the legacy of the man who played Iceman, one of the most iconic characters in aviation movie history.
“I’d like to honor a dear friend of mine, Val Kilmer,” Cruise said in front of an audience of filmmakers, theater owners, and fans. “I can’t tell you how much I admire his work, how grateful and honored I was when he joined Top Gun and came back later for Top Gun: Maverick.”
Cruise then asked the crowd to observe a moment of silence in Kilmer’s memory, urging everyone to reflect on the actor’s contributions to cinema.
“He loved movies and he gave a lot to all of us,” Cruise said. “Just kind of think about all the wonderful times that we had with him.”
After the silence, Cruise closed with a simple yet deeply moving statement:
“I wish you well on the next journey.”
A Bond Born in the Sky
Cruise and Kilmer first met on the set of Top Gun (1986), where they portrayed rival naval aviators — Maverick and Iceman — training at the elite U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School. Their intense on-screen rivalry eventually turned into camaraderie, both in the story and in real life.
Though the film helped launch Cruise’s career into global superstardom, Kilmer’s performance as the icy but honorable Iceman became just as legendary. The chemistry between the two actors was undeniable, making their characters’ journey from adversaries to allies one of the most memorable arcs in action movie history.
Kilmer’s Brave Battle and Triumphant Return
In the years following his rise to fame, Kilmer faced significant health challenges, including a battle with throat cancer that severely impacted his voice and ability to speak. Despite these obstacles, he made a heroic return to the screen in Top Gun: Maverick (2022) — a moment that brought both fans and co-stars to tears.
Speaking on Jimmy Kimmel Live during the film’s promotional tour, Cruise recalled what it was like to reunite with Kilmer on screen:
“I just want to say that was pretty emotional. 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.”
Cruise admitted he was overwhelmed with emotion during their scenes together:
“I was crying. I got emotional. He’s such a brilliant actor, and I love his work.”
A Legacy That Lives On
Val Kilmer’s passing marks the end of an era for fans of Top Gun and lovers of classic cinema. Beyond Iceman, Kilmer leaves behind a rich film legacy, with standout roles in The Doors, Tombstone, Batman Forever, and Heat.
His courage in returning to acting, even after his voice had been compromised, was not only inspiring — it was a testament to his passion for storytelling and his commitment to the craft.
Though gone, Val Kilmer’s impact on Hollywood and his friendship with Tom Cruise will remain part of movie history forever.
