“Tom Cruise Breaks Silence on Val Kilmer’s Death – A Heartfelt Tribute 40 Years in the Making”

Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer shared a bond that spanned four decades, beginning in 1985 on the set of the original Top Gun. Their connection grew far beyond their roles on screen. After Val Kilmer’s passing, Cruise finally broke his silence not with just a goodbye, but with a deeply emotional tribute that moved fans to tears.

In a rare public appearance on Thursday night at CinemaCon 2025 (April 3), Tom Cruise honored his longtime friend and co-star in a quiet but powerful way. The words he shared left the entire audience in stunned silence. Before diving into details about his upcoming movie Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Cruise paused to reflect on the life and legacy of Val Kilmer.

“I’d like to take a moment before we get started today to honor a dear friend of mine, Val Kilmer,” he said. “I can’t tell you how much I admired his work and him as a human being, how grateful and honored I was that he joined Top Gun and came back for Top Gun: Maverick.”

He continued: “I think it would be really nice if we could all take a moment together. Val loved films he gave us so much with his performances. Let’s think back on all the great memories we shared with him.”

Following the heartfelt silence, Cruise added: “Thank you, Val. I wish you well on your next journey.”

Val Kilmer, best known for his iconic role as Tom “Iceman” Kazansky in Top Gun, passed away on April 1 at the age of 65. His daughter confirmed the news, stating the cause of death was pneumonia.

Kilmer’s passing sent ripples through Hollywood. Many stars shared tributes, remembering him not just as a gifted actor, but as a kind, courageous soul. Despite his battle with throat cancer starting in 2014 which significantly impacted his voice and acting career Kilmer made an unforgettable return in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), a moment that deeply touched longtime fans.

In a 2023 interview with Jimmy Kimmel, Cruise spoke about reuniting with Kilmer on set:
“That was pretty emotional,” Cruise said. “I’ve known Val for decades, and seeing him step back into that role he’s such a powerful actor. He just became that character again.”

When Kimmel asked if the reunion brought him to tears, Cruise didn’t hesitate.
“I was crying. I got emotional. He’s such a brilliant actor. I love his work.”

Val Kilmer himself once admitted in a documentary that he initially didn’t want to be in Top Gun, calling the script “silly.” Still, he joined due to contractual obligations a decision that sparked a lifelong friendship with Cruise. Though they played rivals on screen, off-screen they grew incredibly close, exchanging Christmas gifts and staying in touch for years.

“I’ve always thought of Tom as a friend,” Kilmer shared in the film.

Following his passing, Kilmer’s family released a statement asking for privacy while expressing their gratitude.
“We are so proud of him and honored to see his legacy celebrated,” they said. “Thank you for honoring our extraordinary father’s memory.”

A light may have dimmed in Hollywood, but Val Kilmer’s legacy and his friendship with Tom Cruise will never fade.