Tom Cruise delivered a heartfelt tribute to his “dear friend” and “Top Gun” co-star Val Kilmer at CinemaCon 2025 on Thursday, April 3, 2025. The tribute came shortly after Kilmer’s passing from pneumonia at 65 years old.

While promoting his upcoming film “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” the 62-year-old actor paused to honor Kilmer. Kilmer played Tom “Iceman” Kazansky alongside Cruise’s Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in the 1986 film “Top Gun” and its sequel in 2022.

On stage at the Colosseum at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, Cruise struggled with emotion as he asked the audience for a moment of silence.

“I’d like to honor a dear friend of mine, Val Kilmer,” Cruise stated. “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 continued, “I think it would be really nice if we could have a moment together because he loved movies and he gave a lot to all of us. Just kind of think about all the wonderful times that we had with him. I wish you well on the next journey.”

Kilmer passed away on Tuesday, April 1, due to complications from pneumonia after years of health issues. He was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 and underwent extensive treatment, including a tracheotomy, chemotherapy, and radiation.

The rivalry between Maverick and Iceman in the original “Top Gun” contributed to both actors’ rise to fame. Kilmer initially hesitated to accept the role, reportedly considering the script “silly” and agreeing to it due to contractual obligations. However, the film became the top box office hit of 1986.

Barry Tubb, known for his role as “Wolfman” in “Top Gun,” described Kilmer as “the coolest cat” with remarkable acting skills and a playful sense of humor. Kilmer often recorded behind-the-scenes moments with his camera, some of which were featured in his 2021 documentary “Val.”

The on-screen tension between Maverick and Iceman reportedly extended off-screen. Cruise remained focused on filming, while Kilmer bonded with other cast members and enjoyed the social scene.

“Tom refrained from our revelry, with good reason,” Kilmer once stated. “From day one, he was laser-focused on a singular goal – to become the greatest action hero in the history of film.”

Years later, Kilmer and Cruise reunited for “Top Gun: Maverick.” Despite health challenges, Kilmer reprised his role as Iceman. Following a tracheotomy, his voice changed, and he used an artificial voice box. Artificial intelligence also recreated aspects of his voice for the film.

During a 2022 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Cruise discussed working with Kilmer again: “I’ve known Val for decades. 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.”

Getting Kilmer involved in the sequel was reportedly important to both the actor and the production. “Tom was Maverick, but Maverick’s nemesis was Iceman. The two went together like salt and pepper,” Kilmer had said.

Outside “Top Gun,” Kilmer’s career included roles in films like “Batman Forever,” “The Doors,” “Tombstone,” and “Heat.” His portrayal of Jim Morrison in “The Doors” showed his dedication to method acting, as he reportedly stayed in character throughout filming.

Despite his talent, Kilmer was known for being difficult to work with. Joel Schumacher, director of “Batman Forever,” once called him “psychotic,” and John Frankenheimer, director of “The Island of Dr. Moreau,” said he would never work with Kilmer again.

In his later years, Kilmer reflected on his professional reputation in his documentary, stating, “I have behaved poorly, I have behaved bravely, I have behaved bizarrely to some.”

Kilmer’s 2014 cancer diagnosis led him to step back from Hollywood. After treatment, he faced challenges such as difficulty speaking and eating through a feeding tube. “You have to make the choice to breathe or to eat,” he explained in his documentary.

Despite his health issues, Kilmer remained creatively active. In a 2021 interview, he expressed optimism despite his altered voice: “I obviously am sounding much worse than I feel.”

Kilmer is survived by his daughter Mercedes and son Jack from his marriage to actress Joanne Whalley. His death was confirmed by Mercedes.

Cruise continues to promote “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning,” set to release on May 23, 2025. However, at CinemaCon, he paused to remember his co-star.

Fans recall the duo’s iconic on-screen chemistry, with Kilmer’s line from the original film remaining memorable: “You can be my wingman any time.”