Tom Cruise paid tribute to his “dear friend” and “Top Gun” co-star Val Kilmer at CinemaCon 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Thursday, April 3, 2025, following Kilmer’s death from pneumonia at age 65.

Cruise, 62, took a moment from promoting his upcoming film “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” to honor Kilmer, who played Tom “Iceman” Kazansky alongside Cruise’s Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in the 1986 film “Top Gun” and its sequel released in 2022.

While on stage at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Cruise appeared emotional and asked the audience for a moment of silence.

“I’d like to honor a dear friend of mine, Val Kilmer,” Cruise said. “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 bowed his head and clasped his hands, stating, “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, from complications related to pneumonia, following years of health challenges. In 2014, he was diagnosed with throat cancer and underwent treatment including a tracheotomy, chemotherapy, and radiation.

Their rivalry as Maverick and Iceman in the original “Top Gun” was key to both actors’ rise to fame. Kilmer was initially reluctant to accept the role, reportedly finding the script “silly,” but contractual obligations led to his participation. The film became the highest-grossing movie of 1986, establishing both actors as major Hollywood stars.

Barry Tubb, who portrayed “Wolfman” in the original film, described Kilmer as “the coolest cat” with outstanding acting talent and a playful humor. Kilmer often captured behind-the-scenes moments on his own camera, some of which appeared in his 2021 documentary “Val.”

The on-screen rivalry between Maverick and Iceman also existed off-camera. Cruise maintained a disciplined approach to filming, while Kilmer formed close bonds with other cast members and enjoyed the social aspects of the production.

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

The actors reunited for “Top Gun: Maverick,” where Kilmer made an appearance as Iceman despite his health issues. The tracheotomy had changed his voice permanently, requiring the use of an artificial voice box. In the sequel, he communicated by typing on a computer screen, with artificial intelligence technology aiding in recreating his voice.

During a 2022 appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” Cruise discussed the experience of 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.”

Kilmer’s participation in the sequel was important to both him and the production. “Tom was Maverick, but Maverick’s nemesis was Iceman. The two went together like salt and pepper,” Kilmer had insisted.

In addition to “Top Gun,” Kilmer had a noteworthy career with roles in films such as “Batman Forever,” “The Doors,” “Tombstone,” and “Heat.” His portrayal of Jim Morrison in “The Doors” demonstrated his dedication to method acting, reportedly staying in character even off-set.

Despite his talent, Kilmer gained a reputation for being challenging on set. “Batman Forever” director Joel Schumacher once described him as “psychotic,” and “The Island of Dr. Moreau” director John Frankenheimer famously stated he would never work with Kilmer again.

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

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

Throughout his health struggles, Kilmer remained creative. 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 children, daughter Mercedes and son Jack, from his marriage to British actress Joanne Whalley. His death was confirmed by Mercedes.

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

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