Las Vegas, NV – Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise paid a heartfelt tribute to his late Top Gun co-star Val Kilmer at CinemaCon in Las Vegas. The audience at The Colosseum theatre fell silent as Cruise honored Kilmer, fondly recalling his admiration for the actor’s work and character. Kilmer, famous for his roles in Batman and The Doors, passed away at the age of 65 earlier this week in Los Angeles.
Cruise, who starred alongside Kilmer in the 1986 film Top Gun, expressed his gratitude for having the opportunity to work with him on the much-anticipated 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick. Kilmer’s portrayal of Ice Man in the film was his final movie role. The two actors shared a special bond, as evidenced by Cruise’s emotional reaction to working with Kilmer on the set of Maverick.
During the CinemaCon presentation, Cruise not only honored Kilmer but also showcased a sneak peek trailer of his upcoming film Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning set for release later this year. The trailer, featuring Cruise performing his own stunts in thrilling action sequences, captivated the audience and highlighted his dedication to the craft.
While the entertainment industry mourns the loss of Kilmer, Cruise’s poignant tribute stands out as a testament to their enduring friendship and professional collaboration. Kilmer’s family revealed that the actor succumbed to pneumonia after a long battle with throat cancer, which required two tracheotomies. Despite his illness, Kilmer’s talent shone through in his performance alongside Cruise in Maverick.
As Cruise and Kilmer’s fans remember the late actor’s legacy, Cruise’s heartfelt words at CinemaCon serve as a poignant reminder of the impact Kilmer had on those around him. The industry lost a talented and beloved figure in Kilmer, but his memory lives on through his iconic portrayals on the silver screen. Cruise’s tribute encapsulates the profound loss felt by all who had the privilege of knowing Kilmer both on and off the screen.