Bilal Saeed
An anticipated high-energy advertising event was transformed into a very moving time of recollection by the 62-year-old actor. Kilmer, who left behind a legacy of stirring performances and enduring characters, had died of pneumonia two days earlier at the age of 65.Before launching into the excitement of his new movie, Cruise, who was there to promote the upcoming “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” at Caesars Palace, decided to pay tribute to Kilmer.With a distinctly emotional tone, Cruise remarked, “I’d like to honour a dear friend of mine, Val Kilmer.” “I am so grateful and honoured to have had him join ‘Top Gun’ and return for ‘Top Gun: Maverick.’ I can’t express how much I admire his work.” With a sincere farewell, he said, “I wish you well on the next journey.”
As guests joined Cruise in observing a minute of remembrance for Kilmer, the room became quiet. The abrupt silence was a potent moment that went beyond the commercial aspect of the event and reminded everyone of the interpersonal relationships and lives behind the screen in an environment often defined by trailers, clapping, and buzz.
In 1986’s “Top Gun,” Cruise and Kilmer played opposing jet pilots Maverick and Iceman, marking the beginning of their professional relationship over forty years prior. The movie made over $350 million worldwide and was a huge box office triumph, making it the highest-grossing picture of the year. The picture gained depth and drama from the relationship between Kilmer’s calm, disciplined Tom “Iceman” Kazansky and Cruise’s rebellious Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. Their chemistry also contributed to the film’s lasting appeal.
In real life, their on-screen bond developed into respect and adoration for one another. Nearly 40 years later, when “Top Gun: Maverick” was being created, Cruise pushed hard for Kilmer to return for the follow-up. Kilmer made an appearance in what would be his last on-screen role despite his continued health issues, which included a fight with throat cancer that had impair his speech. His portrayal of Iceman as a mentor who subtly helped Maverick through a pivotal period in his life and career was brief but emotionally impactful in the follow-up.
“And a kind of talent that he has, and you see that scene, it’s very special,” Cruise said in reflection of the scene. It’s simply really unique. Because it brought the two performers together again under unusual circumstances, the scene in the movie struck a chord with viewers everywhere, in addition to its narrative significance.
Cruise also recalled how much he thought Kilmer should have been in the first movie. “He is an amazing actor.” I told him to go take on this person because I thought, “Val, you’re going to be fantastic; you’ve got to make this movie.”
In previous interviews, Kilmer conveyed gratitude for the spirit of cooperation that drove the first “Top Gun.” He thought back on the event in a 2013 interview with Larry King, stating, “That was a lot of fun.” In the movie and, of course, two of the three, there was a lot of friendship. Tom, in my opinion, is the one who ultimately made the idea work. Kilmer smiled and replied, “Yeah,” when asked if he enjoyed working alongside Cruise. It was enjoyable. Hard worker, you know. It was enjoyable to not like him, even when my man didn’t like him.
Kilmer lauded the film’s creative team’s power even in 1986. In an interview at the time, he stated, “I think the actors, the direction, and the producing—it was a really good group, and they worked together very well.”
Cruise wasn’t the only famous person to offer their sympathies and recollections after learning of Kilmer’s death. Heartfelt condolences were also expressed by singer Cher and actress Michelle Pfeiffer. Pfeiffer paid tribute to Kilmer on April 2 by posting a heartfelt black-and-white image on her Instagram Stories. The photo, which was taken during their 1985 collaboration on the ABC Afterschool Special “One Too Many,” showed the two teenage celebrities in a private, unguarded moment. Pfeiffer was spotted smiling lovingly at Kilmer while resting next to him with her arm softly slung over his shoulder.
Cher sent her own heartfelt memorial on social media. Cher dated Kilmer in the early 1980s and became close friends with him throughout his life. She has frequently highlighted his brilliance, humour, and creative energy in earlier interviews.
Kilmer’s passing signalled the conclusion of an extraordinary journey for an actor who eluded simple classification. Kilmer brought passion and realism to every character, from critically acclaimed roles in films like “The Doors” and “Tombstone” to popular successes like “Top Gun” and “Batman Forever.” He was well-known off-screen for his love of poetry, his steadfastness in the face of sickness, and his commitment to his family.
The depth of their relationship was shown by Cruise’s homage at CinemaCon, which served as a moving reminder that underneath Hollywood’s glittering lights lie genuine friendships, memories, and sorrows. Cruise, who still stars in action-packed blockbusters, took a rare and significant break to reflect, recall, and bid farewell to a buddy who contributed to the creation of a cinematic legacy.