At CinemaCon in Las Vegas on April 3, 2025, Tom Cruise took a moment during the promotion of Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning to pay tribute to his longtime friend and Top Gun co-star, Val Kilmer, who passed away from pneumonia at the age of 65. Cruise expressed his deep admiration for Kilmer, recalling their work together on Top Gun and Top Gun: Maverick. He said, “I can’t tell you how much I admire his work… he loved movies and gave so much to the film business.” The audience paused for a minute in respectful silence.

Cruise and Kilmer’s bond started with their iconic roles as Maverick and Iceman in the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun, which became the highest-grossing film of that year. The two reunited nearly 40 years later for Top Gun: Maverick, where Kilmer’s role as Iceman was a poignant moment in the film.

In a 2013 interview, Kilmer reflected on working with Cruise during the original film, describing him as a hard worker and the “glue” of the project. Over the years, Cruise advocated for Kilmer’s inclusion in Top Gun, believing strongly in his talent.

Cher and Michelle Pfeiffer also paid tributes to Kilmer. Cher, who had a romantic relationship with Kilmer in the 1980s, shared a heartfelt message on social media, honoring his humor, creativity, and bravery. Pfeiffer shared a black-and-white photo from their 1985 collaboration on One Too Many, highlighting the bond they shared.

Kilmer’s legacy as a talented and passionate actor, as well as his enduring friendships, was celebrated by many following his passing.