Val Kilmer’s Powerful Message About Tom Cruise Before His Passing

The Hollywood world is mourning the loss of Val Kilmer, the beloved actor who graced the silver screen in iconic roles across films like Top Gun, Heat, and Tombstone. Kilmer, who died at the age of 65 this week after a battle with throat cancer, left behind a legacy of unforgettable performances. His death, reportedly caused by pneumonia, has touched the hearts of fans and colleagues alike. Despite the challenges he faced in recent years, including the loss of his ability to speak, Kilmer made a remarkable return to his most iconic role in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), where he reprised his role as the formidable Iceman.

Kilmer’s reunion with Top Gun co-star Tom Cruise in the 2022 sequel was a poignant moment for both actors. Cruise, who had known Kilmer for decades, reflected on the emotional nature of their reunion. “I just want to say, that was pretty emotional,” Cruise shared during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. “I’ve known Val for decades, and for him to come back and play that character—he’s such a powerful actor that he instantly became that character again.”

Cruise also revealed that the scene, which saw Kilmer’s Iceman interact with Cruise’s Maverick, left him moved to tears. “I was crying. I was crying. He’s such a brilliant actor, and I love his work,” Cruise admitted, highlighting the depth of their friendship and mutual respect.

Kilmer’s feelings on Cruise, both as a colleague and a friend, were also made clear before his passing. In his memoir, Kilmer reflected on their relationship, especially in the context of their reunion for Top Gun: Maverick. Kilmer revealed that Cruise personally invited him to return for the sequel, and the reunion was one that Kilmer cherished deeply. “The producers went for it. Cruise went for it. Cruise couldn’t have been cooler,” Kilmer wrote, underscoring the warmth and camaraderie that defined their working relationship. He added that their reconnection on set felt like picking up right where they left off.

Kilmer’s admiration for Cruise extended beyond their professional collaboration. He praised Cruise for his kindness and generosity, both as a person and an actor. Kilmer also expressed how moved he was by the sequel, noting the emotional weight of returning to the role after nearly four decades. “I was very moved the first time I saw it. Almost 40 years is a long time for a reunion,” he shared in an e-mail to USA TODAY. The reunion on screen was a testament to their enduring friendship and shared history in Hollywood.

Kilmer’s death marks the end of an era for fans who grew up watching his dynamic performances on screen. From his legendary portrayal of Iceman in Top Gun to his role as the enigmatic Doc Holliday in Tombstone, Kilmer’s presence was magnetic, and his loss will be felt deeply. However, his final moments with Cruise in Top Gun: Maverick serve as a poignant reminder of the bond the two actors shared—a bond that transcended their on-screen rivalry to become a lasting friendship built on mutual respect.

As the film world remembers Val Kilmer, our thoughts remain with his family, friends, and colleagues, especially Tom Cruise, who has expressed how deeply Kilmer’s legacy impacted his own life and career. The reunion of these two Hollywood giants will go down as one of the most heartfelt moments in recent cinematic history.