During a heartfelt moment at CinemaCon in Las Vegas, Tom Cruise took a break from promoting his upcoming film, Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning, to honor the memory of his late co-star Val Kilmer. This unexpected appearance led to a reflective moment as Cruise asked attendees to join him in a moment of silence for his “dear friend.”

A Moment for Reflection

Addressing a gathering of movie theater owners, Cruise expressed his deep appreciation for Kilmer’s contributions to cinema and the impact he had on those around him. He spotlighted the joy and creativity that Kilmer brought to the industry, stating, “I can’t tell you how much I admire his work.”

His tribute included a request for a collective pause to remember Kilmer, highlighting the actor’s passion for films: “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,” Cruise noted, as reported by Deadline.

Legacy of Friendship

In a career spanning decades, Kilmer portrayed iconic characters, including Lt. Tom “Ice Man” Kazansky in the original 1986 classic Top Gun, alongside Cruise’s character, Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. Their collaboration continued with the sequel, Top Gun: Maverick, released in 2022, which Cruise described as an “emotional” experience.

Cruise’s Emotional Reflection

While speaking on Jimmy Kimmel’s talk show in 2023, Cruise shared the emotional impact of Kilmer’s return to the role: “I was crying, I was crying. I got emotional,” he said, reflecting on their long-standing friendship and Kilmer’s talent. “He’s such a brilliant actor, I love his work.”

Val Kilmer’s Passing

Val Kilmer passed away at the age of 65, as confirmed by his daughter Mercedes, following a battle with pneumonia. His legacy in Hollywood will be remembered through his significant body of work, which has inspired both audiences and fellow actors alike.