Val Kilmer, the longtime Hollywood star known for roles in “Top Gun,” “Heat” and “Tombstone,” among other films, died this week.
He was 65 years old.
Kilmer, who battled throat cancer for several years, reportedly died from pneumonia, according to his family. He lost the ability to speak after battling throat cancer, though he still managed to make an appearance in “Top Gun: Maverick” back in 2022.
Tom Cruise, the star of the film, made quite the comment about Kilmer following their reunion on the silver screen. He got very emotional after being reconnected with his “Top Gun” co-star, who played his rival in the original movie.
“I just want to say, that was pretty emotional,” Cruise said during a conversation with Jimmy Kimmel. “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.”
“Did you cry when you guys shot that, or was it just me?” Kimmel responded.
Cruise added: “I was crying. I was crying. I got emotional. He’s such a brilliant actor, and I love his work.”
LOS ANGELES – MAY 16: The movie “Top Gun”, directed by Tony Scott. Seen here, Val Kilmer as Lt. Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky. Initial theatrical release May 16, 1986. Screen capture. Paramount Pictures. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images)
CBS via Getty Images
Kilmer, meanwhile, made his feelings on Cruise, both as a friend and a coworker, very clear before his death.
The legendary Hollywood star sounded off on Cruise while writing his memoir, revealing that Cruise begged him to star alongside him in the sequel. Kilmer revealed that he thought extremely highly of Cruise, both the person and the actor.
“The producers went for it. Cruise went for it. Cruise couldn’t have been cooler. … Tom and I took up where we left off. The reunion felt great,” he said.
Kilmer added that he loved the sequel, too, making it clear that he got emotional, as well.
“I was very moved the first time I saw it. Almost 40 years is a long time for a reunion,” Kilmer told USA TODAY over e-mail.
Our thoughts continue to be with Kilmer’s friends and family members following his passing.
