Tom Cruise has paid tribute to his friend and 'Top Gun' co-star Val Kilmer

Tom said: "I'd like to honour a dear friend of mine, Val Kilmer. I can't tell you how much I admire his work, how grateful and honoured I was when he joined 'Top Gun' and came back later for 'Top Gun: Maverick'."

Tom, 62, starred alongside Kilmer in the 1986 film 'Top Gun' as Captain Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell, with Kilmer playing his rival-turned-ally, Tom 'Iceman' Kazansky.

The actors reunited onscreen for 2022's 'Top Gun: Maverick', which saw Kilmer reprise his role despite years of health struggles.

Val's death was announced by his daughter on Tuesday (01.04.25) from complications related to pneumonia, following a long battle with health issues.

Diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015, he underwent chemotherapy, radiation, and a tracheotomy, which permanently altered his voice.

During his speech at CinemaCon, Tom - who had been attending the event to promote 'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning' - paused to reflect on Val's impact.

He added: "I think it would be really nice if we could have a moment together because 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. I wish you well on the next journey."

In a 2022 interview, Tom spoke about how meaningful it was to work with Val again on 'Top Gun: Maverick'.

Speaking on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!', he said: "I just want to say that was pretty emotional. I've known Val for decades. For him to come back and play that character... he's such a powerful actor that he instantly became that character again. You're looking at Iceman."

Val, who rose to fame in the 1980s, starred in films including 'Batman Forever' and 'The Doors'.

Despite his declining health, he made a highly publicized return in 'Top Gun: Maverick', with artificial intelligence assisting in recreating his voice for the role.

He had previously spoken about the significance of returning, saying: "Tom was Maverick, but Maverick's nemesis was Iceman. The two went together like salt and pepper."