Tom Cruise cries during his final meeting with Val Kilmer

'Batman' and 'Top Gun' star Val Kilmer has died at the age of 65 after a battle with pneumonia. The sad news was confirmed by his daughter Mercedes Kilmer in an interview with The New York Times on April 2.

Val Kilmer rose to fame in the film industry with his role as Iceman - the pilot who confronts Tom Cruise's character Maverick - in the hit film Top Gun (1986). His classic line to Maverick: "You can be my partner anytime" has gone viral with audiences worldwide.

After Top Gun , he made his mark as Batman in Batman Forever (1995) and continued to receive critical acclaim for his portrayal of music legend Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991). His final role was an emotional cameo in the sequel, Top Gun: Maverick (2022).

Val Kilmer's iconic role was as Iceman in the movie Top Gun (1986)

PHOTO: PARAMOUNT

Tom Cruise once shared with host Jimmy Kimmel that reuniting on set with his old co-star was an emotional experience: "I was really emotional. I've known Val for decades and when he came back to this role, it was like Val became that character immediately. I cried. He's an excellent actor, I've always admired his work."

The moment also held special meaning for Val Kilmer himself. In an interview with the LA Times , he said he still receives hundreds of letters from fans every week about the film, and he called the audience's reception "truly touching."

Top Gun: Maverick director Joseph Kosinski revealed that in the farewell scene for Iceman, both Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer were in tears.

PHOTO: INSTAGRAM VALKILMEROFFICIAL

Val Kilmer once said: "Tom and I got along really well. Between takes, we laughed like school kids. I consider him a true friend - we shared many stories and challenges in life."

The return to the big screen is a major milestone in Val Kilmer's battle with cancer. In 2014, he was diagnosed with throat cancer and underwent chemotherapy, radiation and a tracheotomy, which resulted in severe damage to his vocal cords.

Val Kilmer began his film career with the comedy Top Secret! (1984), where he also showed off his singing skills. The following year, he continued his career with Real Genius .

In 1988, he married British actress Joanne Whalley, after they starred together in Ron Howard's film Willow . The couple had two children before divorcing in 1996.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tom-cruise-khoc-trong-lan-gap-go-cuoi-cung-voi-val-kilmer-18525040315481865.htm