NEWSTom Cruise 'Feeling the Loss' After Val Kilmer's Death, Plans Private Tribute to Honor His Legacy
Tom Cruise is devastated by his late costar Val Kilmer's death, a source said.
May 25 2025, Published 1:50 p.m. ET
In an emotional revelation that's shaking Hollywood to its core, Tom Cruise is grappling with the profound loss of his Top Gun costar and dear friend, Val Kilmer, who tragically passed away on April 1, 2025 at the age of 65.
“Tom has been very shaken up. He admired Val so much, he’s really feeling this loss,” an insider told a news outlet.
Kilmer’s death, attributed to pneumonia exacerbated by years of battling throat cancer, has left an irreplaceable void in Cruise’s heart echoing throughout the entertainment industry.
'Top Gun' star Val Kilmer passed away at 65 after a long battle with throat cancer.
Kilmer's long arduous fight against cancer — including a difficult surgery that took a toll on his vocal cords — served as a testament to his unwavering spirit though ultimately it ended in tragedy.
His daughter Mercedes Kilmer broke the news and tributes from Hollywood’s elite have poured in like a rainstorm each echoing the void left behind by the beloved Batman Forever star.
Tom Cruise wants to quietly mount a scholarship in Val Kilmer’s name.
The legendary Francis Ford Coppola shared, "He was a wonderful person to work with and a joy to know — I will always remember him."
Meanwhile, Michael Mann, who directed Val in Heat, reflected on his extraordinary talent, stating: "While working with Val on Heat, I always marveled at the range, the brilliant variability within the powerful current of Val's possessing and expressing character."
- 'Shaken' Tom Cruise Is 'Really Feeling' the Loss of 'Top Gun' Costar Val Kilmer: 'He Admired' Him
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- Val Kilmer's Family Admits They Are 'So Proud of Him' in First Statement Since Actor's Tragic Death at 65
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Tributes from Cher, Francis Ford Coppola, and Michael Mann poured in for Val Kilmer.
Even Val's former flame, Cher — who professed she was "madly in love" with him — took to social media, saying, "VALUS Will miss u, U Were Funny, crazy, pain in the a–, GREAT FRIEND, kids U, BRILLIANT as Mark Twain, BRAVE here during ur sickness."
Amidst the mourning, Tom is reportedly taking swift action. "He can't wrap his head around the idea that Val is gone," the insider shared, noting the 62-year-old star's heartbreak over the personal loss particularly for Val's kids.
Tom Cruise also urged the Academy to honor Val Kilmer at the 2026 Oscars.
In the wake of this tragedy, Tom is committed to making a difference. "Tom is all about taking action and has decided that the best way to honor Val is to set up some sort of scholarship in his name to help younger artists and make sure Val is never forgotten," the source revealed.
But in true Tom fashion, "He doesn't want to overstep so he's put the offer out to Val's family so that they can have their say in it all."
"He will want to be anonymous," the insider added.
To further ensure Val's enduring legacy, Tom is also gearing up to reach out to the Academy to advocate for a proper tribute at next year's Oscars.
"It's also crucial to him [Tom] that Val be honored within the Hollywood community," the source emphasized.
