Tom Cruise's emotional final reunion with Val Kilmer as they shared last moment together

Val Kilmer - best known for starring in Top Gun and Batman Forever - has died at the age of 65 following a battle with throat cancer and he and Tom Cruise's last moment together was a poignant one.

Val Kilmer, the iconic actor known for his role in Top Gun, has passed away at 65. His daughter Mercedes informed the New York Times that her father succumbed to pneumonia.

Kilmer shot to fame with his portrayal of Iceman, the rival pilot to Tom Cruise's Maverick, in the 1986 blockbuster Top Gun. One of his character's memorable lines to Maverick was: "You can be my wingman any time."

Kilmer's career included playing the lead in Batman Forever (1995) and earning critical praise for his role as Jim Morrison in The Doors (1991). He made his last screen appearance in a cameo for the 2022 sequel Top Gun: Maverick, the Mirror reports.

Tom Cruise shared heartfelt memories ahead of the release of Top Gun: Maverick, reflecting on their poignant reunion.

Speaking to Jimmy Kimmel in 2023, Cruise described the experience as deeply emotional, saying: "I just want to say that was pretty emotional," acknowledging his longstanding respect for Kilmer's talent.

He continued: "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."

Cruise also expressed how the reunion moved him to tears during the interview with Kimmel: "I was crying, I was crying. I got emotional. He's such a brilliant actor, I love his work."

Kilmer, speaking with the LA Times, previously expressed how touched he was by the continuous fan admiration for his work, saying he still receives "hundreds of fan letters every week," and found the reaction to his role in Maverick "very humbling".

Director Joseph Kosinski revealed that both Cruise and Kilmer had "tears in their eyes" during the filming of Iceman's poignant farewell scene.

Kilmer shared his fondness for Cruise, stating: "Tom and I get along really well. We giggled like little kids in school between takes. I consider him a real friend. We shared intimate stories and challenges about our different lifestyles!"

Kilmer's comeback to the silver screen was a significant achievement following his intense health struggles. He faced throat cancer in 2014, which he openly discussed in his 2020 memoir 'I'm Your Huckleberry' and the Amazon Prime Documentary 'Val'.

His treatments included radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and a tracheostomy, which affected his voice. In the documentary, Kilmer conveyed the severity of his condition: "I obviously am sounding much worse than I feel".

He explained the daily choice he faces due to the tracheostomy: "I can't speak without plugging this hole (in his throat). You have to make the choice to breathe or to eat. It's an obstacle that is very present with whoever sees me."

His major breakthrough came in 1984 with the comedy Top Secret!, where he showcased his singing talent. The following year, he starred in another comedy, Real Genius.

In 1988, he tied the knot with British actress Joanne Whalley, whom he met on the set of the Ron Howard-directed film Willow, co-starring Warwick Davis. They had two children before parting ways in 1996.

He also featured in the 1993 Western Tombstone, alongside Kurt Russell and Bill Paxton, and received critical acclaim for his performances in The Salton Sea and Kiss Kiss, Bang, Bang.

In addition to his film career, he made his debut on the West End stage in 2005, starring in the stage adaptation of The Postman Always Rings Twice. He played the role of Frank, a drifter who embarks on a passionate affair with Cora, the bored wife of a roadside cafe owner.

The 1981 film version starred Jack Nicholson and Jessica Lange and is remembered for its infamous kitchen table scene. When asked about the difference between British and American audiences, Kilmer stated: "They're smarter. They read books."

He further commented: "It does seem that the standard simply keeps deteriorating on Broadway. The shows have become more Vegas-like. Theatre here just has higher standards."

Paramount Pictures, along with Paramount Home Entertainment and the official Top Gun account, paid tribute to Kilmer on Instagram, stating: "Remembering Val Kilmer, whose indelible cinematic mark spanned genres and generations. RIP Iceman."