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Top Gun Co-star Barry Tubb Shares Heartfelt Memories of Val Kilmer
In a touching remembrance, Top Gun actor Barry Tubb, known for his role as Wolfman, joins a chorus of former cast members fondly recalling the late Val Kilmer following his death on April 1. Tubb, in a BBC News interview, characterized Kilmer, who played Iceman in the iconic film, as an exceptionally “cool individual.”
Kilmer’s “Cool” Demeanor and On-Set Antics
“He was the coolest cat I’ve ever encountered,” Tubb, 62, stated, reflecting on Kilmer’s persona and artistry. “Beyond his impressive acting capabilities, he possessed a terrific sense of humor.”
Tubb revealed that Kilmer was an early adopter of personal video technology and frequently filmed behind-the-scenes moments during the production of the acclaimed action film.
“He owned the first video camera I had ever seen. Production staff initially tried to stop him from filming on the Top Gun set, but eventually, they relented,” Tubb recounted.
“We enjoyed using it to playfully prank everyone, attempting to film people in restroom stalls,” the Bay City Blues actor shared. “There’s likely footage somewhere capturing those comical moments. We were quite mischievous.”
Behind-the-Scenes Camaraderie and Rivalry
Some of Kilmer’s video recordings were later featured in the 2021 documentary Val, offering insights into his career and personal health journey.
Tubb further disclosed that the on-screen rivalry between Iceman (Kilmer) and Maverick (Tom Cruise), and their wingmen Wolfman and Goose (Anthony Edwards), extended to some degree off-camera.
“Cruise mostly kept to himself. The rest of us, however, spent time together at the beach hotel, even riding motorcycles through the hallways,” the Texas native explained. “He was perhaps employing method acting to embody the loner persona, while we were embracing the playful atmosphere.”
He added that producers Jerry Bruckheimer and Don Simpson contributed to the lively ambiance by hosting frequent parties during filming.
“That vibrant energy was definitely palpable,” Tubb reflected on his experience working on the blockbuster film, which grossed $357.3 million globally against a modest $15 million budget.
Tom Cruise’s Tribute to Val Kilmer
On Thursday, Tom Cruise honored Kilmer at CinemaCon 2025, following Kilmer’s recent passing at 65 due to pneumonia-related complications.
Addressing the audience at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, Cruise, 62, declared, “I want to pay tribute to a cherished friend, Val Kilmer,” as reported by Variety.
“I deeply admire his body of work, and I remain incredibly grateful and honored that he joined Top Gun and returned for Top Gun: Maverick,” Cruise, a multiple Oscar nominee, conveyed.
“It would be meaningful if we could pause for a moment to remember him, acknowledging his love for movies and his significant contributions to us all. Let’s reflect on the wonderful times we shared with him.”
Cruise concluded his tribute with a heartfelt message: “I wish you well on your next journey.”
Kilmer’s Illustrious Career
The 1986 film Top Gun served as a pivotal breakthrough in Val Kilmer’s career, propelling him to Hollywood stardom and leading man status.
His extensive filmography includes acclaimed performances in Willow (1988), The Doors (1991), Thunderheart (1992), Tombstone (1993), True Romance (1993), Batman Forever (1995), Heat (1995), The Saint (1997), The Prince Of Egypt (1998), Alexander (2004), and Déjà Vu (2006), among many others.
Return to Top Gun and Health Battles
Kilmer, a native of Los Angeles, made his final cinematic appearance in the highly anticipated sequel Top Gun: Maverick (2022), reprising his iconic role as Tom ‘Iceman’ Kazansky.
The sequel mirrored the success of the original, amassing a staggering $1.496 billion worldwide against a production budget of $177 million.
While Tubb did not appear in Top Gun: Maverick directly, his likeness was subtly included, featuring a 1986 cast photograph on a wall in the film.
Val Kilmer, diagnosed with throat cancer in 2015, spent his later years largely away from public attention as he managed his persistent health challenges.