And aft a infinitesimal of silence, the Jerry Maguire prima gushed astir Val’s knack for storytelling, comparing him to legendary shaper Irving Thalberg, who was a pioneer successful the aboriginal years of question pictures.

“This antheral forged done it each and was capable to make epic adventures for planetary audiences,” Tom noted. “You are an creator for each time. You are our modern-day Thalberg.”

After all, it was conscionable 2 years earlier Val’s tragic passing that helium joined Tom successful what would beryllium his last acting project, 2023’s Top Gun: Maverick. And portion they were filming, Val expressed thing but admiration for his costar.

"Tom commands a batch of respect and it was a joyousness to beryllium successful specified a comfy setting," the Kiss Kiss Bang Bangstar told Collider successful 2022. "We are paid to enactment and that’s what we did successful the scene, but doing truthful with a people enactment similar Tom made it a pleasure, and little similar work!"

But Tom wasn’t the lone 1 that admired Val’s talents and quality passim his expansive career. Indeed, stars similar Josh Brolin, Josh Gad and Heat manager Michael Mann besides took a infinitesimal to retrieve the impact Val near connected their lives and mourn his passing.

“See ya, pal,” Josh wrote connected Instagram the time of Val’s passing, alongside a photograph of the 2 smiling. “I'm going to miss you. You were a smart, challenging, brave, uber-creative firecracker. There's not a batch near of those.”

“I anticipation to spot you up determination successful the heavens erstwhile I yet get there,” the Marvel histrion continued. “Until then, astonishing memories, beauteous thoughts.”

For a look astatine Val’s beingness successful photos, support reading.