Actor Val of Top Gun (6) - Crossword Clue
Answer: KILMER
Understanding the Clue
- This crossword clue references Val Kilmer's breakthrough role in Top Gun, where he played the cool, calculated rival pilot to Tom Cruise's Maverick.
- Kilmer's portrayal of Iceman became one of cinema's most memorable supporting characters, with his trademark aviator sunglasses and competitive demeanor defining 1980s action films.
- The actor reprised this beloved role decades later in Top Gun: Maverick (2022), delivering an emotional performance that resonated with both longtime fans and new audiences.
Crossword Solving Context
- When you encounter clues mentioning specific movies with character names or actors, the answer typically requires the person's surname rather than their full name.
- The number in parentheses (6) indicates that KILMER contains exactly six letters, helping solvers confirm their answer fits the available spaces.
- This type of pop culture clue commonly appears in medium-difficulty crossword puzzles and tests solvers' knowledge of classic American cinema.
Quick Tips for Similar Clues
- Look for time period markers - "Top Gun" immediately signals 1980s cinema, narrowing your mental database
- Count letters first - The (6) tells you the answer length before you even think about possibilities
- Consider character names - Clues often reference the character (Iceman) as an additional hint in wordplay
- Remember franchise connections - Recent sequels often bring classic answers back into crossword rotation
- Focus on surnames - Film actor clues almost always want last names unless specifically asking for first names
Actor Val of Top Gun (6) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Why is Val Kilmer so often featured in crossword puzzles?
A: His six-letter surname fits common grid patterns perfectly, and his recognizable roles in multiple classic films (Top Gun, Tombstone, The Doors, Batman Forever) provide various cluing angles for constructors.
Q: What other Top Gun cast members appear frequently in crosswords?
A: Tom Cruise (CRUISE - 6 letters), Anthony Edwards (EDWARDS - 7 letters), and Kelly McGillis (MCGILLIS - 8 letters) all make appearances, though Kilmer's name length makes it more versatile for grid construction.
Q: Could this clue refer to another actor named Val?
A: While theoretically possible, Val Kilmer is by far the most famous actor with that first name in Hollywood history, making him the definitive answer for any "Actor Val" clue, especially with Top Gun context.
Q: Are there variant spellings I should watch for?
A: No - KILMER has only one standard spelling. Some crossword answers have British/American variations, but this surname is consistent across all English-speaking regions.
Q: How can I remember this answer for future puzzles?
A: Create a mental connection: "KILLER pilot needs ICE-cold KILMER" - associating his character name (Iceman) with his actual surname helps cement the memory connection.
