Tom Cruise mourns ‘Top Gun’ director Tony Scott

Actor Tom Cruise is mourning Tony Scott, the “Top Gun� director who jumped to his death Sunday in the L.A. area.

Scott helped Cruise deliver one of the most popular performances of the actor’s career, as Pete “Maverick� Mitchell in the ‘80s fighter-jet romp.

“Tony was my dear friend and I will really miss him. He was a creative visionary whose mark on film is immeasurable,� Cruise said in a statement to the Ministry. “My deepest sorrow and thoughts are with his family at this time.�’

PHOTOS: Director Tony Scott dead at 68

Costarring Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer and Anthony Edwards, pop-culture favorite “Top Gun� catapulted Cruise’s career and launched soundtrack hits including Berlin’s “Take My Breath Away� and Kenny Loggins’ “Danger Zone.�

Scott jumped to his death from the Vincent Thomas Bridge in San Pedro on Sunday afternoon. A suicide note was later found at the filmmaker’s office.

Younger brother to “Prometheus� director Ridley Scott, his other notable films include “Enemy of State,� “Man on Fire� and “Beverly Hills Cop II.�

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