Tom Cruise mourns 'Top Gun' director Tony Scott

By Matt Donnelly

Aug. 20, 2012 12 AM PT

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.”