NAME Thomas Cruise Mapother IV, better known as Tom Cruise.
WHAT FAMOUS FOR Tom Cruise is an American actor and film producer. He is one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood and is known for his action roles, particularly in the Mission: Impossible franchise.
BIRTH Born on July 3, 1962, in Syracuse, New York.
FAMILY BACKGROUND Tom Cruise was born to Mary Lee, a special education teacher, and Thomas Cruise Mapother III, an electrical engineer. He was named after his great-grandfather, Thomas Cruise O'Mara. Cruise grew up with his three sisters: Lee Anne, Marian, and Cass in a financially struggling household and described his father as abusive and untrustworthy.
CHILDHOOD Cruise's childhood was deeply affected by his father's behavior. He described his father as a "merchant of chaos," a "bully," and a "coward" who physically abused his children. This unstable home environment led to frequent relocations, with the family moving multiple times to accommodate his father's career changes.
When Cruise was 11, his mother left his father and moved the children to Kentucky. This marked a turning point in his life, as he had to take on significant responsibilities to help support his family.
EDUCATION Cruise's education was significantly disrupted by his family's frequent moves. He attended 15 different schools in 14 years. At age 7, Cruise was diagnosed with dyslexia, which made academic success extremely difficult for him. He struggled with reading comprehension and experienced physical discomfort while studying, describing feelings of anxiety, frustration, and even physical pain.
Despite the challenges, Cruise discovered a passion for acting during his high school years. He participated in school productions, including a role in Guys and Dolls. This experience sparked his interest in pursuing acting as a career.
At age 14, Cruise briefly attended a Franciscan seminary with thoughts of becoming a priest, but left after a year. This experience reflects his early exploration of different paths in life.
Cruise graduated high school as a functional illiterate, relying on his sister's help to complete assignments. Remarkably, he learned to read in 1986, the same year Top Gun was released.
CAREER RECORD From the age of 11, Cruise began working various jobs to contribute to the household income. He delivered newspapers, mowed lawns, and took on cleaning jobs to help his mother, who was working multiple jobs to support the family.
Cruise began his acting career in the early 1980s, first appearing in a small role in Endless Love (1981) and gaining prominence with Risky Business (1983). He has since starred in blockbuster franchises such as Mission: Impossible and critically acclaimed dramas like Magnolia. Despite three Oscar nominations, he has yet to win an Academy Award but has received three Golden Globe Awards.
APPEARANCE Standing at approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall, Tom Cruise shares his height with actors James McAvoy and Al Pacino. His height has often been a topic of discussion, as it is slightly below the average for American men, and he is known for using techniques such as heeled shoes to appear taller in films and public appearances.
Tom Cruise is celebrated for his clean-cut good looks, which have remained remarkably youthful over the years. He has a well-defined jawline, smooth skin with minimal wrinkles, and thick hair that has maintained its volume over time. There has been speculation about whether he has undergone cosmetic procedures, such as dermal fillers or a facelift, though Cruise has not confirmed any such treatments. His striking features and charismatic smile have made him one of Hollywood's most iconic leading men since the 1980s.
He wore braces as late as 2002 to straighten his teeth.
 |
| Tom Cruise in 2019 by Gage Skidmore |
FASHION Cruise is often seen in casual attire, such as jeans and t-shirts. He is also known for his sharp red-carpet looks, when Cruise often opts for classic, tailored suits.
CHARACTER Cruise is described as charismatic, intensely driven and professional. His passion for perfection extends to his performances, particularly his daring stunts.
SENSE OF HUMOUR Tom Cruise is known for his intense on-screen presence, but his costars and interviewers have noted that he has a surprisingly good sense of humor off-camera. Here's an example that showcases Cruise's comedic side:
During an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, Cruise demonstrated his ability to laugh at himself and engage in playful banter. In one memorable moment, Norton surprised Cruise by showing a clip of the actor running in slow motion and hilariously colliding with a building. Instead of being embarrassed or defensive, Cruise's reaction was described as "priceless," and he joined in the laughter with the audience and other guests.
RELATIONSHIPS Tom Cruise has had a colorful personal life, marked by three high-profile marriages.
His first marriage to actress Mimi Rogers. The wedding on May 9, 1987 was a private ceremony in upstate New York. The couple divorced in February 1990 after nearly three years together, citing irreconcilable differences in 1987. Rogers introduced Cruise to Scientology, a religion that would significantly influence his life.
His second marriage was to actress Nicole Kidman after meeting on the set of Days of Thunder. The wedding took place on December 24, 1990 at Telluride, Colorado. They adopted two children during their marriage: Isabella (born in 1992) and Connor (born in 1995). The couple divorced in 2001 after 11 years of marriage, reportedly due to career pressures and personal differences.
Cruise's most recent marriage was to actress Katie Holmes. The wedding on November 18, 2006 was held at Odescalchi Castle in Lake Bracciano, Italy. Their lavish ceremony was attended by high-profile guests such as Jennifer Lopez and David Beckham. The couple had one daughter, Suri Cruise (born April 18, 2006). Holmes filed for divorce in June 2012, reportedly to distance herself and Suri from Scientology. They finalized the divorce shortly after.
While Cruise's marriages have ended, he remains connected to his children. Isabella and Connor are both involved in Scientology. Suri, his biological daughter with Katie Holmes, lives with her mother and has reportedly been estranged from her father.
Cruise has also been linked to several actresses rumored to have auditioned within the Church of Scientology to be his fourth wife.
MONEY AND FAME Tom Cruise has amassed a substantial fortune throughout his illustrious career. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated to be around $600 million.
A significant portion of his wealth stems from his highly successful acting career. His blockbuster films, particularly the Mission: Impossible franchise, have generated billions of dollars at the box office. Notably, he received a staggering $100 million for both Mission: Impossible 2 and War of the Worlds.
Beyond his acting fees, Cruise's production company, Cruise/Wagner Productions, has contributed significantly to his wealth. The company has produced numerous successful films, including many of his own.
Cruise has also made strategic real estate investments, owning several high-value properties. While he has sold some of these properties, his real estate portfolio continues to be a source of wealth.
Cruise has achieved widespread recognition and acclaim. He has received numerous awards, including Golden Globe Awards and Academy Award nominations. His impact on the film industry is undeniable, as evidenced by his Guinness World Record for the most consecutive $100-million-grossing movie
FOOD AND DRINK Tom Cruise is renowned for his dedication to maintaining a disciplined lifestyle, which is evident in his youthful appearance and boundless energy, even as he continues to perform physically demanding stunts in his films.
A significant aspect of Cruise's lifestyle is his strict diet. He primarily consumes steamed white fish and vegetables, prepared without any added oils or sauces. This low-calorie, low-carbohydrate diet, which limits his daily intake to around 1,200 calories, is designed to reduce inflammation and promote overall health.
Rather than traditional meals, Cruise opts for frequent small snacks throughout the day, such as freeze-dried organic blueberries and nuts. He also shares healthy snacks with his co-stars, demonstrating his commitment to a balanced diet.
To further support his health and fitness goals, Cruise avoids sugar and alcohol. While he has a known fondness for sweets, he often shares treats with others instead of indulging himself. On set, he enforces a strict no-alcohol policy to ensure that the cast remains in optimal physical condition.
In addition to his dietary habits, Cruise prioritizes hydration and chooses non-alcoholic beverages. This aligns with his overall focus on health and well-being.
MUSIC AND ARTS Cruise contributed to the musical film Rock of Ages (2012), showcasing his vocal talents.
LITERATURE Cruise has spoken about overcoming dyslexia and how it impacted his appreciation for storytelling.
Cruise's association with Scientology has influenced his reading habits. He has credited L. Ron Hubbard's study methods with helping him overcome his struggles with dyslexia, which he says significantly improved his ability to read and learn.
During the making of Interview with the Vampire, Cruise reportedly read the entire Vampire Chronicles series by Anne Rice to better understand his character, Lestat.
NATURE Cruise enjoys outdoor pursuits such as rock climbing, hiking, and sea kayaking, which keep him connected to nature.
HOBBIES AND SPORTS Tom Cruise is known for his adventurous and active lifestyle, which is reflected in his diverse range of hobbies.
He is an adrenaline junkie, enjoying high-intensity sports like skydiving and scuba diving.
In addition to these activities, Cruise is a fan of outdoor activities such as rock climbing, hiking, and sea kayaking, which keep him fit
He is also a tech enthusiast, often using gadgets like action cameras to document his adventures.
Beyond his individual hobbies, Cruise has a strong interest in sports. In his youth, he wrestled competitively and has played various sports recreationally, including football, baseball, basketball, soccer, and ice hockey.
Cruise loves flying planes (earning his pilot license in 1994)
He is a keen fencer, a skill he refined while preparing for The Last Samurai. He often trains with friends like Will Smith and David Beckham.
Cruise engages in various workouts, including strength training and outdoor activities like rock climbing and sea kayaking. This dedication to fitness complements his strict dietary habits, allowing him to maintain his physique and stamina for action-packed roles.
PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Originally raised Catholic, Cruise considered becoming a priest before leaving seminary school. He later became a prominent follower of Scientology.
POLITICS Cruise has avoided publicly aligning with specific political movements.
SCANDAL Cruise faced rumors about his personal life, including a lawsuit against a porn star over claims about his sexuality. He also made headlines for his controversial stance on psychiatry and his commitment to Scientology.
MILITARY RECORD While Cruise has no personal military record, he has portrayed military roles in films like Top Gun and A Few Good Men.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS A dedicated fitness enthusiast, Cruise performs many of his own stunts, including holding his breath for six minutes during the filming of Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation.
HOMES Tom Cruise, renowned for his lavish lifestyle, has owned a diverse range of luxurious properties over the years. His real estate portfolio reflects his wealth and his taste for opulent living.
One of his most notable properties was a $30.5 million Beverly Hills mansion, which he later sold for $40 million. This 10,000-square-foot estate featured seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a swimming pool, tennis court, and a playground. Another significant property was a Tuscan-style villa in the Hollywood Hills, which he purchased for $11.7 million and sold for $11.4 million.
For those seeking a more secluded retreat, Cruise once owned a 320-acre ranch in Telluride, Colorado. This expansive property included a 10,000-square-foot main house, a guest house, and various outdoor amenities like a golf course.
Venturing outside the United States, Cruise also owned a 14-acre estate in West Sussex, England. Known as Rede Place, this property featured an 11,331-square-foot mansion with numerous amenities, including a movie theater, dance studio, swimming pool, and tennis court.
More recently, Cruise purchased a $9.6 million penthouse in Clearwater, Florida, located near the Church of Scientology headquarters. This two-story penthouse offers luxurious amenities such as a rooftop deck with a pool, a hot tub, a gym, and a flight simulator.
Cruise's real estate investments have been strategic. He often purchases properties not only for personal use but also as investments that can appreciate over time. For instance, he successfully sold his Beverly Hills mansion at a profit and eventually sold his Colorado ranch after several years on the market.
TRAVEL A frequent visitor to Japan, Cruise has traveled to the country over 20 times. Tom Cruise Day (October 10) was established in Japan in 2006.
Tom Cruise obtained his pilot's license in 1994. He has since become a licensed pilot capable of flying various aircraft, including private planes, helicopters, and even fighter jets. This skill has been particularly useful in his acting career, allowing him to perform many of his own flying stunts in films like the Mission: Impossible series and Top Gun: Maverick.
Cruise's passion for aviation extends beyond just having a license. He owns several aircraft, including a P-51 Mustang, and was inducted as part of the Living Legends of Aviation in 2010. He received the Aviation Inspiration and Patriotism Award from the Kiddie Hawk Air Academy, further cementing his status as an accomplished pilot.
His flying skills have been showcased in various films. For instance, in Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018), Cruise spent over 2000 hours learning to become an expert helicopter pilot for a single stunt sequence. Similarly, in American Made (2017), he performed several stunts flying a twin-engine Piper Smith Aerostar 6003.
While Cruise's piloting abilities are extensive, there are still limitations. For example, in Top Gun: Maverick, although he flew his own P-51 propeller-driven fighter plane and some helicopters, the U.S. Navy denied him permission to fly the F-18 Super Hornet fighter jet due to its complexity and the associated risks.
APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Cruise has been featured in interviews with major talk show hosts, such as Oprah Winfrey, where his exuberant couch-jumping moment during a 2005 interview about Katie Holmes became infamous.
He has participated in Saturday Night Live skits and appeared on shows like Inside the Actors Studio and The Tonight Show.
The Disney character Aladdin was modeled after Cruise’s facial features and charismatic demeanor.
His passionate advocacy for Scientology has made him a frequent subject of satire in media. Cruise has been parodied on shows such as Family Guy and The Simpsons.
Cruise has been the subject of documentaries about Scientology, including Going Clear: Scientology and the Prison of Belief (2015), which explores his influence in the church.
ACHIEVEMENTS He has won three Golden Globe Awards, been nominated for three Oscars, and received numerous accolades for his work. Cruise has a dedicated following for his commitment to his craft and stunts.
No comments:
Post a Comment