Tom Cruise Biography: Thomas Cruise Mapother IV, born on July 3, 1962, is a celebrated American actor and producer, widely recognized as a Hollywood legend. His illustrious career has been adorned with numerous awards, including an Honorary Palme d’Or and three Golden Globe Awards, alongside four Academy Award nominations. Boasting a remarkable box-office record, his films have amassed over $4 billion in North America and a staggering $11.5 billion worldwide, solidifying his status as one of the most commercially successful actors in history. Renowned for his versatility and talent, Cruise is a perennial presence among the highest-paid actors globally.
Cruise Professional Journey
Cruise’s journey to stardom began in the early 1980s, marked by breakout performances in iconic films such as the comedy classic “Risky Business” (1983) and the adrenaline-fueled “Top Gun” (1986). He garnered critical acclaim for his roles in acclaimed dramas like “The Color of Money” (1986), “Rain Man” (1988), and “Born on the Fourth of July” (1989), the latter earning him a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Throughout the 1990s, Cruise continued to captivate audiences with his compelling portrayals in hits like “A Few Good Men” (1992), “The Firm” (1993), “Interview with the Vampire” (1994), and the beloved romance “Jerry Maguire” (1996), which earned him another Golden Globe Award and a second Oscar nod.
Embracing the action genre, Cruise solidified his status as an action star, renowned for performing daring stunts in films like “Mission: Impossible” series (since 1996), “Minority Report” (2002), “The Last Samurai” (2003), “Collateral” (2004), and “War of the Worlds” (2005). Notably, his role in “Top Gun: Maverick” (2022) stands as his highest-grossing film, earning him a Best Picture Award nomination at the Academy Awards for his producing prowess.
Beyond his cinematic achievements, Cruise has been honored as People’s Sexiest Man Alive in 1990 and crowned as one of the “Most Beautiful People” in 1997. His personal life has been marked by marriages to actresses Mimi Rogers, Nicole Kidman, and Katie Holmes, with whom he shares familial bonds, including adoption and biological children. A vocal supporter of the Church of Scientology, Cruise credits the organization with aiding him in overcoming dyslexia.
Early Life and Education
Born on July 3, 1962, in Syracuse, New York, to Thomas Cruise Mapother III and Mary Lee (née Pfeiffer), Cruise grew up with three sisters. His upbringing was marked by financial struggles and a turbulent relationship with his father, who passed away from cancer in 1984.
Despite the challenges, Cruise attended numerous schools, including a stint in Canada where his father worked with the Canadian Armed Forces. His interest in acting sparked in fourth grade and persisted through his school years, culminating in his participation in various productions.
After his mother left his father and remarried, Cruise briefly pursued a path towards priesthood before ultimately pursuing acting. He graduated from Glen Ridge High School in New Jersey in 1980, having experienced both setbacks and successes along the way.
Acting career
1980s: Breakthrough and stardom
At 18, supported by his mother and stepfather, Cruise ventured to New York City to pursue acting. After a stint as a busboy, he headed to Los Angeles to audition for TV roles. Signing with CAA marked the beginning of his film career. His debut came with a small role in “Endless Love” (1981), followed by a significant supporting part in “Taps” the same year. Originally a background actor, Cruise’s role expanded due to his impressive performance, notably catching director Harold Becker’s eye.
In 1983, Cruise joined the ensemble of Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Outsiders” and starred in “All the Right Moves” and “Risky Business,” the latter catapulting him to stardom and earning its place as a Generation X classic. He also took the male lead in Ridley Scott’s “Legend” (1985). By the time “Top Gun” hit screens in 1986, Cruise had solidified his status as a superstar.
1990s: Dramatic roles
Following his early successes, Cruise embarked on a string of notable projects. “Days of Thunder” (1990) and “Far and Away” (1992) featured his then-wife Nicole Kidman as his on-screen love interest. He then tackled the legal thriller genre with “The Firm,” which garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success.
In 1994, Cruise delved into gothic drama/horror with “Interview with the Vampire,” alongside Brad Pitt, Antonio Banderas, and Christian Slater. Despite initial skepticism from author Anne Rice regarding his casting, Cruise’s performance won her over, leading to a public apology for her doubts.
The following year, Cruise assumed the role of superspy Ethan Hunt in the reboot of “Mission: Impossible,” a project he also produced. Directed by Brian De Palma, the film achieved box office success despite some criticism. Cruise’s portrayal earned praise from critics, with one declaring it a perfect match for his dynamic screen persona.
In 1996, he starred in Cameron Crowe’s sports drama “Jerry Maguire,” portraying a sports agent in pursuit of love. Alongside Renee Zellweger and Cuba Gooding Jr., Cruise delivered a performance that earned him a Golden Globe Award and his second Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.
2000s: Established career
In 2000, Cruise reprised his role as Ethan Hunt in “Mission: Impossible 2,” directed by John Woo, known for his distinctive action style. Despite mixed reviews, the film soared at the box office, becoming the highest-grossing film of the year and earning Cruise an MTV Movie Award for Best Male Performance.
His subsequent films in the early 2000s enjoyed both critical acclaim and commercial success. In 2001, he starred in the romantic thriller “Vanilla Sky” alongside Cameron Diaz and Penélope Cruz. The following year, Cruise captivated audiences in the dystopian science fiction action film “Minority Report,” directed by Steven Spielberg.
In 2003, Cruise showcased his talent in Edward Zwick’s period action drama “The Last Samurai,” earning him a Golden Globe nomination. The following year, his performance as Vincent in “Collateral” earned him widespread acclaim. Cruise reunited with Spielberg in 2005 for “War of the Worlds,” a modern adaptation of the H. G. Wells classic, which became one of the highest-grossing films of the year.
During this period, Cruise received multiple award nominations and recognitions, including a People’s Choice Award nomination and the MTV Generation Award. His consistent box office success throughout the decade solidified his status as one of Hollywood’s leading actors.
2020s: Continued success
In May 2020, reports surfaced that Cruise would star in and produce a groundbreaking film shot in outer space, with Doug Liman set to direct, write, and co-produce. Both Cruise and Liman are slated to journey to the International Space Station aboard a SpaceX Dragon 2 spacecraft as part of an upcoming Axiom Space mission.
In May 2021, Cruise made headlines by returning all three of his Golden Globe Awards in protest against the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA). His decision was prompted by concerns over the HFPA’s lack of diversity, particularly the absence of black members, and ethical issues regarding financial dealings within the organization.
In 2022, Cruise returned to his iconic role as Captain Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in “Top Gun: Maverick,” a film he also produced. Premiering at the Cannes Film Festival, Cruise was honored with an Honorary Palme d’Or. The film received widespread acclaim from critics, surpassing its predecessor in many viewers’ eyes. It shattered box office records, grossing over $1 billion worldwide, marking the highest-grossing film of Cruise’s illustrious career. With earnings exceeding $100 million, including ticket sales, his salary, and a share of home entertainment revenues, “Top Gun: Maverick” solidified Cruise’s status as a box office powerhouse.
Personal Life
Marriages and relationships
Cruise divides his time among homes in Beverly Hills, California; Clearwater, Florida; and the South of England, residing in various locations like Central London, Dulwich, East Grinstead, and Biggin Hill.
In the early-to-mid-1980s, Cruise had relationships with Melissa Gilbert, Rebecca De Mornay, Patti Scialfa, and Cher.
He married actress Mimi Rogers on May 9, 1987, divorcing on February 4, 1990. Cruise then wed Nicole Kidman on December 24, 1990, adopting two children before their divorce in 2001.
Romantically linked with Penélope Cruz next, their relationship ended in 2004, followed by a brief involvement with Iranian-British actress Nazanin Boniadi. Cruise then dated actress Katie Holmes, marrying her in 2006 before divorcing in 2012 amid rumors of Scientology involvement.
Controversies
Criticism of psychiatry:
In January 2004, Cruise sparked controversy by calling for the outlawing of psychiatry. He furthered this stance in 2005 by criticizing actress Brooke Shields for her use of antidepressants, leading to a heated exchange with Matt Lauer on NBC’s Today show. Medical authorities condemned Cruise’s comments for perpetuating the stigma around mental illness. Cruise later apologized to Shields for his remarks.
Cruise’s anti-psychiatry stance, rooted in Scientology beliefs, reportedly caused tension with director Steven Spielberg after Cruise’s actions led to a Scientology-led protest at a doctor’s office mentioned by Spielberg.
YouTube video removal:
On January 15, 2008, a video featuring an interview with Cruise, produced by the Church of Scientology, was uploaded to YouTube by the group Project Chanology, associated with Anonymous. In the video, Cruise discusses his views on Scientology.
The Church of Scientology claim the video was pirate and edit from a longer version intend for Scientology members. YouTube initially removed the video but later reinstated it, finding it did not violate copyright law under fair use. Despite requests, YouTube has kept the video online due to its popularity and changes in copyright policy. As of June 2020, it has garnered over 15 million views.
Awards
In 2006, Cruise was hailed as Hollywood’s most influential actor by Premiere magazine, ranking 13th on their Power List and topping Forbes’ list of the world’s most powerful celebrities. The founder of CinemaScore credited Cruise and Leonardo DiCaprio for their ability to boost box office numbers regardless of film quality.
Japan honored Cruise with “Tom Cruise Day” on October 10, 2006, in recognition of his strong ties and affection for the country.
Film critic Roger Ebert coined the term “Tom Cruise Picture” to describe the recurring themes in Cruise’s films, noting nine key elements that define his cinematic formula. Meanwhile, screenwriter Aaron Sorkin contrasted Cruise’s role in “Top Gun” with that in his own film, highlighting the actor’s versatility.
Cruise’s passion for aviation led to his induction into the Living Legends of Aviation in 2010, where he received the Aviation Inspiration and Patriotism Award from the Kiddie Hawk Air Academy. As an aerobatic pilot, Cruise owns a P-51 Mustang among other aircraft.
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