Tom Cruise is one of the most famous actors in Hollywood, with a career spanning over four decades. He has starred in some of the biggest blockbuster movies of all time and has won numerous awards for his acting skills. But there’s more to Tom Cruise than just his on-screen persona. Here are 20 surprising facts about Tom Cruise that you probably didn’t know:
1. Tom Cruise was born Thomas Mapother IV on July 3, 1962, in Syracuse, New York. His parents were both teachers, and he grew up in a strict Catholic household.
2. Despite being raised as a devout Catholic, Tom Cruise left the church after becoming involved with Scientology. He remains an active member of the controversial religion to this day.
3. Before pursuing a career in acting, Tom Cruise had dreams of becoming a professional wrestler. He even attended a training camp at the age of 18 but ultimately decided against it.
4. One of Tom Cruise’s earliest roles was in the 1981 film Endless Love, where he played the boyfriend of Brooke Shields’ character. The movie was a box office success and helped launch his career.
5. In addition to acting, Tom Cruise is also a talented producer. He formed his own production company, Cruise/Wagner Productions, in 1993 with longtime partner Paula Wagner.
6. Tom Cruise has been married three times. His first marriage was to actress Mimi Rogers from 1987-1990. He then wed Nicole Kidman in 1990, with whom he adopted two children before divorcing in 2001. He later married Katie Holmes in 2006, with whom he has one daughter, Suri.
7. Tom Cruise is known for doing many of his own stunts in his films. Some of his most memorable action scenes include hanging off the side of a plane in Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation and jumping between buildings in Minority Report.
8. Tom Cruise has received multiple Academy Award nominations throughout his career, including Best Actor nods for Born on the Fourth of July, Jerry Maguire, and Magnolia.
9. In addition to his work in film, Tom Cruise is also a philanthropist. He has donated millions of dollars to various charities, including the Church of Scientology and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
10. Tom Cruise has been vocal about his support for LGBTQ rights, having marched in pride parades and spoken out against anti-gay legislation.
11. Tom Cruise is a licensed pilot and often flies himself to events and locations around the world.
12. Tom Cruise is a fitness enthusiast who follows a rigorous exercise routine. He famously performed his own stunt in the opening scene of Mission Impossible: Fallout by climbing the Burj Khalifa tower in Dubai.
13. Tom Cruise has collaborated with several iconic directors throughout his career, including Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, and Stanley Kubrick.
14. Tom Cruise is known for playing larger-than-life characters in his films, such as Ethan Hunt in the Mission Impossible franchise and Maverick in Top Gun. However, he has also shown impressive range in dramatic roles like Frank TJ Mackey in Magnolia and Ron Kovic in Born on the Fourth of July.
15. Tom Cruise has sold over $3 billion worth of tickets worldwide, making him one of the highest-grossing actors of all time.
16. Tom Cruise is a skilled guitar player and has showcased his talent in several of his films, including Risky Business and Rock of Ages.
17. Tom Cruise has faced criticism for his involvement with Scientology, which has been labeled as a cult by many former members. He has defended the organization publicly and continues to be a prominent figure within its ranks.
18. Tom Cruise is a fan of classic rock music and counts Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, and Guns N’ Roses among his favorite bands.
19. Tom Cruise has worked alongside some of the most beautiful women in Hollywood, including Penelope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, and Sofia Boutella.
20. Tom Cruise has been accused of using “jumping the couch” moments during interviews and promotional appearances to promote his films. This includes infamous incidents like his appearance on Oprah Winfrey’s talk show where he declared his love for Katie Holmes.