Tom Cruise is the kind of star who needs no introduction—but we’ll give you one anyway. Born Thomas Cruise Mapother IV on July 3, 1962, in Syracuse, New York, Cruise went from a dyslexic kid with dreams of the priesthood to one of the most famous (and fearless) movie stars on the planet.
His big break came in 1983 when he slid across the floor in his socks and underwear in Risky Business. A few years later, he took to the skies in Top Gun (1986), and suddenly, Cruise was everywhere—on screens, in tabloids, and in every fan’s heart.
Throughout the late ’80s and ’90s, he racked up hit after hit: Rain Man, Born on the Fourth of July, A Few Good Men, Jerry Maguire (“Show me the money!”—ring a bell?). He proved he could do more than flash a killer smile—he had serious acting chops too, landing three Oscar nominations along the way.
Then came Mission: Impossible in 1996, and Cruise didn’t just star in it—he became the franchise. From dangling off cliffs to clinging to the side of planes mid-takeoff, he’s become the guy who does his own stunts and somehow gets more daring with age.
Off-screen, Cruise’s personal life has been just as talked about as his films—his high-profile marriages (Nicole Kidman, Katie Holmes), his connection to Scientology, and his relentless drive. But no matter the headlines, the man never stopped delivering box-office gold.
In 2022, Top Gun: Maverick reminded everyone why he’s still Hollywood’s ultimate leading man. It was a nostalgic yet fresh blockbuster that soared past $1 billion and won over both critics and fans.
At 60+, Tom Cruise is still out there doing what he loves—making movies, defying gravity, and proving that age really is just a number.
Full Name: Thomas Cruise Mapother IV
Date of Birth: July 3, 1962
Place of Birth: Syracuse, New York, USA
Occupation: Actor, Producer
Years Active: 1981–present
Early Life
Tom Cruise was born to Mary Lee, a special education teacher, and Thomas Cruise Mapother III, an electrical engineer. He had a modest upbringing and moved frequently with his family during his childhood. Cruise struggled with dyslexia, which made his early education challenging, but he found a passion and escape in acting.
He briefly attended a Franciscan seminary with aspirations of becoming a priest before deciding to pursue a career in acting. At the age of 18, he moved to New York City and later to Los Angeles to pursue acting full-time.
Career Breakthrough
Tom Cruise made his film debut in 1981 with a small role in Endless Love. His breakthrough came in 1983 with the film Risky Business, particularly the iconic scene of him dancing in his underwear to Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock and Roll.” The film catapulted him to teen idol status.
He achieved global stardom with Top Gun (1986), where he played the hotshot Navy pilot Pete “Maverick” Mitchell. The film was a box office smash and established him as a major Hollywood star.
Career Highlights
Throughout the late ’80s and ’90s, Cruise solidified his status as one of the top actors in Hollywood, starring in a string of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, including:
- Rain Man (1988) – opposite Dustin Hoffman
- Born on the Fourth of July (1989) – earned his first Academy Award nomination
- A Few Good Men (1992)
- The Firm (1993)
- Interview with the Vampire (1994)
- Jerry Maguire (1996) – second Oscar nomination
- Magnolia (1999) – third Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor
He also became a powerhouse in action cinema, particularly with the Mission: Impossible franchise, which began in 1996 and has spanned multiple sequels, with Cruise also serving as a producer.
Mission: Impossible Franchise
The Mission: Impossible series became one of the highest-grossing film franchises in history, showcasing Cruise’s commitment to doing his own stunts, including high-speed motorcycle chases, scaling skyscrapers, and halo jumps.
Personal Life
Tom Cruise has been married three times: to actresses Mimi Rogers, Nicole Kidman, and Katie Holmes. He has three children, including one biological daughter with Holmes. His involvement in the Church of Scientology has been highly publicized and sometimes controversial.
Legacy and Impact
Known for his dedication to his craft, intense work ethic, and charismatic screen presence, Cruise remains one of the most bankable and recognizable stars in the world. He has consistently pushed the boundaries of action filmmaking and is often credited with revitalizing the theatrical experience, especially with the release of Top Gun: Maverick (2022), which was a critical and commercial triumph.
Awards and Honors
- 3 Golden Globe Awards
- Nominated for 3 Academy Awards
- Numerous other accolades and recognitions, including box office records and lifetime achievement awards
