American actor and film produced Tom Cruise was born on July 3, 1962 in Syracuse, New York. He had a very difficult upbringing, attending eight elementary schools and three high schools. After graduating in 1980, Cruise started acting, making his first film appearance in Endless Love in 1981.
Cruise had a substantial role in The Outsiders, alongside Patrick Swayze and Matt Dillon. His breakthrough lead role was his performance in Risky Business in 1983. It launched his film career, which during the eighties, included Top Gun, The Color of Money and Rain Man.
Throughout the nineties, Cruise made several successful pictures like A Few Good Men, The Firm, Jerry Maguire and Eyes Wide Shut. Cruise also played the lead role in the Mission Impossible films. Most recently, Cruise had a supporting role in the comedy Tropic Thunder.
His popularity has taken a hit because of his outspoken advocacy of
Scientology. He was introduced to the church by his first wife Mimi Rogers. Cruise was married to actress Nicole Kidman from 1990-2001. Tom has since married Katie Holmes and the couple welcomed daughter Suri in April 2006.
Did you know…
- He has been nominated for seven Golden Globes
- He won Best Actor for Born on the Fourth of July and Jerry Maguire
- He has three sisters
- He suffered from dyslexia
- He was a high school wrestler
