Childhood and Education Journey of Tom Cruise in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Tom Cruise. A timeline of key moments.

Tom Cruise is a highly successful American actor and producer, recognized as a Hollywood icon. He's received numerous awards, including an Honorary Palme d'Or and three Golden Globe Awards, with multiple Academy Award nominations. Cruise's films have collectively earned over $12 billion globally, establishing him as one of the highest-grossing and highest-paid actors in the world. He is considered one of Hollywood's most bankable stars.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals

1934: Birth of Tom Cruise's father, Thomas Cruise Mapother III

In 1934, Thomas Cruise Mapother III, Tom Cruise's father, was born.

1936: Birth of Tom Cruise's mother, Mary Lee

In 1936, Mary Lee (née Pfeiffer), Tom Cruise's mother, was born.

July 3, 1962: Birth of Thomas Cruise Mapother IV

On July 3, 1962, Thomas Cruise Mapother IV, known as Tom Cruise, was born in Syracuse, New York. He would later become a famous actor and producer.

1984: Death of Tom Cruise's father, Thomas Cruise Mapother III

In 1984, Thomas Cruise Mapother III, Tom Cruise's father, passed away.

1984: Death of Cruise's biological father

In 1984, Tom Cruise's biological father died of cancer.

February 4, 1990: Divorce from Mimi Rogers

On February 4, 1990, Tom Cruise and Mimi Rogers divorced after being married since May 9, 1987.

1990: Involvement in Scientology Leaked

In 1990, Tom Cruise's involvement in Scientology was leaked by the tabloid Star.

1992: Public Announcement of Scientology Beliefs

In 1992, Tom Cruise publicly announced that he followed Scientology in an interview with Barbara Walters.

1994: Received a pilot's license

Since 1994, Tom Cruise has held a pilot's license, demonstrating his enthusiasm for aviation.

February 5, 2001: Separation from Nicole Kidman

On February 5, 2001, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman's spokesperson announced their separation, with Cruise filing for divorce two days later.

May 2001: Lawsuit Against Chad Slater

In May 2001, Tom Cruise filed a lawsuit against gay porn actor Chad Slater for claiming they had an affair. Cruise strongly denied the claim.

January 2003: Judge Rules Against Chad Slater

In January 2003, a Los Angeles judge ruled against Chad Slater after he admitted his claims of having an affair with Tom Cruise were false.

2004: Creation of Scientology Freedom Medal of Valor

In late 2004, David Miscavige created the Scientology Freedom Medal of Valor and awarded it to Tom Cruise for his work with Downtown Medical.

June 24, 2005: Argument on Today Show

On June 24, 2005, Tom Cruise had a heated argument with Matt Lauer on NBC's Today show regarding Cruise's views on psychiatry.

October 6, 2005: Pregnancy Announcement

On October 6, 2005, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes announced that they were expecting a child.

2005: Lobbying for Scientology in Europe

In 2005, the Council of Paris revealed that Tom Cruise had lobbied French Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy and Senate President Jean-Claude Gaudin to recognize Scientology as a religion in Europe.

July 5, 2006: TomCruise.com Domain Decision

On July 5, 2006, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) handed down the decision to turn the TomCruise.com domain over to Tom Cruise.

August 2006: Apology to Brooke Shields

In late August 2006, Tom Cruise apologized in person to Brooke Shields for his comments about her use of antidepressants.

November 2006: Takeover of United Artists

In November 2006, Tom Cruise and Paula Wagner took over the film studio United Artists (UA), with Cruise acting as a producer and Wagner as CEO.

January 15, 2008: Scientology Video Posted on YouTube

On January 15, 2008, a video featuring an interview with Tom Cruise discussing his beliefs about Scientology was posted on YouTube by Project Chanology.

August 2008: Wagner Steps Down from UA

In August 2008, Paula Wagner stepped down from her position at United Artists (UA), retaining her stake in the company, which combined with Tom Cruise's share amounted to 30% of the studio.

2008: Restricting Scientology Questions in Interviews

Since 2008, Tom Cruise has restricted interviewers from asking him about Scientology.

March 2010: Filming of Knight and Day

In March 2010, Tom Cruise finished filming the action-comedy Knight and Day with Cameron Diaz.

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June 29, 2012: Katie Holmes Files for Divorce

On June 29, 2012, Katie Holmes filed for divorce from Tom Cruise.

October 2012: Defamation Lawsuit

In October 2012, Tom Cruise filed a lawsuit against In Touch and Life & Style magazines for defamation after they claimed he had "abandoned" his daughter.

2017: Death of Tom Cruise's mother, Mary Lee

In 2017, Mary Lee (née Pfeiffer), Tom Cruise's mother, passed away.

June 2020: Scientology Video Views

As of June 2020, the video featuring Tom Cruise discussing his beliefs about Scientology, which was posted on YouTube, has achieved over 15 million views.

January 2024: Partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery

In January 2024, it was announced that Tom Cruise's production company was forming a new strategic partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery to develop and produce original and franchise films.

2024: Appearance at Paris Olympics Closing Ceremony

In 2024, Tom Cruise appeared at the Paris 2024 Olympics closing ceremony to promote the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics by jumping from the roof of the Stade de France stadium in Paris and taking the flag.