Thomas Cruise Mapother IV, better known as Tom Cruise, is a highly successful American actor and producer. Widely recognized as a prominent figure in Hollywood, he has earned numerous awards, including an Honorary Palme d'Or and three Golden Globe Awards, alongside nominations for four Academy Awards. With a career spanning several decades, his films have generated over $12 billion globally, making him one of the highest-grossing actors ever. His consistent box office success has solidified his status as a bankable star and consistently ranks him among the world's highest-paid actors.
1932: Original "The Mummy" Release
The original horror movie "The Mummy," starring Boris Karloff, was released in 1932. This film served as the basis for the 2017 reboot starring Tom Cruise.
1934: Birth of Tom Cruise's Father
Tom Cruise's father, Thomas Cruise Mapother III, was born in 1934.
1936: Birth of Tom Cruise's Mother
Tom Cruise's mother, Mary Lee (née Pfeiffer), was born in 1936.
July 20, 1944: Assassination Attempt on Hitler
On July 20, 1944, an attempt was made to assassinate Adolf Hitler. This event was later depicted in the film "Valkyrie" where Tom Cruise played Claus von Stauffenberg.
July 3, 1962: Birth of Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise was born on July 3, 1962, in Syracuse, New York.
1971: Move to Canada and Introduction to Drama
In 1971, Cruise's family moved to Canada, where he first got involved in drama.
1978: Move to US and Seminary Studies
Cruise's mother took him and his sisters back to the US in 1978. He briefly attended St. Francis Seminary.
1980: High School Graduation
Tom Cruise graduated from Glen Ridge High School in New Jersey in 1980.
1981: Early Acting Roles
Cruise made his film debut in "Endless Love" and had a supporting role in "Taps" in 1981.
1983: Breakthrough Roles
In 1983, Tom Cruise had his breakthrough with leading roles in "Risky Business" and appeared in "The Outsiders" and "All the Right Moves".
1983: The Outsiders, All the Right Moves, Risky Business
In 1983, Cruise appeared in "The Outsiders," "All the Right Moves," and "Risky Business."
1984: Death of Tom Cruise's Father
Tom Cruise's father died from cancer in 1984.
1984: Death of Tom Cruise's Father
Tom Cruise's father passed away in 1984.
1985: Legend
Cruise starred in the fantasy film "Legend" in 1985.
1986: Top Gun and Superstardom
Cruise cemented his superstar status with the release of "Top Gun" in 1986.
1986: The Color of Money
Cruise starred alongside Paul Newman in "The Color of Money" in 1986.
1986: Rise to Prominence
In 1986, Cruise starred in "Top Gun" and "The Color of Money," solidifying his status as a leading Hollywood actor.
1988: Critical Acclaim and Box Office Success
1988 saw Cruise star in "Rain Man," a critical and commercial success, and "Cocktail," a box office hit.
1988: Cocktail and Rain Man
In 1988, Cruise starred in "Cocktail" and "Rain Man."
1989: Born on the Fourth of July and Critical Acclaim
Cruise's portrayal of Ron Kovic in "Born on the Fourth of July" in 1989 earned him widespread critical acclaim and several awards.
1989: Golden Globe Award and Academy Award Nomination
In 1989, Cruise's performance in "Born on the Fourth of July" earned him a Golden Globe Award and his first Academy Award nomination.
1990: People's Sexiest Man Alive
Cruise was named People's Sexiest Man Alive in 1990.
1990: Days of Thunder
In 1990, Tom Cruise starred in "Days of Thunder," co-starring his then-wife, Nicole Kidman.
1992: A Few Good Men
Tom Cruise starred in the legal drama "A Few Good Men" in 1992.
1992: Far and Away
Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman co-starred in "Far and Away" in 1992.
1993: The Firm
Cruise starred in the thriller "The Firm" in 1993.
1993: Cruise/Wagner Productions Founded
In 1993, Tom Cruise and Paula Wagner established Cruise/Wagner Productions.
1994: Interview with the Vampire
In 1994, Cruise starred in the horror film "Interview with the Vampire."
1994: Interview with the Vampire
In 1994, Tom Cruise starred in "Interview with the Vampire" alongside Brad Pitt, Antonio Banderas, and Christian Slater. Author Anne Rice initially criticized Cruise's casting but later publicly praised his performance.
1996: First Project as Producer
Cruise/Wagner Productions' first project was the 1996 film "Mission: Impossible," which also marked Cruise's debut as a producer.
1996: Mission: Impossible Franchise Begins
In 1996, Cruise began playing Ethan Hunt in the "Mission: Impossible" film series.
1996: Jerry Maguire
Cruise's performance in the romantic comedy-drama "Jerry Maguire" in 1996 earned him another Golden Globe Award.
1996: Mission: Impossible and Jerry Maguire
1996 was a big year for Tom Cruise. He starred in and produced "Mission: Impossible," receiving praise for his performance as Ethan Hunt. He also starred in "Jerry Maguire," which became a major box office success.
1997: Most Beautiful People
In 1997, Cruise received the "Most Beautiful People" honor.
1999: Eyes Wide Shut and Magnolia
In 1999, Cruise co-starred with Nicole Kidman in Stanley Kubrick's "Eyes Wide Shut" and took a supporting role in Paul Thomas Anderson's "Magnolia," earning critical acclaim and a Golden Globe award for the latter.
1999: Magnolia and Award Recognition
In 1999, Cruise's role in "Magnolia" garnered him another Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination.
2000: Mission: Impossible 2
In 2000, Tom Cruise reprised his role as Ethan Hunt in "Mission: Impossible 2," directed by John Woo. The film was a box office success, becoming the highest-grossing film of the year.
2001: Vanilla Sky
Tom Cruise starred in the romantic thriller "Vanilla Sky" in 2001, alongside Cameron Diaz and Penélope Cruz.
2001: Vanilla Sky
Tom Cruise starred in the science fiction psychological thriller "Vanilla Sky" in 2001.
2002: Minority Report
Cruise starred in Steven Spielberg's science fiction film "Minority Report" in 2002, based on the Philip K. Dick short story.
2002: Minority Report
Cruise starred in the science fiction action film "Minority Report" in 2002.
2003: The Last Samurai
In 2003, Cruise starred in "The Last Samurai," for which he received a Golden Globe nomination.
2003: The Last Samurai
In 2003, Cruise starred in the action drama "The Last Samurai."
2004: Collateral
Tom Cruise received critical acclaim for his performance as Vincent in "Collateral" in 2004.
2004: Collateral
Cruise starred in the neo-noir action thriller "Collateral" in 2004.
2005: Cruise's Influence in Hollywood
In 2005, Hollywood economist Edward Jay Epstein recognized Tom Cruise as a major force in Hollywood, highlighting his ability to secure lucrative deals and guarantee the success of billion-dollar franchises. Epstein argued that Cruise's commercial achievements were often overshadowed by tabloid controversies.
2005: War of the Worlds
In 2005, Cruise starred in "War of the Worlds," directed by Steven Spielberg, and was nominated for a People's Choice Award and won the MTV Generation Award.
2005: War of the Worlds
In 2005, Cruise starred in the science fiction action film "War of the Worlds."
August 22, 2006: Paramount Pictures and Cruise Split
Paramount Pictures ended its 14-year relationship with Tom Cruise on August 22, 2006. Viacom chairman Sumner Redstone attributed the decision to the negative impact of Cruise's public image on his economic value. Cruise/Wagner Productions claimed they had already secured alternative funding. Industry analysts suggested the split was likely due to disagreements over profit sharing from the "Mission: Impossible" franchise.
October 10, 2006: "Tom Cruise Day" in Japan
October 10, 2006 was designated "Tom Cruise Day" in Japan by the Japan Memorial Day Association to recognize his appreciation of Japanese culture.
November 2006: Cruise and Wagner Take Over United Artists
Tom Cruise and Paula Wagner took over United Artists in November 2006. Cruise produced and starred in films for the studio, while Wagner served as chief executive.
2006: Mission: Impossible III
In 2006, Cruise returned as Ethan Hunt in "Mission: Impossible III."
2006: Forbes Most Powerful Celebrity
Forbes named Tom Cruise the world's most powerful celebrity in 2006.
March 2007: Valkyrie Acquired by United Artists
United Artists acquired the film "Valkyrie" in March 2007.
March 21, 2007: Cruise Signs on for Valkyrie
On March 21, 2007, Tom Cruise signed on to portray Claus von Stauffenberg in "Valkyrie." This was the second project greenlit after Cruise and Wagner took control of United Artists.
2007: Lions for Lambs
Cruise took a supporting role in "Lions for Lambs" in 2007.
August 2008: Wagner Steps Down from United Artists
Paula Wagner resigned from her position at United Artists in August 2008 but retained her stake in the studio.
December 25, 2008: Valkyrie
Tom Cruise played the central role in the historical thriller "Valkyrie," which was released on December 25, 2008.
February 9, 2010: Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol Announcement
On February 9, 2010, Tom Cruise confirmed he would star in "Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol."
March 2010: Knight and Day Filming Completed
Filming for "Knight and Day" was completed in March 2010.
June 23, 2010: Knight and Day
"Knight and Day," co-starring Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz, was released on June 23, 2010.
2010: Knight and Day
Cruise starred in the action comedy "Knight and Day" in 2010.
2010: Living Legends of Aviation Induction
Tom Cruise, an aerobatic pilot, was inducted into the Living Legends of Aviation in 2010, receiving the Aviation Inspiration and Patriotism Award.
May 6, 2011: Humanitarian Award
Tom Cruise received a humanitarian award from the Simon Wiesenthal Center and its Museum of Tolerance on May 6, 2011.
December 2011: Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol Release
"Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol" was released in December 2011, becoming Cruise's biggest commercial success at the time.
June 2012: Rock of Ages
"Rock of Ages," starring Tom Cruise as Stacee Jaxx, was released in June 2012, receiving positive reviews for Cruise's performance but underperforming at the box office.
December 21, 2012: Jack Reacher: One Shot
"Jack Reacher: One Shot," starring Tom Cruise, was released on December 21, 2012, and was a box office success.
2012: Jack Reacher
In 2012, Cruise starred in the action thriller "Jack Reacher."
2012: Start of Consecutive $100 Million-Grossing Movies
In 2012, Cruise began his streak of consecutive $100 million-grossing movies.
2013: Oblivion
Cruise starred in the post-apocalyptic science fiction film "Oblivion" in 2013.
2013: Oblivion
The science fiction film "Oblivion," starring Tom Cruise, Morgan Freeman, and Olga Kurylenko, was released in 2013.
2014: Edge of Tomorrow
In 2014, Cruise starred in the science fiction action film "Edge of Tomorrow."
2014: Edge of Tomorrow
In 2014, Cruise starred in the well-received science fiction action film "Edge of Tomorrow."
2015: Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation Release
In 2015, Tom Cruise reprised his role as Ethan Hunt in the fifth Mission: Impossible film, "Rogue Nation," which he also produced. The film, directed by Christopher McQuarrie and co-starring Simon Pegg and Jeremy Renner, was a critical and commercial success.
2016: Cruise and DiCaprio's Box Office Power
In 2016, the founder of CinemaScore highlighted Tom Cruise and Leonardo DiCaprio's ability to draw audiences, regardless of a film's quality.
2017: The Mummy Reboot Release
Tom Cruise starred in the 2017 reboot of "The Mummy." While the film grossed over $400 million, it received negative reviews and underperformed at the box office.
2017: Death of Tom Cruise's Mother
Tom Cruise's mother died in 2017.
2018: Mission: Impossible – Fallout Release
In 2018, Tom Cruise returned as Ethan Hunt in "Mission: Impossible – Fallout." This sixth installment in the franchise garnered highly positive reviews and became Cruise's biggest commercial success to date, grossing over $791 million.
2018: End of Consecutive $100 Million-Grossing Movies
Cruise's run of consecutive $100 million-grossing movies ended in 2018.
May 2020: Space Film Project Announcement
In May 2020, it was announced that Tom Cruise would star in and produce a film shot in outer space, directed and co-produced by Doug Liman. The project involves a trip to the International Space Station via a SpaceX Dragon 2 spacecraft.
May 2021: Golden Globes Protest
In May 2021, Tom Cruise returned his three Golden Globe Awards to protest the Hollywood Foreign Press Association's lack of diversity and ethical concerns.
2022: Top Gun: Maverick
Cruise reprised his role as Maverick in the sequel "Top Gun: Maverick" in 2022.
2022: Top Gun: Maverick Release and Success
In 2022, Tom Cruise starred in and produced "Top Gun: Maverick." The film premiered at Cannes, where Cruise received an Honorary Palme d'Or. It was a massive critical and commercial triumph, becoming his highest-grossing film, exceeding $1 billion at the box office and earning Cruise $100 million.
July 12, 2023: Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One Release
"Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One" was released on July 12, 2023, starring Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt. While critically acclaimed, the film's box office performance was affected by the simultaneous release of "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer."
January 2024: Partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery
In January 2024, Cruise's production company announced a strategic partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery to develop and produce films.
December 2024: Distinguished Public Service Award
In December 2024, Tom Cruise received the US Navy's Distinguished Public Service Award.
2024: Paris Olympics Closing Ceremony Appearance
Tom Cruise appeared in the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics to promote the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, jumping from the roof of the Stade de France and taking the flag from Mayor Karen Bass and Simone Biles.
May 2025: Upcoming Projects Announcement
Tom Cruise is slated to reprise his role as Ethan Hunt in "Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning," set for release in May 2025. He is also set to star in an untitled film directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu, marking his first project with Warner Bros. Pictures in ten years.
2028: Los Angeles Olympics Promotion
Tom Cruise promoted the upcoming Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics at the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics.