Tom Cruise
Actor, producer
Born
July 3, 1962
Birthplace
Syracuse, New York, USA
Nationality
American
Net Worth
$620 million (2026 est.)
Known For
Top Gun; Mission: Impossible franchise; Jerry Maguire; Minority Report; Top Gun: Maverick
Tom Cruise Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Thomas Cruise Mapother IV |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 3, 1962 |
| Age | 63 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Syracuse, New York, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor, producer |
| Years Active | 1981-present |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) |
| Spouse | Previously married three times; currently single |
| Children | 3 |
| Net Worth | ~$620 million |
| Known For | Performing high-risk stunts and leading action franchises |
Early Life & Background
Cruise grew up in a military family, moving frequently before discovering acting in high school theater. After brief stints in New York and Los Angeles auditions, he landed roles in Taps and The Outsiders before headlining Risky Business (1983).
Career Journey
1980s Stardom
Cruise became a megastar with Top Gun (1986), Rain Man, and Born on the Fourth of July, the latter earning his first Oscar nomination. His blend of charisma and intensity made him a leading man across genres.
Mission: Impossible Era
In 1996 he launched the Mission: Impossible franchise, producing through Cruise/Wagner Productions. The series is known for Cruise's practical stunts, including HALO jumps, Burj Khalifa climbs, and motorcycle cliff dives.
Awards Recognition
Cruise earned Oscar nominations for Born on the Fourth of July, Jerry Maguire, and Magnolia. He also received Golden Globes for each of those performances, balancing prestige with blockbusters like Minority Report and Edge of Tomorrow.
Top Gun Revival and Recent Hits
Top Gun: Maverick (2022) became his highest-grossing film, revitalizing theatrical exhibition after the pandemic. Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023) continued his run of global action hits.
Upcoming Projects
In 2026 Cruise will film the untitled Mission: Impossible finale, collaborate with director Doug Liman on a NASA/SpaceX-backed spacewalk movie, and produce a racing drama with Apple Original Films. He continues intensive stunt training with BASE jumps and supersonic jet time.
Filmography (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1983 | Risky Business | Joel Goodson | Breakthrough |
| 1986 | Top Gun | Pete "Maverick" Mitchell | Iconic pilot |
| 1996-2026 | Mission: Impossible Franchise | Ethan Hunt | Producer and star |
| 1996 | Jerry Maguire | Jerry Maguire | Oscar nomination |
| 1999 | Magnolia | Frank T.J. Mackey | Oscar nomination |
| 2002 | Minority Report | John Anderton | Sci-fi hit |
| 2014 | Edge of Tomorrow | Maj. William Cage | Cult favorite |
| 2022 | Top Gun: Maverick | Capt. Pete Mitchell | $1.4B global box office |
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Academy Awards | Best Actor | Born on the Fourth of July | Nominated |
| 1997 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Actor - Musical or Comedy | Jerry Maguire | Won |
| 2000 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Magnolia | Won |
| 2023 | PGA Awards | David O. Selznick Achievement Award | Producing career | Honored |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$620 million (2026)
Cruise earns from backend profits on Mission: Impossible and Top Gun, Cruise/Wagner Productions fees, real estate holdings in Telluride and Clearwater, and aviation ventures including a stake in Aerion Supersonic's successor program.
Personal Life
Cruise trains daily in aviation, skydiving, and gymnastic routines to stay stunt-ready. He is a prominent member of the Church of Scientology and maintains close relationships with co-stars and longtime collaborators like Christopher McQuarrie.
Philanthropy & Advocacy
He supports children's hospitals, the Motion Picture and Television Fund, and aviation education programs. Cruise frequently visits Navy bases to screen Top Gun films and hosts STEM camps for underrepresented youth.
Social Media Presence
Cruise rarely uses personal social media; major announcements arrive via Paramount and studio channels, though occasional messages appear on the official Mission: Impossible accounts.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Cruise is a licensed pilot for both jets and helicopters.
- He reportedly learned to hold his breath for over six minutes for Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation.
- He personally calls theater owners to thank them after big releases.
- Cruise insists on greeting every crew member on set daily.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
Cruise is training in a neutral buoyancy lab for the space film, rehearsing helicopter combat sequences for Mission: Impossible Part Two, and hosting IMAX exhibitor summits to promote premium theatrical releases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Tom Cruise?
Tom Cruise is an American actor and producer known for Top Gun, Mission: Impossible, and numerous Oscar-nominated performances.
What is Tom Cruise most famous for?
He is most famous for leading the Mission: Impossible franchise and performing daring practical stunts.
Is Tom Cruise active on social media?
No. Cruise seldom uses personal accounts; official updates come from studio marketing channels.