Tom Cruise: A Different Matinee Idol

by Marjorie Dorfman | More from this Blogger

15 Mar 2006 10:43 AM

Thomas Cruise Mapother IV was born on July 3, 1962, in Syracuse, New York. His ancestry is Welsh and German, and he grew up in an unstable environment, attending more than eight elementary schools and three high schools before graduating from Glen Ridge High School in New Jersey. Originally, he aspired to become a Catholic priest, and briefly attended a Franciscan seminary in Cincinnati. He became interested in drama quite by accident, after a knee injury from his high school wrestling team forced him to look for new diversions. While injured, he auditioned for the lead role in a high school production of "Guy and Dolls" and he got the part. He decided to become an actor after his success in this role.

He became a star after "Risky Business" was released in 1983. "Top Gun" in 1986 secured his status. He received two Academy Award nominations for "Best Actor" in "Born On The Fourth of July" (1989) and "Jerry Maguire" (1996) and one for "Best Supporting Actor" in "Magnolia" (1999). He is the first actor in history to star in five consecutive films that grossed $100 million dollars. These were: "A Few Good Men (1992), "The Firm" (1993), "Interview With The Vampire" (1994), "Mission Impossible" (1996), and "Jerry Maguire" (1996).

During the 1990s his popularity soared. "People Magazine" voted him among the 50 most beautiful people in the world, and "Empire Magazine" ranked him among the top five movie stars of all time. His outspoken views on Scientology, however, have alienated him more than a bit from an otherwise adoring public. While there is no question that he is entitled to believe whatever he wants, his use of his celebrity status to influence and degrade the beliefs of others has caused a few eyebrows to rise. This was demonstrated in a heated argument he had with Matt Lauer on "The Today Show" last year. His criticism of Brooke Shields because she took medication to ease her bout with post-partum depression was unfair and uncalled for.

Cruise has been married twice; once to Mimi Rogers who introduced him to Scientology and once to Nicole Kidman. He and Nicole adopted two children, Isabella and Connor. Usually such a private person, his love affair with Katie Holmes has been a surprising spectacle for all of his fans to behold.

Tom Cruise is a movie star whose magical appeal is not likely to fade even in the light of some criticism. He remains a top box office draw and probably will for many years to come.

What are some of YOUR favorite Tom Cruise performances? Please share.

Learn more about Marjorie Dorfman

Marjorie Dorfman is a freelance writer and former teacher originally from Brooklyn, New York.

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