A real-life Ethan Hunt: Tom Cruise has so many dfferent licenses it would make Mission Impossible superspy proud

Despite the demanding nature of his career and its accompanying schedule, Tom Cruise has made enough time to pursue his hobbies
UPDATED JUN 14, 2023
Tom Cruise is preparing for the release of his new movie 'Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One' (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
Tom Cruise is preparing for the release of his new movie 'Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One' (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Tom Cruise is gearing up for the release of his upcoming film 'Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One'. His involvement in the highly successful action film franchise has propelled him to global stardom. Despite the demanding nature of his career and its accompanying schedule, Cruise has managed to prioritize and pursue his personal interests and hobbies too.

Dedicating a significant portion of one's life to a role inevitably leaves an impact on a person. Similar to his on-screen alter-ego, Ethan Hunt, Cruise has discovered pursuits in recent years similar to the skills of a seasoned super spy.



 

What licenses does Tom Cruise have?

Aviation license

In the 1986 film 'Top Gun', Cruise portrayed the character of a daring pilot skilled in flying fighter jets. In real life too, Cruise holds an actual aviation license that allows him to pilot a fighter jet, without any reliance on animation, CGI or movie props. This license allowed him to operate an F-18 fighter jet during the filming of 'Top Gun: Maverick'. Additionally, Cruise also possesses another license that permits him to fly commercial planes.

Tom Cruise attends the UK Premiere and Royal Film Performance of
Tom Cruise attends the UK Premiere and Royal Film Performance of 'Top Gun: Maverick' at Leicester Square on May 19, 2022 in London, England. (Jeff Spicer/Getty Images)

Motorcycle license

Cruise shares an enthusiasm for riding motorcycles both on and off set. He has a motorcyle license, which is a specific endorsement added to a driver's license that allows individuals to legally operate motorcycles on public roads. It indicates that the license holder has met the requirements and demonstrated the necessary skills for motorcycle operation. He owns numerous slick two-wheelers, including the Triumph Thruxton, Kawasaki GPZ900R, a Ducati Desmosedici RR, BMW S1000 RR motorbike and a BMW R nineT Scrambler. He also has a Ducati 999R and owns one of the most powerful and expensive motorcycle brands in the world, the Vyrus 987 C3 4V.



 

Tom Cruise is a real life adrenaline junkie. (Paramount Pictures)
Tom Cruise owns an enviable is a real life adrenaline junkie (Paramount Pictures)

Boat license

Known for his affinity for daring stunts, Cruise indulges in high-speed thrills with expensive sports cars and motorcycles on land. However, he also seeks adventure on the open waters, often spotted navigating through picturesque scenes aboard luxurious yachts. He has a boat license, also known as a boating license or a boater's license, which is an official document or certification that grants individuals the legal authority to operate a boat or watercraft on public waterways. 



 

Parachute license

Cruise also holds a parachute license, also referred to as a skydiving license or parachutist license. This enables him to actively participate in skydiving activities. While preparing for a stunt featured in 'Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One' Cruise embarked on an extraordinary journey, completing over 500 skydives. Regarded as the "most dangerous" stunt ever attempted for a movie, behind-the-scenes footage has been released, showcasing Cruise's intensive training for the scene. The sequence involves riding a motorbike off a cliff and subsequently deploying a parachute for a safe landing. 



 

Real estate license

The actor also carries a real estate license, which authorizes individuals to engage in real estate activities such as buying, selling or leasing properties. It is obtained by meeting specific requirements set by the governing real estate authority in a particular jurisdiction. Holding a real estate license is necessary for individuals working as agents or brokers in the real estate industry, demonstrating their qualification and adherence to legal regulations.



 

'Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part One' is scheduled for release in the United States on July 12.

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