How tall is Tom Cruise? ‘Mission Impossible’ star has been accused of wearing shoe lifts for movie premieres
| Full Name | Thomas Cruise Mapother IV |
| Date of Birth | July 3, 1962 |
| Age | 61 (as of 2023) |
| Place of Birth | Syracuse, New York |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cms) approx |
| Weight | 68 kg (150 lbs) approx |
| Eye Color | Green |
| Net Worth | $600 million |
| Wife | Katie Holmes (m. 2006–2012), Nicole Kidman (m. 1990–2001), Mimi Rogers (m. 1987–1990) |
| Children | 3 - Suri Cruise, Connor Cruise, Isabella Jane Cruise |
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Tom Cruise, known for achieving 'impossible' stunts has been dominating Hollywood since the '80s. Over the years, the 60-year-old handsome hunk has delivered a plethora of blockbusters that cemented his legacy as one of the highest-paid stars in showbiz.
But despite his conventional good looks, Tom Cruise doesn't quite fit the 'Hollywood leading man' stereotype of "tall and handsome" because of, you guessed it, his height! His ex-wife Nicole Kidman had even snarked once about finally being able to "wear heels" after she broke up with Cruise. So one question that often eclipses the 'Top Gun' star's chiseled good looks is, how tall is Tom Cruise exactly?
How tall is Tom Cruise?
Tom Cruise’s height has become a raging topic among his fans since the start of his career. There have been numerous speculations regarding Tom Cruise's height over the years. But, reliable sources suggested that the ‘Top Gun’ actor stands approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall (170 cms).
Early in his career, Cruise claimed to be 5 feet 9 inches (175 cms), weighing 147 pounds (66 kgs). But the truth was exposed when he appeared shorter when standing next to his significant others like Mimi Rogers and Katie Holmes who were both 5 feet 9 inches (175 cms).
However, now he has mastered a subtle hack to appear taller during his public appearances.
Is Tom Cruise’s height too short for the showbiz?
Tom Cruise’s height might appear less impressive but he is perceived differently in the entertainment industry. The ‘Edge of Tomorrow’ star is not considered short in showbiz as he is roughly the same height as some other leading men including Robert Downey Jr, Jamie Foxx, Joaquin Phoenix, Tom Holland, Robert DeNiro, Michael Keaton, and Johnny Depp.
However, it's hard not to notice his short height since he's often seen with taller women including his second wife, Nicole Kidman, who is 5 feet 11 inches (180 cms).
Does Tom Cruise wear lifts to increase his height?
Tom Cruise’s height is undoubtedly one of the most searched questions on Google as his public appearances often leave his admirers in doubt. Over the years, he has been accused of wearing shoe lifts or elevated boots to add a few more inches to his height.
The rumors were made rife after Cruise attended a red carpet event, where he appeared taller than his co-star Cameron Diaz, who is slightly taller than 5 feet 8 inches (173 cms). However, the rumors were soon debunked when experts credited the star’s posing style and dressing sense for this 'taller' appearance.
Nicole Kidman once mocked Tom Cruise’s height
Tom Cruise’s shorter height was mocked most frequently during his marriage with Nicole Kidman, who was five inches taller than him. The couple exchanged vows in 1990 but their courtship failed to last long as they decided to separate ways in 2001.
Following their divorce, Kidman mocked Cruise’s height on ‘Late Show with David Letterman’ in August 2001. During the appearance, the show host pressed Kidman on her divorce, to which she responds: "Well, I can wear heels now.”
In another interview, she revealed that in one of their movies together, she had to ditch high heels so she could look smaller than Cruise. "They had me in really flat shoes, but you could still see I was taller than him," she revealed.
Tom Cruise family
Who is Tom Cruise dating in 2023?
The Mission Impossible actor, Tom Cruise has maintained a low profile in the romantic realm, with no public links to any celebrities or individuals since his divorce 15 years ago. Despite recent rumors suggesting a potential connection with Shakira and his co-star Hayley Atwell, both speculations have been debunked. Currently he is single with no possible romance in the limelight.
How many times has Tom Cruise married?
The actor from "A Few Good Men" has experienced marital bliss three times, exchanging vows with fellow actors Mimi Rogers (m. 1987; div. 1990), Nicole Kidman (m. 1990; div. 2001), and Katie Holmes (m. 2006; div. 2012).
Tom Cruise and Mimi Rogers
In the era between his relationship with Cher and his marriage to Nicole Kidman, Tom Cruise was romantically involved with actress Mimi Rogers. Their relationship began in 1985, although the details of their initial meeting are subject to speculation.
The couple tied the knot in 1987, representing Cruise's first marriage and the second for Rogers.
Despite public appearances and positive remarks about each other during interviews, Cruise and Rogers eventually divorced in 1990, concluding their brief but publicly acknowledged union.
While Cruise is known to be 5 ft 7 inches tall (170cm) his former wife, Mimi Roger's height is 5 ft 8 inches (173 cm), making the latter only an inch taller.
Tom Cruise and Jennifer Connelly in ‘Top Gun: Maverick’
Jennifer Connelly took on the role of Penny Benjamin in the Top Gun sequel, portraying a character previously mentioned in the original film and serving as the love interest to Tom Cruise's Pete "Maverick" Mitchell.
In an interview Variety at the Sundance Film Festival, the 52-year-old actress praised the 60-year-old Cruise for his "extraordinary" performance in the Joseph Kosinski-directed sequel, bringing fresh dimensions to the '80s classic.
Connelly's portrayal adds depth to the storyline, depicting her character as a single mom and owner of an Air Force watering hole, contributing to the evolving narrative of the iconic film franchise.
Tom Cruise and Kelly McGinnis
Kelly McGillis gained widespread recognition for her high-profile role as flight instructor Charlotte Blackwood, known by the call sign "Charlie," in the 1986 fighter-pilot film 'Top Gun' alongside Tom Cruise.
Even though 'Top Gun' is an iconic representation of the '80s, with Maverick as a standout character, the on-screen romance between Cruise and Kelly McGillis reportedly lacked harmony.
Consequently, Charlie, portrayed by Kelly McGillis in the original film, is conspicuously absent in the sequel without any given explanation.
Two potential reasons for McGillis' omission include the director's intention to introduce fresh characters and the industry's tendency towards ageism, particularly directed at older actresses.
Cruise's shorter stature of 5 ft 7 inches tall (170cm ) compared to McGillis's height of 5 ft 10 inches (178 cm) presented challenges, requiring creative measures to equalize their heights.
Additionally, the demand for a love scene by test audiences led to a rushed shoot, potentially adding to the behind-the-scenes tension during the filming process.
Tom Cruise and Kate Middleton
Tom Cruise met Prince William and his wife Kate Middleton at two royal events in 2022.
The first at a charity screening of Cruise's successful film 'Top Gun: Maverick' in May, followed by another meeting at the Wimbledon tennis championship in July.
Social media were fixated on Cruise as they watched him assist Kate at his movie premiere, guiding her up a short flight of steps while holding her hand.
People watching also noticed how Kate strategically switched her handbag to the hand Cruise held, fueling speculation that it might have been a deliberate move to avoid a repeat gesture on the next staircase.
Many royal family called this a break in royal protocol as it rumoured that you aren't supposed to touch a royal.
Tom Cruise’s height compared to his partners
Tom Cruise, standing at approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm), has been romantically linked to several high-profile partners and wives, each with varying heights. Notably, his ex-wives Mimi Rogers, Nicole Kidman, and Katie Holmes are all taller than him.
Mimi Rogers is reported to be around 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm), Nicole Kidman is approximately 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm), and Katie Holmes is said to be around 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm).
Despite any height differences, Cruise's relationships with these accomplished actresses have been the focus of public attention and speculation over the years.
Tom Cruise: The Man Behind the Legend
A Brief Height History of Leading Men
Tom Cruise stands at around 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm). While he may not be the tallest actor in Hollywood, he compensates with his larger-than-life on-screen presence and charisma.
George Clooney, on the other hand, is taller than Cruise, standing at approximately 5 feet 11 inches (180 cm). Clooney's tall stature, combined with his suave demeanor, has contributed to his status as one of Hollywood's leading men.
Harrison Ford, the iconic star of franchises like Star Wars and Indiana Jones, is around 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm) tall. Ford's rugged charm and commanding presence have made him a legendary figure in the industry.
Leonardo DiCaprio, known for his versatile roles and acclaimed performances, is approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall. DiCaprio's height, along with his acting prowess, has helped him become one of the most respected actors of his generation.
In terms of height, the lineup would be Harrison Ford at the tallest, followed by Leonardo DiCaprio, George Clooney, and Tom Cruise. However, each of these actors has carved out a unique and successful career, proving that talent and screen presence often matter more than height in the world of Hollywood.
Early life and career milestones
Tom Cruise, born on July 3, 1962, in Syracuse, New York, is the son of electrical engineer Thomas Cruise Mapother III and special education teacher Mary Lee (née Pfeiffer). His parents, originally from Louisville, Kentucky, had English, German, and Irish ancestry.
Cruise has three sisters: Lee Anne, Marian, and Cass. Notably, his cousin William Mapother is also an actor and has appeared alongside Cruise in five films.
Cruise's childhood was marked by frequent relocations, attending a total of 15 schools in 14 years. Part of his early years was spent in Canada, where his family moved when his father took a job as a defense consultant with the Canadian Armed Forces.
In Canada, Cruise attended Robert Hopkins Public School and developed an interest in drama under the guidance of teacher George Steinburg.
Returning to the United States in 1971, Cruise continued his education at Henry Munro Middle School in Ottawa. His family faced changes, including his mother's departure from his father, leading them back to the US. In 1978, Mary Lee married Jack South.
Cruise briefly pursued a path to becoming a Franciscan priest, attending St. Francis Seminary in Cincinnati with a scholarship. However, he left after a year, with conflicting accounts suggesting family relocation and an incident involving alcohol as possible reasons.
During his senior year at Glen Ridge High School in New Jersey, Cruise played football but was cut from the varsity team for drinking beer before a game. Despite this setback, he showcased his acting talent in the school's production of 'Guys and Dolls'.
In 1980, Cruise graduated from Glen Ridge High School, marking the completion of his formal education.
Tom Cruise's career has been a thrilling journey, marked by breakthrough roles in the 1980s that propelled him to stardom.
His charismatic performances in 'Risky Business' and 'Top Gun' established him as a leading man. Cruise's talent for dramatic roles shone in films like 'The Color of Money,' 'Rain Man,' and 'Born on the Fourth of July,' earning him critical acclaim and prestigious awards.
The 1990s showcased his versatility with successes in 'A Few Good Men,' 'The Firm,' and the Oscar-winning 'Jerry Maguire.'
Cruise's commitment to action intensified in the 2000s, highlighted by the 'Mission: Impossible' series and daring stunts in films like 'Collateral' and 'War of the Worlds.'
His recent projects, including 'Top Gun: Maverick', continue to demonstrate his enduring appeal and box office prowess, solidifying Tom Cruise as an iconic figure in Hollywood.
Tom Cruise's impact on the film industry
In 1981, Tom Cruise embarked on his acting journey with a minor role in "Endless Love," a box office success appealing to a broad audience.
The 1980s saw him starring in blockbuster hits like Top Gun, The Color of Money, Rain Man, and Born on the Fourth of July. Cruise's consistent box office triumphs made him one of the highest-paid actors globally by the 1990s.
In a historic feat, he became the first actor with five consecutive films grossing over $100 million in the U.S. Over four decades, Tom Cruise Mapother IV has transformed from a teen heartthrob to Hollywood's influential and controversial figure, driven by a lifelong passion for acting instilled by his parents.
Evolution of Tom Cruise's acting style
Tom Cruise has been making headlines for his daring stunts, from parachuting off a mountain in England's Lake District to sitting on the wing of a biplane midair barrel roll.
Despite not having won an Oscar, a fact he is seemingly indifferent to, Cruise is on a quest for a different kind of acclaim.
With the release of 'Top Gun: Maverick', which achieved substantial box office success, becoming Cruise's first film to surpass $1 billion, he may be inching closer to the recognition he seeks.
Cruise's pursuit of unique achievements sets him apart, much like the legendary Alfred Hitchcock, who also never won an Oscar.
In the late '80s and early '90s, Tom Cruise, known for his box office prowess, expanded into more challenging dramatic roles with films like 'Rain Man', 'Born on the Fourth of July', and 'The Firm'.
As he envisioned the future of his career, Cruise took control by producing a blockbuster film that retained strong cinematic qualities.
This endeavor led him to collaborate with Brian De Palma, a renowned director known for his distinctive cinematic style. Together, they sought to create a film that balanced commercial success with artistic merit, marking a pivotal moment in Cruise's career evolution.
Beyond the Rumors: Tom Cruise's real height exposed
Fascination with Tom Cruise's height
Tom Cruise's height has been a topic of discussion in the media and among fans. Despite being on the shorter side by Hollywood standards, standing at around 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm), Cruise has defied conventional expectations and become one of the most successful and enduring actors in the industry.
While there have been jokes and speculation about the impact of his height on his career, Cruise's talent, charisma, and dedication to his craft have played a more significant role in shaping his success.
Reportedly (Fox News), Director Judd Apatow recently took a comedic jab at Tom Cruise during his hosting duties at the Directors Guild of America Awards.
In his opening monologue, Apatow playfully teased Cruise about his religious beliefs, interests, and even his height, highlighting Cruise's 5'7" stature.
Apatow humorously remarked, "The special effects in Maverick were so top-notch, I couldn’t even see the stack of phone books Tom Cruise sat on to reach the flight controls." The playful jest added a lighthearted touch to the event, showcasing Apatow's wit and the good-natured spirit of the entertainment industry.
Exploring the height-related controversies surrounding the actor
Tom Cruise vs Jack Reacher height
The height of the fictional character Jack Reacher, created by author Lee Child, is described as 6 feet 5 inches (196 cm) in the book series.
On the other hand, Tom Cruise, who portrayed Jack Reacher in the film adaptations, is known for being shorter, with an approximate height of 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm).
This casting choice sparked some controversy among fans, as Cruise doesn't match the physical description of Reacher in the books. However, Cruise brought his own action star charisma to the role, despite the deviation from the character's original height.
Illusion Tricks and insane secrets of Tom Cruise
It's not uncommon for actors to use subtle techniques to enhance their appearance, and Tom Cruise is no exception. Known for his meticulous approach to his public image, Cruise has employed various methods to appear taller, especially when walking the red carpet alongside taller co-stars.
One of the techniques includes wearing shoes with stacked heels, providing a discreet lift to his height. Additionally, Cruise often uses strategic poses and camera angles to minimize height differences, ensuring a more balanced and visually appealing presence during public appearances.
Popular myths about Cruise's height
Contrary to the belief that Tom Cruise's height might disqualify him from playing a fighter pilot, there is no strict height requirement to become a fighter pilot in the United States Navy.
The US Navy's guidelines have a broad range of acceptable heights, from 5 feet 2 inches to 6 feet 5 inches. At 5 feet 7 inches, Cruise comfortably falls within this spectrum, debunking the myth that his stature would hinder his ability to portray a fighter pilot realistically.
Cruise's dedication to performing his own stunts, including rigorous flight training for 'Top Gun: Maverick,' showcases his commitment to authenticity, regardless of his height.
10 things taller than Tom Cruise
These 10 'things' are taller than Tom Cruise:
Gwendoline Christie — 6-Foot-3: Cruise would probably come up to the elbow of the 'Game of Thrones' actress.
Daniel Radcliffe Shirtless On A “Horse” — 5-Foot-5, Plus A “Horse”: Getting Lord Farquaad vibes with this.
Val Kilmer — 6-Foot-0: The two starred in Top Gun together and looked eerily close in height, despite the near half-foot difference.
World’s Tallest Cow — 6-Foot-4: The world's tallest cow is, indeed, much taller than Mr. Cruise.
Anna Wintour In Heels — 5-Foot-7: The severe bob might even add another inch, giving the Vogue editor one more person to look down on.
John Travolta — 6-Foot-2: Together, they're like the Rob & Big of Scientology.
Kanye West — 5-Foot-8: Maybe West can hook Cruise up with a pair of Yeezy Boosts.
Justin Bieber — 5-Foot-9: The Canadian bad boy could give Cruise an elevated shoulder to cry on.
Zendaya — 5-Foot-10: The 19-year-old is a lot taller than Cruise.
Britney Spears Wearing A Top Hat — 5-Foot-4, Plus Hat: Britney in a top hat still edges out Cruise in height.
How many times has Tom Cruise won the Oscar?
A grand total of zero times. It's surprising to many that Tom Cruise, with his extensive and successful career, has never won an Academy Award. He's been nominated three times but hasn't taken home the coveted Oscar.
Fan polls and reactions to Tom Cruise's height
One said, "He could attain heights of 13'7" due to his high operating thetan, he just chooses to conserve his power".
Another wrote, "It's very hard to pin point his height because like RDJ he is one of the actors that almost always wears lifts and exagurates his height."
Most people think he is around 5'7'', others believe he is 5'6".
One wrote on Reddit, "0.75 inches doesn't matter much".
Another user said, "5'7.5. Hollywood has many tall actresses, who wear big heels. This makes Cruise look shorter then he is. But he is still a short man".
Tom Cruise’s height vs Brad Pitt’s height
It's surprising to many that Brad Pitt, at 5'11" (1.80 m), is taller than Tom Cruise by 4 inches, as both actor are equally popular with fans.
Awards and achievements of Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise, a highly acclaimed actor and producer, has garnered numerous awards and accolades throughout his illustrious career. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, here are some of his notable awards and achievements:
Academy Awards (Oscars): Tom Cruise has not won an Academy Award yet, but he has been nominated three times. He received nominations for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his performances in "Born on the Fourth of July" (1989), "Jerry Maguire" (1996), and "Magnolia" (1999).
Golden Globe Awards: Cruise has won three Golden Globe Awards and received numerous nominations.
Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama for "Born on the Fourth of July" (1990)
Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for "Jerry Maguire" (1997)
Cecil B. DeMille Award for outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment (1996)
BAFTA Awards: He received one BAFTA nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role for "Jerry Maguire" (1997).
Screen Actors Guild Awards (SAG): Cruise has received several nominations for SAG Awards.
Empire Awards: Cruise received the Empire Legend Award in 2014.
AARP's Movies for Grown-Ups Awards: He won the Best Grown-Up Love Story Award for "Jerry Maguire" in 1997.
Blockbuster Entertainment Awards: Cruise won several Blockbuster Entertainment Awards for films like "Mission: Impossible," "Jerry Maguire," and "Eyes Wide Shut."
American Cinematheque Gala Tribute: Cruise was honored with the American Cinematheque Award in 1999.
What is the net worth of Tom Cruise?
Tom Cruise's estimated net worth as of 2023 is an impressive $600 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Does Tom Cruise have children?
Tom Cruise has three children. He has a daughter named Suri Cruise with his ex-wife Katie Holmes. Additionally, he has two adopted children, a son named Connor Cruise and a daughter named Isabella Cruise, from his previous marriage to actress Nicole Kidman. Despite his highly publicized relationships and marriages, Cruise has generally kept details about his family life private.
How old is Tom Cruise now?
Tom Cruise was born on July 3, 1962. As of November 23, 2023, he is 61 years old.
How old was Tom Cruise in Top Gun?
'Top Gun' was released in 1986, and Tom Cruise was born on July 3, 1962. Therefore, he was around 24 years old at the time of the film's release.
Is Tom Cruise married?
Tom Cruise has been married three times. His first marriage was to Mimi Rogers from 1987 to 1990, followed by his marriage to Nicole Kidman from 1990 to 2001. Cruise's third marriage was to actress Katie Holmes, and they were married from 2006 to 2012.
Where does Tom Cruise live?
Tom Cruise resided in a 300-square-foot studio apartment located within a historic townhouse on Manhattan's Upper West Side, as reported by the New York Post.
Is Tom Cruise a pilot in real life?
Tom Cruise is not only a talented actor but also a skilled pilot. He earned his pilot's license in 1994 and has since become known for his love of aviation. Cruise is certified to fly various types of aircraft, including private planes and helicopters.
Does Tom Cruise run in all his movies?
Tom Cruise is known for incorporating running scenes into many of his movies. The actor's running style has become somewhat iconic, and fans often associate it with his action-packed roles.
However, it's not a consistent feature in all of his films, and there are certainly movies in which he does not engage in running scenes.
According to Rotten Tomatoes, over his 37-year film career, Cruise has covered a distance of approximately 29,961 feet on screen.
With the release of ‘Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, Part One’, the miles have increased. Cruise's well-known penchant for running, prominently featured in his 44 films, has become legendary.
In fact, Cruise's Twitter bio once had the line- 'Running in movies since 1981.' Online, enthusiasts have created video compilations of his sprints, accompanied by style breakdowns praising his impeccable form: focused gaze, sharp elbows, and swift, almost imperceptible foot movements.
Does Tom Cruise do his own stunts?
Tom Cruise's dedication to performing his own stunts has become a defining feature of his action-packed career.
He's known for taking on physically demanding and often risky stunts, showcasing a level of commitment that sets him apart in Hollywood.
Whether it's hanging off the side of a plane, scaling tall buildings, or engaging in intense fight scenes, Cruise's willingness to push boundaries adds authenticity and excitement to his films.
Is Tom Cruise considered tall in Hollywood?
Tom Cruise's height is often a topic of discussion, and as you mentioned, he measures at 5 feet 7¾ inches or approximately 172.1 centimeters. While slightly below the average height for American males, Cruise has proven that stature is no limitation when it comes to making a big impact in the entertainment industry.
Has Tom Cruise's height changed over the years?
In the case of Tom Cruise, it's unlikely that his height has changed significantly over the years since he became a well-known actor. Any reported changes could be due to variations in how directors pose before the camera.
Does Tom Cruise's height impact his roles in movies?
Tom Cruise is a prime example of how talent and dedication can overshadow conventional expectations in Hollywood. Despite being on the shorter side by industry standards, Cruise has risen to the top based on his exceptional acting skills, undeniable charisma, and unwavering commitment to his craft.