Tom Cruise Then and Now: Actor's rise to becoming Hollywood icon

From straightening crooked teeth to denying Botox rumors, Tom Cruise's evolution as a leading man

PUBLISHED NOV 10, 2023

Tom Cruise is now one of the world's highest-paid actors and has come a long way since his Hollywood debut in 1981 (20th Century Fox, Paramount Pictures. Getty Images)

Tom Cruise's epic evolution into Hollywood's leading action star

Tom Cruise's appearance in the movie Legend (1985) vs his current transformation shows how much the versatile actor has evolved over the eyars (Universal Pictures/ 20th Century Fox; Getty Images) — Tom Cruise's appearance in the movie 'Legend' (1985) vs his current transformation shows how much the versatile actor has evolved over the years (Universal Pictures, Getty Images)

The renowned Hollywood A-lister, Tom Cruise, has undergone significant transformations since his debut in the romantic drama 'Endless Love' in 1981 and his relationship with Melissa Gilbert in the same year. Over the years, keen observers among Tom Cruise's fans have noticed the various changes in the actor's appearance, particularly in his facial features. However, amidst these transformations, one constant has remained—his hairline.

'Sexiest Man Alive'

Tom Cruise began acting in the early 1980s and made his breakthrough with leading roles in the critically acclaimed movies (20th Century Fox)

Tom Cruise has solidified his status as one of Hollywood's highest-paid actors, boasting a prolific career spanning over four decades. His breakthrough moments came with iconic roles in 'Risky Business' (1983) and 'Top Gun' (1986), propelling him into leading roles in the nineties with standout performances in films like 'The Firm' (1993) and 'Jerry Maguire' (1996), winning a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor for the latter. Little did fans know, in 1985, he was entangled in a full-fledged romance with Cher. Cruise was named People's Sexiest Man Alive in 1990, and received the top honour of People's 'Most Beautiful People' in 1997. The 1990's saw Cruise musing to Rolling Stone about his first wife, Mimi Rogers, ironically just before their split. He also earned another Golden Globe Award for 'Magnolia' (1999).

Tom Cruise's brace days

Tom Cruise had braces around 2002 (The London Lingual Orthodontic Clinic)

In 2002, the 'Mission: Impossible' star made headlines for a surprising move—he decided to sport braces to enhance his million-dollar smile. Tom Cruise, known for his charisma, underwent this orthodontic journey due to self-consciousness about his appearance, triggered by a childhood incident when a game of floor hockey resulted in a chipped front tooth.

High-profile romances in early 2000s

Nicole Kidman & Tom Cruise was married for 11-Years before them filing for divorce ( — Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise was married for 11 years before filing for divorce (Getty Images)

In the zenith of his Hollywood stardom, Tom Cruise had a sculpted, model-esque presence. Nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor at the Screen Actors Guild Awards for 'Magnolia', Cruise sported an iconic hairstyle. Soon after his marriage to Nicole Kidman ended in 2001. But his career saw an upswing in 2002 as it marked the inception of the blockbuster 'Mission: Impossible' franchise with the release of its first sequel, grossing over $500 million and Cruise paving the path to becoming a Hollywood heartthrob. The mid 2000s was also a time for Cruise's high-profile romance with well-known A-listers like Penelope Cruz who he dated from 2001 to 2004, and believe it or not, Sofía Vergara in 2005.

Welcoming fatherhood in 2006

Actor Tom Cruise worked again with Steven Spielberg in War of the Worlds, a loose adaptation of the H. G. Wells novel of the same name in 20025 (Getty Images) — Actor Tom Cruise welcomed his first biological child, Suri with Katie Holmes in 2006 (Getty Images)

In April 2005, Tom Cruise sparked headlines with his high-profile romance with actress Katie Holmes. The whirlwind love story led to the announcement of their first child, Suri, in October 2006, followed by marriage in November 2006. However, the union faced challenges, resulting in Katie filing for divorce after five and a half years in 2012. Despite personal turbulence, the 2000s marked a career zenith for Tom Cruise, featuring successful roles in 'The Last Samurai' (2003), 'Collateral' (2004), and 'War of the Worlds' (2005). 'Knight and Day' (2010), 'Jack Reacher' (2012), 'Oblivion' (2013) and 'Edge of Tomorrow' (2014).

Tom Cruise denies getting work done despite signs of facelifts and fillers

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 10: Tom Cruise is seen on July 10, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images) — Despite Tom Cruise's repeated denials of any cosmetic procedures, the telltale signs suggest a different tale. The neck swelling hints at a possible platysmal plasty or neck lift, perhaps coupled with a mid-facelift, weaving a narrative of subtle transformations
(Jose Perez/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)

On his relationship front, Cruise was last known to be dating Hayley Atwell in 2020 but the couple split in 2022, according to The Sun. On his celebrity-status front, he turned heads at a San Francisco baseball game with a visibly plumper face in October 2021. Speculation arose about fillers following his appearance at an LA Dodgers match. Dawn Attewell, a Registered Aesthetics Nurse at therapyhouse.co.uk, attributed the changes to "excessive filler" and "post-procedure swelling." However, Cruise now appears rejuvenated, credited to a "hair transplant" and "skin tightening treatments".

Tom Cruise's cinematic triumphs continue

Tom Cruise attends the 95th Annual Oscars Nominees Luncheon at The Beverly Hilton on February 13, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California. — Tom Cruise attends the 95th Annual Oscars Nominees Luncheon at The Beverly Hilton on February 13, 2023 in Beverly Hills, California (Getty Images)

Tom Cruise made a triumphant return to the limelight with his first film in four years, 'Top Gun: Maverick'. The movie soared to remarkable heights, grossing over $1 billion at the box office and securing its place as the highest-grossing film of Cruise's illustrious career. Recent news indicate that Cruise may have spent up to $50,000 on cosmetic treatments as per The Sun reports. In an exclusive interview, plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Westreich revealed to The U.S. Sun, "Through the years, it is possible that he may have spent up to $50,000 on cosmetic treatments". Despite speculations, Tom Cruise has reportedly denied undergoing any surgical procedures. In a 2012 interview with Playboy magazine, when questioned about cosmetic surgery, he stated, "I haven't, and I never would."