Year | Net Worth | Age |
1982 | $10,000 | 19 |
1983 | $200,000 | 21 |
1985 | $2 million | 23 |
1986 | $3.8 milion | 24 |
1988 | $15 million | 26 |
1989 | $17 million | 27 |
1990 | $20 million | 28 |
1992 | $45 million | 30 |
1996 | $100 million | 34 |
1998 | $160 million | 36 |
2000 | $190 million | 38 |
2001 | $200 million | 39 |
2002 | $212 million | 40 |
2005 | $220 million | 43 |
2007 | $235 million | 45 |
2010 | $250 million | 48 |
2012 | $300 million | 50 |
2014 | $450 million | 52 |
2015 | $470 million | 53 |
2018 | $570 million | 56 |
2022 | $600 million | 60 |
2024 | $650 million | 62 |
Early life
Tom Cruise’s early life was marked by a lot of movement and challenges.
Born in Syracuse, New York in 1962, his family, which included his parents and three sisters, relocated frequently due to his father’s work as an electrical engineer.
This constant change made it difficult for young Tom to put down roots, and by the time he was 14, he had attended a staggering 15 different schools across the United States and Canada.
Adding to the instability was a strained family life.
Cruise’s father, described by him as distant and abusive, passed away when Cruise was just in his early teens.
The family also faced financial struggles throughout his childhood.
Despite these difficulties, Cruise found a passion for acting in high school.
Though he initially considered a path towards becoming a priest, his interest in theater ultimately took hold.
In pursuit of his acting dream, Cruise made a bold decision at the age of 18.
With his mother’s support, he left behind the only real sense of stability he had known in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, and ventured to New York City to chase a career in the competitive world of acting.
This marked the beginning of a new chapter for Cruise, one that would see him overcome his early obstacles and rise to become a household name in Hollywood.
Early career
Despite academic challenges due to dyslexia, Cruise excelled in athletics and initially considered professional wrestling.
However, a knee injury sidelined that dream, and at 14, he enrolled in a seminary with thoughts of becoming a priest.
The pull of acting proved stronger though. By 18, with his mother’s support, Cruise set off for New York City to chase his dream.
Early days were tough, filled with busboy jobs and the relentless pursuit of auditions. His big break didn’t come overnight.
He landed a small role in the 1981 film “Endless Love” followed by a bit part in the military drama, Taps.
It was here that his talent caught the eye of director Harold Becker, who was so impressed he expanded Cruise’s role.
This early recognition opened doors, and Cruise found himself part of the ensemble cast in Francis Ford Coppola’s, The Outsiders, in 1983.
The same year, Cruise landed roles in All the Right Moves and the iconic, Risky Business.
This coming-of-age comedy proved to be a turning point.
Praised by critics and audiences alike, Risky Business established Cruise as a rising star and a leading man for the decade.
By 1986, with the mega-hit action film, Top Gun, Cruise’s transformation from a young hopeful to a Hollywood A-lister was complete.
Career breakthrough
Cruise’s breakthrough can be attributed to two films: the 1983 comedy, Risky Business, and the 1986 action flick, Top Gun.
Risky Business showcased Cruise’s comedic timing and charisma.
He played Joel Goodson, a high-strung teenager left home alone who descends into hilarious antics.
The film resonated with audiences, particularly young adults, and became a critical and commercial success.
Cruise’s portrayal of a relatable yet mischievous teen made him a star.
However, it was Top Gun that truly solidified his status as a superstar.
Director Tony Scott’s high-octane action film, filled with fighter jets and aerial stunts, perfectly captured the spirit of the decade.
Cruise embodied the role of Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, a hotshot pilot pushing the limits.
While critics weren’t universally kind, audiences flocked to theaters, making Top Gun the highest-grossing film of 1986.
Cruise became synonymous with action and a symbol of cool for a generation.
These two films, one a comedy and the other an action extravaganza, showcased Cruise’s versatility and undeniable star power.
They launched him from promising young actor to Hollywood’s leading man, paving the way for the successful and diverse filmography that continues to this day.
Notable roles
Cruise’s breakout roles in Risky Business and “Top Gun made him a household name.
Top Gun cemented his status as a movie star, portraying the hotshot pilot Pete “Maverick” Mitchell, a role he reprised in the highly-anticipated 2022 sequel, Top Gun: Maverick.
Cruise then proved his acting chops with critically acclaimed dramatic roles.
He delivered powerful performances in The Color of Money alongside Paul Newman, and Rain with Dustin Hoffman.
In Rain Man, he earned his first Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of a self-centered yuppie forced to care for his autistic savant brother.
He further solidified his dramatic talent with a Golden Globe-winning performance as a paralyzed Vietnam veteran in Born on the Fourth of July.
The 1990s saw Cruise continue to dominate the box office. He starred in a string of commercially successful films, including the legal drama A Few Good Men with Jack Nicholson, the thriller The Firm and the gothic horror Interview with the Vampire alongside Brad Pitt.
He also showcased his comedic side with a Golden Globe-winning performance as a conflicted sports agent in Jerry Maguire, earning him a second Academy Award nomination.
Cruise’s range continued to impress with his supporting role in Magnolia, which garnered him another Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination.
Throughout the 2000s and into the 2020s, Cruise has remained a force in Hollywood.
He became synonymous with action with the launch of the Mission: Impossible franchise in 1996, a series that continues to thrive today.
He has also tackled science fiction with Vanilla Sky and Minority Report historical dramas like The Last Samurai and thrillers like Collateral with Jamie Foxx.
Cruise has shown no signs of slowing down, bringing action heroes to life in films like War of the Worlds and Jack Reacher, and even taking on a musical role in Rock of Ages.
Awards
Cruise is not just a box office powerhouse – though his films have raked in billions – but also a critical darling with awards recognition to match.
He has been nominated for four Academy Awards, the highest honor in the film industry.
Three of these nominations were for Best Actor, showcasing his leading man capabilities in films like Born on the Fourth of July and Jerry Maguire, for which he did win a Golden Globe.
He also received a nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Magnolia.
Golden Globes are another area where Cruise has shone.
He’s won three in total, including the aforementioned Best Actor for Jerry Maguire and another Best Supporting Actor for Magnolia.
These awards solidify his versatility as an actor, able to excel in both leading and supporting roles across various genres.
Beyond the Academy Awards and Golden Globes, Cruise has garnered nominations and wins from a wide range of organizations, including the Screen Actors Guild, the Satellite Awards, and the Saturn Awards, which often recognize excellence in science fiction, fantasy and horror films.
In 2022, he even received a win for Best Actor at the Saturn Awards for his role in the blockbuster sequel, Top Gun: Maverick.
Cruise’s awards and accolades paint a clear picture: he is a respected and celebrated actor who has consistently delivered captivating performances throughout his long and illustrious career.
Philanthropic works
Cruise is also involved in giving back.
Throughout his career, he’s championed a variety of causes.
One area he’s passionate about is education, particularly literacy.
Having himself battled dyslexia, Cruise became a founding member of the Hollywood Education and Literacy Project, an organization that supports students struggling to read.
His work with this group earned him recognition from the National Mentoring Partnership.
Cruise’s philanthropic efforts extend beyond education.
He’s a supporter of several health-focused charities, including the Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
He’s also participated in fundraising events for worthy causes, like the America: A Tribute to Heroes telethon held after the 9/11 attacks.
These are just some examples of how Tom Cruise uses his time and resources to make a positive impact.
It’s important to note that some controversy surrounds his involvement with the Church of Scientology, which he donates to and actively promotes.
The Church of Scientology is a complex and debated organization, so it’s up to you to form your own opinion on that aspect of his philanthropy.
Real estate
Cruise has owned a collection of impressive properties throughout his career, reflecting his success and taste for luxury.
One of his most notable estates was a sprawling 7-bedroom, 9-bathroom mansion in Beverly Hills.
Purchased in 2007, this mansion offered a grand living space of over 10,000 square feet, perfect for entertaining and family life.
However, after his divorce from Katie Holmes in 2012, he sold the property.
Beyond the Beverly Hills mansion, Cruise has enjoyed residences in various locations.
He previously owned a secluded ranch in Colorado, encompassing a massive 320 acres.
This property provided privacy and stunning mountain views, offering a retreat from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood.
In contrast, he also ventured into the world of penthouses, acquiring a luxurious two-story unit in Clearwater, Florida.
This penthouse boasted ultimate city views and an expansive roof deck complete with an infinity pool, hot tub, and entertainment areas.
Tom Cruise’s property portfolio has also included an English estate in West Sussex, UK, showcasing his international real estate interests.
While details about this estate are more private, it likely reflects a desire for a getaway residence outside the United States.
Though he has sold some properties over the years, Cruise’s real estate choices continue to reflect his status as a Hollywood A-lister, with an appreciation for comfort, luxury and privacy in his various homes.
Personal life
Cruise has been married three times to high-profile actresses, but currently isn’t married.
His first marriage was to actress Mimi Rogers in 1987, though it didn’t last.
However, it was during his second marriage to actress Nicole Kidman that he built his family.
They wed in 1990 and together adopted a daughter, Isabella, and a son, Connor.
Sadly, their marriage ended in 2001.
Cruise then married actress Katie Holmes in 2006.
Their daughter, Suri, is his only biological child.
This marriage also ended in divorce, in 2012.
Despite the dissolutions of his marriages, Cruise is reported to maintain relationships with all three of his children.
Though he keeps his family life private, Tom Cruise is a father to Isabella, Connor and Suri.