The experience turned into one Tom Cruise would never forget.
From the new generation’s point of view, Tom Cruise might be known more so for his antics off-screen than his talent on it. It is permitted in a sense, heck who brings a tape recorder to interviews… Tom does, that’s who!
In truth, this is a shame, as the actor is truly among the best of the best, particularly for his work during the ’80s and into the ’90s. Cruise cemented his status as a truly great way back in 1986 thanks to a certain film called ‘Top Gun‘. Following the performance, gigs started to pour in for the actor. I guess we can say moving to New York at 18 and working as a busboy early on definitely paid off.
At one point in time, Cruise was just starting off, looking up to his various role models. Cruise knew to elevate his game, he needed to work alongside veterans of the game. In one instance, he actually used his celeb status to meet an idol he looked up to, according to his interview from back in the day alongside The Uncool, the moment was a memorable one and it would lead to a bonding moment between the two.
Let’s take a look at how it all unfolded and who the iconic celebrity is.
Tom Respects The Elderly
Early on in his career, despite the success of ‘Top Gun‘, Cruise was looking to level up, but by doing so, he wanted to work with an established legend. Then came the film ‘The Color of Money‘ and a phone call from the man himself, Marty Scorsese.
It was a huge breakthrough for Tom, who got his wish, working alongside a legend and an experienced actor is Paul Newman, “As I was doing Top Gun, I was thinking I’d really like to work with an established older actor whom I can learn from – and an established director. Then Marty [Scorsese] called me and said he wanted me to read the script for The Color of Money. He wanted to know what I thought of it. And I was thinking, “He wants to know what I think of it. What does that mean?”
“I read it and thought, “There’s a role in here for me. Holy shit. This thing is great.” I told Marty how much I enjoyed the script and he asked me if I wanted to do it. I said, “I’d love to!” So that’s what I’ve been doing, that and playing a lot of pool. I’ve improved 200 percent in the last few weeks.”
Working alongside Paul Newman also proved to be very impactful. However, Cruise really lost his cool when meeting another veteran of the game, one he would later work with.
Meeting Dustin
Imagine you’re at a Cuban restaurant and one of your idols is just sitting there. When you’re a celeb like Tom Cruise, the chances of meeting that said person are a lot easier. Tom admitted that he used his celeb status to meet none other than Dustin Hoffman, the experience turned into one Tom would never forget.
He recalls the incident, “I guess meeting Dustin Hoffman was the closest to that. Usually, I would never do anything like that. But I was in this Cuban restaurant up on Columbia Avenue with my little sister. All of a sudden she got up to go the bathroom and when she sat down, she had this big smile of her face. She pointed and said, “That’s Dustin Hoffman over there.” He was doing Death of a Salesman, and I had just gotten back from finishing Legend in London. I knew that this was his last weekend and it was impossible to get tickets.”
“I feel really shy about going up to people and saying hello, telling them I appreciate their work, but I went up and said, “Hey, Mr. Hoffman,” and he turned around and said, “Cruise?” He was so cool. He said, “Look, we’re having the last performance coming up, why don’t you and your sister come by into my dressing room and watch me get made up for it?” He made sure that we had seats and everything. Afterward, we went to dinner with his family and his cousin. That’s the stuff that makes you feel good.”
Shortly after, Hoffman would send the love back, praising Cruise for his effort and willingness to be better, “He’s a demon. He gets up early, he works out, he goes home early, he studies, he works out again at night. … And he always wanted to rehearse.″
Things worked out quite nicely for Tom.
