- Tom Cruise has been notably absent from his daughter Suri’s life for years.
- This estrangement contrasts with his long-standing bond with a former child star.
- Cruise has maintained a gift-giving ritual with the actress for 19 years.
Tom Cruise attends a photo call for “Mission: Impossible” on July 2, 2023 in Sydney, Australia | Source: Getty Images
Tom Cruise has been a prominent figure in Hollywood for many years. His performances in various blockbuster movies have made him a well-known name in the film industry. In addition to his acting career, his personal life has also attracted public attention.
Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt in a scene from the film “Mission: Impossible” in 1996 | Source: Getty Images
One of the most publicized aspects of his personal life is his relationship—or lack thereof—with his daughter. But despite the image he has portrayed as an uninvolved father, he has proven his capacity to forge lasting connections.
Suri Cruise on October 19, 2007 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Cruise has sustained a personal tradition spanning nearly two decades. Year after year, he has sent birthday gifts to a former child star who was an important part of his past. This consistent act suggests a personal connection that has lasted for almost 20 years.
Tom Cruise at the “Rock of Ages” premiere on June 8, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
Unravelling Tom Cruise’s Estrangement with His Daughter
Despite the deep connection implied by his long-standing tradition with this child star, the actor’s relationship with his daughter Suri Cruise tells a different story. A source confirmed to Page Six last year that the actor remains distant from Suri, who was 16 at the time of the report.
Tom Cruise and his daughter Suri Cruise seen on October 6, 2008 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
The last public images of the father-daughter duo together date back to July 2012., indicating a long-standing separation. Cruise and his then-partner Katie Holmes welcomed Suri on April 18, 2006.
Katie Holmes, Tom Cruise, and their daughter Suri Cruise on October 10, 2009 in Cambridge, Massachusetts | Source: Getty Images
In the months following her birth, the couple expressed their adoration for their daughter, with Holmes noting Suri’s resemblance to Cruise. However, following their split in 2011, Cruise’s relationship with Suri began to deteriorate.
Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, and their daughter Suri Cruise on November 17, 2006 in Rome, Italy | Source: Getty Images
In 2012, Cruise sued Bauer Media for claiming he had abandoned Suri. During the lawsuit, he revealed that he hadn’t seen Suri for three months after separating from Holmes.
Suri Cruise at Bonpoint Children’s store on August 17, 2008 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
The core issue of the estrangement was Holmes’ decision to leave Cruise, partly to protect Suri from Scientology, her father’s religion. Holmes’ protective actions are seen as a major factor in the growing distance between Cruise and his daughter.
Tom Cruise and Suri Cruise are seen on July 17, 2012 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
During the lawsuit, which was eventually settled, Cruise admitted that his affiliation with Scientology was a significant factor in the separation from Suri. He confirmed that Holmes left him, in part, to protect Suri from the religion.
Tom Cruise seen on August 16, 2008 | Source: Getty Images
Additionally, he disclosed that Suri, then 7, was no longer a practicing member of Scientology, which labels those who leave the church as “Suppressive Persons,” leading to disconnection from church members, including family.
Suri Cruise is seen on November 29, 2012 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Despite having the legal right to visit Suri for up to 10 days each month, Cruise chose not to. He explained that divorce changes situations as was the case with his and Suri’s connection. “It’s not an ideal scene. It’s not an ideal situation,” he admitted.
Katie Holmes, Suri, and Tom Cruise are seen on January 16, 2008 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
In 2016, Scientology’s policy of disallowing contact with nonbelievers was once more cited as a reason for Cruise’s continued absence from Suri’s life, as neither she nor Holmes are involved with the church.
Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise are seen on December 12, 2013 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Suri Cruise’s Relationship with Katie Holmes
On the other hand, Holmes has remained devoted to her only child. During a 2023 interview, she emphasized the importance of protecting Suri, especially given her early visibility.
Suri Cruise are seen on August 18, 2012 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
She is happy to be Suri’s parent and described the teenager as an incredible person. Holmes, who has raised Suri as a single parent since 2012, has spoken of her deep love for her daughter, saying, “She is my heart.”
Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise attend the Z100’s Jingle Ball 2017 on December 8, 2017 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Suri Cruise and Katie Holmes attend the Oklahoma City Thunder vs New York Knicks game on December 16, 2017 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
As Suri approaches her 18th birthday, she still has no relationship with Cruise. Holmes has raised her in Manhattan, away from the public eye and her father’s involvement with Scientology.
Suri Cruise and Katie Holmes seen on May 21, 2018 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Suri began to make independent decisions about her future last year as she neared 17. Under her mother’s guidance, she started the college application process, with a particular interest in pursuing fashion studies in New York City.
Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise seen on July 22, 2019 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Holmes, known for her fashion sense, supported her daughter’s desire to stay in the city, though the prospect of Suri leaving for college was an emotional thought for her.
Suri Cruise and Katie Holmes seen on September 8, 2020 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Suri’s artistic abilities were on display last year when she played Morticia Addams in her high school’s production of “The Addams Family: A New Musical.” Her performance was well-received, with audience members praising her as “amazing.”
Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise seen on February 6, 2021 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Her talents aren’t limited to acting; Suri also has musical abilities. She recorded a cover of “Blue Moon” by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the opening credits of Holmes’ film “Alone Together” in 2022.
Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise attend the opening night premiere of “In The Heights” on June 9, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Holmes has often spoken highly of her daughter’s skills, saying, “I always want the highest level of talent, so I asked her! She’s very, very talented.” In 2023, Suri contributed vocals to another of Holmes’ projects, the film “Rare Objects.”
Holmes hopes that Suri will continue to be involved in her filmmaking, stating, “I hope she always does something in my films. I always ask her.” She sees these collaborations as an extension of her passion for the film industry, which she views as a space that brings people together like a family.
Former Scientology spokesperson, Mike Rinder, is also estranged from his children since leaving the church. He expressed that Suri deserves love and sympathy. “Suri is not a Scientologist and never will be,” he stated.
Mike Rinder attends “Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath” FYC Screening on May 17, 2018 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
Cruise’s Connection with a Former Child Star
Cruise’s decision to remain distant from his daughter Suri is surprising, especially considering his longstanding connection with Dakota Fanning, a former child star. This bond, which has lasted nearly two decades, starkly contrasts with his estrangement from Suri.
Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning attend the 2005 MTV Movie Awards on June 4, 2005 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning attend a photo call to promote “War of the Worlds” on June 13, 2005 in Tokyo, Japan | Source: Getty Images
The relationship between Cruise and Fanning began on the set of the 2005 film “War of the Worlds.” In this adaptation of H.G. Wells’ classic science fiction story, Cruise portrays Ray Ferrier, a New Jersey dockworker who is divorced and estranged from his children, Rachel and Robbie. Amidst an alien invasion, Ray becomes a protector.
Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning attend the French premiere of “War Of The Worlds” on June 17, 2005 in Marseille, France | Source: Getty Images
Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning attend the “War Of The Worlds” premiere on June 23, 2005 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Fanning, who played Cruise’s daughter, Rachel, in the film, formed a unique bond with him during production. On her 11th birthday, February 23, 2005, Cruise gave her a Motorola Razr—her first cell phone. Fanning recalls not having anyone to call or text but cherishing the gift nonetheless. “I was so excited,” she remarked.
Cruise has continued this tradition of sending birthday gifts to Fanning every year since then. Fanning shared that Cruise has not missed a year, maintaining the ritual even as she turned 30 last February.
Dakota Fanning attends the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards on January 5, 2020 in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
Cruise’s distant relationship with his daughter Suri and his close bond with Fanning raises questions. His consistent tradition of sending birthday gifts to Fanning each year shows a lasting connection, while his estrangement from Suri seems to be influenced by his religious beliefs.
Dakota Fanning attends the “Ripley” premiere on April 3, 2024 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
His decision not to visit Suri, despite having the legal opportunity, indicates that his religious commitments deeply influence his family interactions. The prioritization of his faith appears to take precedence, regardless of the impact on his personal relationships.
Source: news.amomama.com
