Tom Cruise: “I wouldn’t be where I am” Without Scientology

SUMMARY

• For years, Tom Cruise has always been in limelight for his association with the Church of Scientology.
• Tom Cruise even went on to thank the controversial organization for making him such a worldwide phenomenon.
• However, Tom Cruise has admitted that he finds it insanely difficult to publicly talk about the Church in his interviews.

Tom Cruise’s affiliation with Scientology has raised numerous headlines over the years. Ever since the Church has come under intense public scrutiny for its controversies, Cruise’s association with the organization has been criticized by many fans. However, the Mission Impossible star admitted that Scientology is the primary reason for his highly successful career.

Tom Cruise in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One | Credits: Paramount Pictures

The Church of Scientology attracted extensive media attention after multiple documentaries exposed several alleged dark secrets associated with the religion. Even ex-members like Leah Remini also came out to address the alleged negative impacts of the Church’s teachings.

Tom Cruise did not hesitate to thank Scientology for his career

Tom Cruise in Jack Reacher: Never Go Back | Credits: Skydance

Tom Cruise, with his vast experience, fantastic filmography, and love for death-defying stunts in his films, amassed a gargantuan fanbase. With his acting skills and charismatic aura, he has proven to be a leading force at the box office. But he raised many eyebrows when he said that Scientology is responsible for making him such a big name.

While promoting his 2016 action-thriller sequel, The Guardian asked the Top Gun actor about a documentary on the religion created by the late L. Ron Hubbard. Surprisingly, Cruise did not say anything about the documentary but commented that Scientology helped his life incredibly and played an important part in making him the global name he is today.

Tom Cruise was introduced to Scientology in 1986 by his then-wife Mimi Rogers. Later in the 2000s, he became one of their leading faces and promoted it extensively until the Vanilla Sky actor attracted immense public hate for his 2005 interview with Matt Lauer on Today Show.

Tom Cruise had a tough time talking about Scientology in public

Tom Cruise in Edge of Tomorrow | Credits: Warner Bros. Pictures

Tom Cruise’s 2005 interview with Matt Lauer led to a serious internet debate when the Valkyrie star publicly commented on psychiatry and also criticized Brooke Shields for using antidepressants. This notorious interview did not work well among fans and even Brooke Shields responded to Cruise by writing a New York Times op-ed.

Later CBS News reported that Cruise apologized to Shields for his controversial views. But in a 2012 interview with Playboy (via ABC News), Tom Cruise added that he finds it very tricky to publicly talk about his religious beliefs as fans often tend to misinterpret his stance.

While his Scientology connection is an indelible mark in his career, it could never affect Tom Cruise’s star power. He revived the theaters in 2022 with the billion-dollar grossing Top Gun: Maverick, followed by Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, which was also a critical and commercial success. Now, he is expected to shatter more records with the upcoming 2025 Mission Impossible sequel.

Written by Subham Mandal

Articles Published: 1335

Subham Mandal is currently working as a content writer for FandomWire with an ardent interest in the world of pop culture. He has written more than 1000 articles on different spheres of modern pop culture and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. He’s also an experienced student journalist having demonstrated work experience with the Times of India. He aspires to be a column writer in the future.