Rebecca De Mornay Expresses Heartfelt Pride in Tom Cruise’s Legacy

Sage Matthews: Here is what went down when a former co-star revisited Hollywood history and offered genuine praise.

Decades after they captured audiences in the iconic 1983 film Risky Business, Rebecca De Mornay spoke openly about her admiration for Tom Cruise’s enduring drive and cinematic achievements. During a panel at the Museum of the Moving Image last week, De Mornay recounted how the young actor’s intensity on set foreshadowed a career that would span blockbusters and award nominations. “I’m really proud of him,” she told reporters, referencing Cruise’s recent triumphs in action dramas and his return to his Maverick persona in Top Gun: Maverick. Her comments appeared in the New York Post and were later picked up by industry outlets tracking Cruise’s box office record.

In her remarks, De Mornay recalled shooting the legendary piano scene in Risky Business, where a carefree Cruise danced in his socks to Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock and Roll.” She described his work ethic as “relentless,” adding that even in their earliest collaborations, Cruise demonstrated the passion that would carry him through decades of stunt-heavy roles. Sources close to the original production confirm that De Mornay and Cruise maintained a mutual respect after their on-screen romance evolved into separate career paths.

Following the panel, Cruise himself responded via a short interview with Variety magazine, expressing gratitude for De Mornay’s support. He credited her with helping him find confidence during his breakout performance. “Rebecca was a pro from day one,” Cruise said. “She challenged me to dig deeper in my portrayal, and I’ll always thank her for that partnership.” Variety’s coverage noted that Cruise’s remarks underscored the influence of early mentors and collaborators on his long-term success.

Industry analysts point to Cruise’s ability to reinvent himself as a key factor in sustaining his star power. After starring in romantic dramas and thrillers throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Cruise shifted toward elaborate action spectacles, often performing his own high-risk stunts. His recent commitment to the Mission Impossible franchise and the record-breaking returns of Top Gun: Maverick have cemented his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most bankable talents, a trajectory that began with a teenage performance beside De Mornay.

For her part, De Mornay has continued to select diverse roles in both film and television, earning acclaim for her work in projects like The Handmaid’s Tale and independent dramas. In reflecting on Cruise’s evolution, she emphasized that early collaborations can shape careers in unexpected ways. “We were just two actors figuring it out,” she said, “but clearly something clicked that day.”

As Cruise prepares for his next big screen venture—and De Mornay readies a new series premiere—fans and industry insiders alike are reminded of the power of on-set chemistry and the lasting impact of those first creative partnerships. And there you have it. Make of that what you will.

Sources: Celebrity Storm and New York Post, Variety
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed