Tom Cruise is an anomaly in Hollywood for more than one reason. Ever since making his debut in the early 80s, the actor has never strayed too far from the spotlight. Even at the age of 61, he boasts a star power to attract moviegoers to theaters solely based on his aura.
His work ethic is equally unique. In the summer, Cruise returned to the big screen as Ethan Hunt, the IMF agent he first portrayed nearly 27 years ago, and seemed as fit and as fond of defying physics (this time he rode a motorcycle off a mountain cliff) as ever.
Another reason Cruise is an anomaly is that despite standing at 5′ 7″, he has cemented himself as one of the greatest action heroes of all time. However, in the early days of his career, the actor had to face some challenges because of his height.
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How Tom Cruise Acted During His Audition With Lea Thompson
Tom Cruise attained superstar status in 1986 following his portrayal of maverick pilot Pete Mitchell in Top Gun. However, before the success of Top Gun – which made a staggering $357.3 million at the box office – Cruise endured some nervy experiences in front of the camera apparently due to his lack of confidence in himself.
Lea Thompson, who starred opposite Cruise in All the Right Moves in 1983, was asked what it was like working with the Mission: Impossible star during a recent interview with Parade magazine.
“Very intense and kind and dedicated and polite, just as he is now,” she recalled.
The Back to the Future star then shed light on just how nervous he was during their audition, stating:
“I remember our audition at Fox. I was trying to calm him down because we were both really nervous – he was not exactly right for the part because he was supposed to be a potential college football player and he’s only, what, 5’7″?”
Despite his small stature, Cruise bagged the part of Stefan, an ambitious young football star, who finds himself embroiled in a fight with his coach. The Michael Chapman-directed sports drama failed to make any noticeable trembles at the box office, garnering a paltry $17.2 million.
How Tom Cruise Supported His Co-star Lea Thompson
After initial nervousness, Cruise made all the right moves. He impressed Thompson with his work ethic, which included going undercover to experience what high school was like.
Then he displayed commendable boldness and show of support. In 2018, Thompson revealed to IndieWire that she didn’t want the part of Lisa in All the Right Moves because the script required her to perform two n*de scenes.
“[The producers] wanted me to show my breasts twice in the script,” Thompson said. “I didn’t even audition because I didn’t want to take my shirt off, but I got the part and was like, ‘Okay.’”
When Cruise found out how uncomfortable his co-star was, he persuaded the producers to drop one of the scenes. For the other, he offered to go nak*d with her. Thompson admitted that she has always been grateful to Cruise for standing up to the producers.
