“Jimmy Kimmel, man you saved my life”: $600 Million Rich Tom Cruise, Who Says No to Ungodly Amount of Endorsement Money, Made a Rare Commercial For the Late Night Host

Back in 2009, Tom Cruise made headlines with a rare commercial cameo for none other than the king of late-night laughs, Jimmy Kimmel.

Jimmy Kimmel, Tom Cruise
Image by Angela George, licensed under CC BY-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

SUMMARY

  • With a career spanning from Mission Impossible to Jerry Maguire, Tom Cruise has become a renowned figure in the industry.
  • His commitment to his work has made him one of Tinseltown's highest-paid actors, a title he wears with ease.
  • Cruise’s comedic genius was highlighted during the 2009 Academy Awards commercial break, when he performed with Jimmy Kimmel.
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Have you ever found yourself so spellbound by an actor whose on-screen presence commands not just attention but adulation? Enter Tom Cruise, a cinematic colossus whose gravity defies the ordinary. With a career that’s been a roller coaster ride, he has not just walked but sprinted through the hall of fame with an ever-growing repertoire that includes behemoths like Jerry Maguire and franchises that have become synonymous with his name. 

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With a career spanning from Mission Impossible to Jerry Maguire, Tom Cruise has become a renowned figure in the industry.
Tom Cruise in Top Gun (1986) | Paramount Pictures

Despite a controversy or two casting a shadow, Cruise’s reputation as an actor stands tall—imbued with respect that towers above the tittle-tattle. And it’s no secret that his commitment to his work has made him one of Tinseltown’s highest-paid actors, a title he wears with the ease of a bespoke suit.

After all, when we saw his humorous commercial break in 2009, it wasn’t just creating a buzz—it was Cruise proving his comedic dexterity. This rare advertisement escapade with Jimmy Kimmel had everyone talking. 

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Tom Cruise Teamed Up with Jimmy Kimmel for a Rare Commercial Experience

Tom Cruise’s ability to morph into any character is nothing short of alchemy.

Whether he’s performing death-defying stunts or delving into the depths of complex emotions, he delivers with a finesse that makes him the toast of Hollywood. That’s why this $600 million rich actor (Celebrity Net Worth) has not only made him one of the highest-paid actors but also secured his place in the pantheon of cinematic legends. 

But beyond the glittering accolades and box office wins, there’s a side to Cruise that emerges in moments of unexpected hilarity. Case in point: the 2009 Academy Awards, where Cruise’s commercial break stunt with Jimmy Kimmel turned out to be a comedic gem (via HuffPost). In a clever twist that left audiences in stitches, Kimmel and the Top Gun star delivered a skit that was the cherry on top of an already entertaining evening.

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His commitment to his work has made him one of Tinseltown's highest-paid actors, a title he wears with ease.
Tom Cruise in Top Gun | Paramount Pictures

Kimmel concocted a scheme where he set Cruise’s house on fire, hoping to guilt the actor into appearing on his late-night talk show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!. In the skit, Cruise’s deadpan delivery and Kimmel’s over-the-top antics created a comedic concoction only for the former to drop the bombshell: (see YouTube):

Jimmy Kimmel, man, you saved my life.

The host then, maintaining his straight face, replied:

I did. I don’t want you to know that I would never set your house on fire intentionally just so you’d come on my show. 

Cruise then delivered the knockout punchline with flawless timing: 

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I’ll do your show, but please save my cat.

As Kimmel charged into the burning building, it promptly exploded, leaving Cruise with a sly grin as he revealed, “I don’t have a cat.”

This skit was more than just a laugh-out-loud moment; it was a masterclass in comedic timing and self-deprecation.

Why Does Tom Cruise Often Stay Away from Big Brand Collaborations?

Who says no to millions? In today’s celebrity-driven market, brand endorsements are as common as popcorn at a movie theater. From Kevin Hart championing Fabletics to Dwayne Johnson’s massive Under Armour partnership, it seems like every high-profile star is cashing in on endorsement deals.

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Cruise’s comedic genius was highlighted during the 2009 Academy Awards commercial break, when he performed with Jimmy Kimmel.
Tom Cruise in Top Gun | Paramount Pictures

Yet, amidst this flurry of promotional activity, one megastar remains notably absent from the endorsement fray—Tom Cruise.  So why does he say no to the ungodly amounts of money that come with brand deals? Well, it all comes down to personal branding and reputation. A social media post (via YouTube) sheds light on this mystery, explaining that Cruise’s decision to steer clear of brand deals is a deliberate strategy rather than a missed opportunity.

This decision might seem like leaving money on the table, especially when one considers the vast sums that endorsement deals can bring. The Rock’s Instagram feed is a testament to the cash cows that brand deals can be, overflowing with posts promoting his various partnerships.

In contrast, Cruise’s social media presence is a minimalist’s dream, primarily showcasing his films and professional achievements. By maintaining a clean brand and focusing on his films, he allows audiences to stay invested in his performances without distractions or conflicting endorsements.

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Written by Siddhika Prajapati

Articles Published: 1833

Between everyday normalities and supernatural abnormalities, Siddhika Prajapati finds the story in everything. Literature Honors Graduate and Post-Graduated in Journalism (from Delhi University), her undying need to deduce the extraordinary out of simplicity makes her a vibrant storyteller.

Serving as a Senior Entertainment Writer at Fandom Wire and having written over 1800 pieces, Siddhika has also worked with multiple clients and projects over the years, including Indian Express, India Today, and Outlook Group.

Who knows, maybe your next favorite persona on the screen will be crafted by her.