Tom Cruise’s remarkable ability to seamlessly transform and adapt to any role he takes on is one of the most impressive aspects of his acting prowess. The Oscar-nominated actor is unquestionably one of the few in Hollywood who possesses the undeniable charm and talent required to hold an audience’s attention.
Thanks to his distinctive intensity and commitment to his work, he has carved a niche for himself that few can match. Even his fellow actors, like Lea Thompson, are enthralled by his exceptional presence both on and off the screen.
After getting her big break opposite Cruise in 1983’s All the Right Moves, Thompson rose to fame for her portrayal of Lorraine Baines McFly in 1985’s Back to the Future. She recently stated that she was immediately drawn to the Vanilla Sky actor.
Lea Thompson Recalled Working With Tom Cruise
It is no secret that Tom Cruise gives his performances an unwavering intensity. No matter how difficult or physically taxing the scene, it is clear that he is committed to portraying each of his characters completely. After seeing his dedication firsthand when they were cast in a 1983 sports drama film, Lea Thompson described him to Parade as a
“Very intense and kind and dedicated and polite, just as he is now. 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-foot-7?”
The actors worked together on Michael Chapman’s 1983 All The Right Moves, a Lucille Ball Production. In case you were not aware, Thompson is best known for her role as Lorraine Baines-McFly in the renowned cult classic Back To The Future trilogy.
The 62-year-old actress continued by explaining her inspiration from Cruise’s enormous success (via Parade):
“It does blow my mind. It’s one of those things that makes it weird to be a woman because of all the women I grew up with, none of them…you know, it’s easier to be a man and a movie star. And [even] Julia Roberts…what’s her last big movie? I know Tom Cruise is an anomaly and deserves it. Like, who would ride a motorcycle off a mountain [in Mission: Impossible—Dead Reckoning Part One]? Not me. I’d just climb the pyramid of bodies.”
Tom Cruise Saved Lea Thompson From Filming An Intimate Scene For All The Right Moves
Lea Thompson once recalled how Tom Cruise, who played her co-star in All the Right Moves, saved her from having to shoot uncomfortable scenes. The Back to the Future actress admitted that the film’s n*de scenes—which she would have had to film alongside him—put her off working on it.
She remarked to Closer Weekly:
“They [producers] wanted me to show my breasts twice in the script. I didn’t even audition because I didn’t want to take my shirt off, but I got the part and was like, ‘OK.’ Tom managed to talk them out of one of the [n*de] scenes, and in the second, he said, ‘Well, if she has to be n*ked, I’ll be n*ked, too.’ That’s pretty b*dass! I’ve always been grateful to him for standing up to the producers.”
Moreover, she also had a great time with Back to the Future co-star Michael J. Fox. They co-starred in Back to the Future Part II (1989) and Back to the Future Part III (1990). Thompson told Closer Weekly:
“[Those memories are] continuing because we’ve been doing panels together,” she explained. “He’s so funny, clever and self-deprecating, yet strong. If you want an old memory… I didn’t realize he was a star then. We shared a little trailer [on set], and we couldn’t get out because these neighborhood girls [trapped us inside]. I was like, ‘I guess he really is famous!’”
She has no regrets about continuing to pursue her successful, stable career in the industry while also being an involved mother and a loving spouse. The mother of two further added:
“I have a great husband, great children and a great life!”
Meanwhile, Cruise will next be seen in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two, which Paramount Pictures plans to release on June 28, 2024.
Source- Parade; Closer Weekly
