Michael Caine Praises Tom Cruise as One of Hollywood’s Last True Stars
Tom Cruise has firmly established himself as a Hollywood powerhouse, a sentiment echoed by legendary actor Michael Caine. In an interview with The Sunday Times on November 3, 2024, Caine expressed his admiration for Cruise, highlighting the significant draw the actor has for film audiences.
“He is really one of the last true stars in movies. People will go see a film just because he’s in it.”
Comparisons to Hollywood Icons
Caine further compared Cruise to other Hollywood heavyweights, including Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman, stating that these stars also possess remarkable charisma and appeal. He lamented the rarity of such star power in today’s entertainment landscape:
“There are so few nowadays—not like John Wayne or Humphrey Bogart or Cary Grant.”
A Memorable Encounter
Reflecting on his extensive career in his upcoming memoir, Don’t Look Back, You’ll Trip Over, Michael Caine recounted his first encounter with a young Tom Cruise in the early 1980s. At a gathering related to Caine’s comedy-drama Educating Rita, he described a young, up-and-coming Cruise as “very polite”and eager to learn.
“I turned around and there was this young actor, very polite, asking questions about how not to be just a flash in the pan. That was Tom [Cruise], probably around the time of Risky Business.”
Career Advice Through the Years
Though Caine couldn’t recall the specific advice he provided to the young Cruise, he noted that whatever it was seemed to have a positive effect on Cruise’s flourishing career:
“I can’t remember what I said, but it obviously didn’t do him any harm!”
Legacy of an Icon
Since the release of Risky Business, Tom Cruise has starred in a string of highly successful films, such as the Mission: Impossible series, War of the Worlds, and Top Gun. Caine recalled Cruise’s unique qualities, emphasizing:
“There was something special about him. He had a great attitude, this sense of poise.”
From Collaboration to Celebration
In their serendipitous journey, Caine and Cruise shared the screen in the 2002 film Austin Powers in Goldmember, where Caine played Nigel Powers, and Cruise made a cameo as himself. Their camaraderie transcended the film set; Cruise even attended Caine’s 90th birthday celebration, orchestrated by Caine’s wife, Shakira.
“[Shakira] arranged for Tom Cruise to come to my dinner at the River Café as a surprise. I was very touched.”
Upcoming Release
The much-anticipated book, Don’t Look Back, You’ll Trip Over, will be available on November 7, 2024, showcasing Caine’s reflections on his distinguished career and more personal anecdotes.
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