Tom Cruise’s romantic chronicles are typically dominated by two major personalities – Nicole Kidman and Katie Holmes. However, between these high-profile relationships, one intriguing affair stands out. Cruise was involved in what seemed like an ideal relationship with another Hollywood heavyweight, Penelope Cruz. Let’s delve into this interesting love story that made headlines in the early 2000s…
It all began in a remarkable Hollywood style- on the movie set of ‘Vanilla Sky’ in 2000. At that time, Cruise, who was 38, was going through a tumultuous time in his personal life navigating a divorce from Kidman, his spouse for a decade. It wasn’t till the subsequent year, in 2001, that the spark turned into a romantic relationship.
Cruise and Cruz were seen dancing at a party held in Santa Monica shortly after their meeting. Interestingly, just a week later, the couple took a trip to Fiji. The destination was a luxurious resort which Cruise was originally planning to visit with Kidman before they parted ways. Despite the awkwardness of the situation, the bonding between Cruise and Cruz only intensified.
Looking back, both Cruz and Cruise have affirmed that their relationship blossomed only after they finished filming ‘Vanilla Sky’. Interestingly, Cruise has indeed fallen in love on set before – he met Nicole Kidman during the shooting of ‘Days Of Thunder’ in 1989 and the pair tied the knot the following year.
Though not as famous as Cruise’s other relationships, this wasn’t just a fleeting episode. The association between Cruise and Cruz spanned almost three years, adding another significant chapter to Cruise’s love life. Yet, due to their demanding professional commitments, their time together wasn’t as plentiful as one might imagine.
Rumors that Cruise’s relationship with Cruz was in troubled waters began surfacing around the beginning of 2004. Cruise was seen attending the Golden Globe Awards unaccompanied while Cruz was away visiting her family in Spain. A public confirmation of their split came later that Spring, from their individual publicists.
Tom Cruise is well-known for his passion for expressing his love fervently. In keeping with his reputation, he was quite candid in interviews, frequently discussing his adoration for Cruz. Although he didn’t exhibit the same couch-jumping enthusiasm we’ve seen in the past, his fondness for Cruz was quite visible.
Today, over a decade after parting ways, Cruise and Cruz share an amicable relationship. Evidence of this friendly camaraderie was seen in 2015, when the pair, along with mutual friend Salma Hayek, dined together in London. In an amusing note, Cruise was photographed with red lipstick on his cheek as he exited the restaurant.
Cruz has also spoken about her relationship with Cruise in several interviews over the years. Despite continuous rumours and speculations, she has consistently clarified that their split had nothing to do with Scientology, a religion closely associated with Cruise.
From an outsider’s perspective, Cruise and Cruz made a charming pair and appeared quite content during their relationship. The lighthearted nature of their relationship could have been just what Cruise required following the emotional turmoil of his high-profile divorce from Kidman.
Subsequent to Cruz, Cruise married Katie Holmes in 2006, but their marriage ended in 2012. Since then, the actor has not been involved in any relationship of similar seriousness. Currently in his sixties, he appears to be content with his shining social life.