At the age of 61, Tom Cruise continues to shine at the top of Hollywood thanks to his performances in Top Gun: Maverick and the latest Mission: Impossible installment. However, the road to the top took many twists and turns along the way. It seems as though Tom's interviews didn't do him any favors during the late '90s and into the early 2000s. We'll take a look back at candid moments that derailed his career, and how he felt about it.
In addition, we'll reveal the different extremes of Tom Cruise and his personality when appearing alongside David Letterman. During his first appearance, Tom Cruise seemed to be completely different. We'll reveal what went on during his first time alongside Dave, and how different Cruise was alongside the host in the later years.
Tom Cruise Revealed He's Often Misunderstood By The Media
Throughout his career, it seems like interviews have done more harm than good for Tom Cruise. That was especially true during his interview alongside Oprah, during his memorable 'couch jumping' incident. Controversy continued to follow the actor alongside Matt Lauer on the Today show.
Nonetheless, despite the controversy, Cruise mentioned alongside Pop Sugar that he's largely misunderstood.
"Listen I, I feel like definitely things have been misunderstood, and there are things I could have done better. But then there's also that world where you go, 'Oh, it's been spun to such an extent that. That's a truth also."
Cruise continues, "Knowing when and where to communicate, I think that's important. A lot of times I was nervous giving interviews. Or I wasn't sometimes as comfortable about things. And I realized that it's okay. There's stuff you have to just let go. I just have to do the best I can."
Of course, the interview troubles are a thing of the past, as Cruise continues to generate millions at the box office. Still, fans can't help but notice how different Cruise was back in the day, especially during his interview alongside Letterman way back in the summer of 1988.
Tom Cruise Appeared To Be Extremely Calm During His First Late Show Appearance With David Letterman In 1988
Unlike his other future interviews which saw high energy, this particular experience alongside David Letterman was quite the opposite. During his first time alongside David Letterman, Cruise was incredibly calm. He was hardly moving in his chair, while giving calm and cool answers to the questions given by the host. Cruise discussed various topics, including his experience in driving fast cars for roles. Never once did Tom seem to be over the top, instead, he kept things level throughout the chat.
Fans can see the moment for themselves in the throwback video below.
As expected, fans were chiming in with all sorts of comments, especially given how Tom evolved over time following this very interview.
One fan notes, "His personality has indeed morphed over the years. Fascinating what money in and of itself will do to a person notwithstanding fame. I am happy and sad for him all at once. Unbelievably gifted in the looks department."
Another fan noted Tom's hilarious reaction to Letterman ripping his co-star, Paul Newman.
"Favorite part is Tom Cruise getting caught off guard and his adorable reaction when Letterman asked, "does it bother you that you carried Paul Newman in the movie."
Years later, Cruise would reappear on the Late Show alongside David Letterman and this time around, things were very different.
Fans Compared Tom Cruise's Later Appearance On David Letterman's Late Show To Christian Bale's American Psycho Character
It was a much different vibe in the later years as Tom Cruise appeared alongside David Letterman for yet another interview. Cruise detailed the story of flying at a high altitude, while turning off the oxygen for the back passenger. Cruise laughed off the experience, while Letterman looked on telling Cruise, "isn't that attempted manslaughter?" That only created more laughter from Tom.
The interview was later compared to Patrick Bateman in American Psycho. It seems like Christian Bale took the interview as motivation for his role. Fans agreed after watching Tom's interview alongside Letterman.
"This is the interview that inspired Christian Bale in his role as Patrick Bateman in American psycho. A whole lot of smiling and laughing with nothing behind the eyes. A never ending façade," a fan notes.
Others just compared Tom Cruise to a regular person, who also has a sense of humor.
"It's a very internal joke, he's reliving the moment in a safe perspective....I laugh about things uncontrollably after the fear and worry is gone...it proves he's human with a great sense of humor."
Without a doubt, Tom always left fans talking during his interview in the '90s and into the early 2000s.
