After Trying to Be a Priest as a Teenager, Top Gun Star Tom Cruise Wanted to Change His Life by Leaving Mimi Rogers to Be a Monk
Tom Cruise, a legendary figure in the world of entertainment, has captivated audiences with his breathtaking stunts and charismatic performances for more than four decades. Beyond his cinematic achievements, Tom Cruise is also celebrated for his extensive philanthropic work, making him a multi-dimensional personality. However, what may come as a surprise to many is Tom Cruise’s early aspiration to become a Catholic priest during his teenage years. In his youth, he was genuinely intrigued by the lifestyle and calling of the clergy.
In a revealing interview years later, Tom Cruise’s first wife, Mimi Rogers, shed light on how their relationship and Cruise’s early aspirations emerged. Rogers, in sharing her experiences with Cruise, disclosed that he had seriously contemplated pursuing a monastic life. This revelation left many speculating that his desire to embrace such a profoundly spiritual existence might have played a role in their eventual separation.
Tom Cruise’s Early Journey Toward the Priesthood
Before Tom Cruise became a household name in the entertainment industry, his life was taking a vastly different trajectory. In a surprising twist, Cruise was actually on a path to becoming a Catholic priest. This unexpected turn in his life was rooted in his deep faith and a profound inspiration he found in Father Ric Schneider, whose speech deeply resonated with the young Cruise. With a fervent Catholic faith, Cruise was drawn to the seminary, where he saw the life of a priest as an appealing and honorable calling. Tom Cruise’s school friend Shane Dempler told (via New York Daily News),
“We used to attend Mass, spend time in the chapel and enjoy hearing stories from the priests. We thought the priests had a great lifestyle and we were really interested in priesthood.”
However, Cruise’s journey in the seminary took an abrupt turn when he and a friend were caught stealing alcohol from the fathers. When their fellow classmates eventually confessed to the misadventure, the fathers at the seminary discovered the truth. This incident marked a significant turning point in Cruise’s life. While the young Cruise had been drawn to the idea of priesthood and saw it as a compelling path, the theft and subsequent transgression forced him to reconsider his choices. It became clear to him that he might not be ready to make a lifelong commitment to the priesthood at that point in his life.
Tom Cruise’s Unfulfilled Relationship with Mimi Rogers
Tom Cruise, renowned for his cinematic achievements, has also garnered substantial attention for his high-profile relationships over the years. While the actor’s romantic life has been a subject of much interest, it was his former partner, Mimi Rogers, who shed light on a surprising facet of his aspirations that may have contributed to their separation. In 1987, Cruise and Rogers exchanged vows, embarking on a marital journey that would prove to be relatively short-lived, culminating in their divorce three years later.
Mimi Rogers disclosed that Cruise’s aspiration to become a ‘monk’ was a significant factor in their eventual parting. This revelation suggests that Cruise’s early yearning for a spiritual and contemplative existence continued to burn within him, even as his career and fame in the world of entertainment flourished. Rogers told (via E Online),
“Tom was seriously thinking of becoming a monk. At least for that period of time, it looked as though the marriage wouldn’t fit into his overall spiritual need. And he thought he had to be celibate to maintain the purity of his instrument.”
Cruise’s enduring fascination with spirituality and his brief consideration of monasticism provide a unique glimpse into the complex and multifaceted nature of his journey. However, it is important to note that despite his contemplation of a monastic life, Tom Cruise did not ultimately pursue such a path. Instead, he embarked on relationships and marriages with prominent individuals such as Nicole Kidman and Katie Holmes, carving out a personal life marked by a series of high-profile romances.
