Life-changing moments come in everyone’s life. For some, they may come as a sudden realization that changes their life forever. In the movie business, these moments can transform a promising talent into an iconic performer, and not many stories can represent this better than Tom Cruise’s.
Just like every other actor, Cruise was also once an aspiring actor before becoming one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars. However, one of his early works led him to become not only a successful actor but also a student of the craft, which eventually shaped his career.
How Tom Cruise’s early role sparked his dedication to acting
Before becoming an actor, Tom Cruise wanted something else from his life. The actor was heavily inclined towards the sport of ice hockey. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Cruise revealed how his mother warned him against playing hockey, but he ended up proving her wrong with his skills.
However, as he became 17-year-old, his career aspirations suddenly shifted towards acting. He shifted to New York after his high school graduation to pursue his new passion, and he landed a role in 1981’s war-drama Taps.
Cruise’s leap of faith paid off, as what started as a background role impressed his director, Harold Becker. Talking to Vanity Fair, Cruise revealed how working in Taps was an epiphany for him.
I remember during Taps, I couldn’t sleep at night sometimes. I thought, O.K., I want to be an actor. I want to learn about what acting is. I had this feeling of ‘Here I am 18 years old and this stuff is going on.’ This is what I wanted to do with my life.
Cruise later got his breakthrough roles in movies like Risky Business and Top Gun, but instead of just enjoying his fame and success, he used the opportunity to learn everything about acting and filmmaking. He said,
I’d sit down with these directors, like Sydney Pollack [The Firm]. I’d say, ‘What does this mean? The master shot? The close-up? How do you use these images to tell a story?’
Cruise played Cadet Captain David Shawn in Taps. According to Box Office Mojo, the movie earned about $35.8 million globally, and it has similar critic and audience ratings of 68% and 67%, respectively, on Rotten Tomatoes. Although the movie was not a blockbuster, it sparked the passion for films in one of the biggest movie stars ever.
US Navy honors Tom Cruise with the highest civilian award
Tom Cruise recently received the Distinguished Public Service Award for honoring the military with his on-screen roles. Cruise received the US Navy’s highest civilian honor at a ceremony at Longcross Film Studios in Chertsey, Surrey.
According to Associated Press News, the Navy said that Cruise “increased public awareness and appreciation for our highly trained personnel and the sacrifices they make while in uniform.” Cruise accepted the honor, thanking the military servicemen, saying,
I admire all of the servicemen and women. I know in life, something that is very true to me, is that is to lead is to serve. And I know that to my core. And I see that in the servicemen and women.
Cruise’s role as Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in the Top Gun franchise is one of the reasons behind his award. Apart from that, his roles in Born on the Fourth of July, A Few Good Men, and even the Mission: Impossible series portrayed military service with respect.
Taps is available to stream on Prime Video.
Frequently asked questions
What movie is Tom Cruise talking about when he says he ‘couldn’t sleep at night sometimes’?
He is referring to Taps, the 1981 military-academy war drama directed by Harold Becker. Cruise recalled that during production he sometimes couldn’t sleep because he realized he genuinely wanted to be an actor and learn the craft. It was one of his earliest film roles and a turning point that set his career in motion.
What is the $35.8 million figure connected to the film?
Roughly $35.8 million is the worldwide box-office total reported for Taps by Box Office Mojo. The article notes the 1981 release was not a blockbuster, but Cruise’s leap of faith paid off: it was an early credit that helped raise his profile before his breakout roles in Risky Business and Top Gun.
Who else starred in Taps and what is it about?
Taps follows a group of military-school cadets who take over their academy in an attempt to stop it from being shut down. Tom Cruise plays Cadet Captain David Shawn, alongside Timothy Hutton, George C. Scott, and Sean Penn, with Harold Becker directing. It marked one of Cruise’s first major screen appearances.
