[06-04-03] Tom and Penelope SPLITTING?!?

Could be... Maybe Nic isn't out of the picture quite yet (Tom, please say t'is so! We miss our leading lady! Though whether she will take you back is another question, but we wish you luck and our fingers are doubly crossed.)

I'll give you guys more gossip as it becomes available. So far the National Enquirer is the only source and not all that credible, so let's wait and see before we start opening the champaigne bottles.

[05-28-03] Tom isn't listed as one of the attending celebrities, but there are lots of others including Kev Bacon and it's for a great cause, so please check out ClimateStar's launch and help stop Global Warming!

Click to enlarge

[05-12-03] Tom finished filming this past Friday, May 9th, 2003 for The Last Samurai, still slated to come out this December and ET has the full scoop here, including a teaser trailer from the movie!!

[01-16-03] Picture of the set still being built for The Last Samurai and the full article here:

Funny personal account of meeting Tom in the men's room by a reporter - check it out. The guy insists Cruise is just a regular, nice guy. We know that already. ;)

And Tom having fun with a powhiri, gushing about NZ and dazzling the Kiwis, and Mt Taranaki claims exaggerated - full story here. And and even longer interview here.

"Cruise said that from a production point of view, The Last Samurai was the largest movie he had worked on in his career. He described his role as tough and said he had worked hard to get in physical shape for it. He had learned to speak Japanese, how to handle a sword, trained in martial arts, and learned to fight while riding a horse."

[01-15-03] Penelope in Coke commercial, a bit unladylike - as Tom helped direct. Look for it and let us know how you like it on the chalkboard! The full opinion here...

Tom having trouble over in NZ with the Maoris - they would like some recognition for Mount Taranaki (which will be "playing" Mt Fuji probably) in the film - not necessarily cash they say... sounds interesting, will keep you updated on any further developments. Full article here.

Before these issues showed up, here is a friendly pic of Tom with a local, performing a hongi:

Saturday January 11, 01:06 AM
Hollywood superstar Tom Cruise performs a hongi (traditional Maori welcome) with Wahine (Maori woman) Alice Pomare, during a Powhiri, or a traditional Maori welcoming ceremony, prior to a press conference for his film "The Last Samurai" in New Plymouth, New Zealand Saturday, Jan. 11, 2003. Cruise flew into New Zealand last Monday and will begin filming on location in various parts of the Taranaki province in the North Island of New Zealand. (AP Photo/Ross Land) (THANKS UK yahoo! news)

[01-08-03] Another great interview with Nic - dishing on her Golden Globe nominated The Hours, Tom, upcoming projects and more. One lovely lady. Check out the full interview here.

[01-06-03] Happy New Year, everyone! Here are a few new items for your "Tom" needs, in case you missed them:

Tom & Nicole recently joined up together to file a lawsuit against Sephora USA (beaty-products retailer)
Apparently the company had used Tom & Nicole's names and pictures in a Valentine's Day ad without permission. Not a smart move, since Tom has yet to lose a lawsuit... Check out the full story here...

Nicole back in control, but no secrets revealed on divorce - she's always a lady
She is sticking to "divergent career paths" as the reason for the divorce, no fantastic rumors proven true - she is as sweet, confident and intelligent as I have always found her, and I have to say - "YOU GO, GIRL!" This may be a Tom Cruise site, but I love and have the utmost respect for Nic too, so we shall continue to follow her development. Read more on what she recently had to say, if you missed her interview in Vanity Fair magazine...

[11-26-02] Tom signs a teddy bear for a Siegfried & Roy charity auction - the bear is even dressed to look like Tom in his underwear and shades doing the infamous scene from Ricky Business. Check it out right here and bid!

[10-11-02] Tom continues to shine at the top of Entertainment Weekly's "Most Powerful" list -

Tom Hanks tops the chart, followed by Steven Spielberg and Mel Gibson, with Tom at #4. Check out the full story.

Also - More information on The Last Samurai...

And finally a VERY COOL interview with Fred Durst - very candid, Tom talks about Penelope, movies, music tastes, etc. - check it out!

[10-09-02] The Last Samurai goes into production - here is the Warner Bros. release:

Warner Bros. Pictures will begin principal photography on The Last Samurai, starring Tom Cruise, on October 10, 2002 in Japan; filming will continue in New Zealand and the United States. The announcement was made today by Jeff Robinov, President of Production, Warner Bros. Pictures; the Studio will distribute the movie worldwide.

The film is directed by Edward Zwick, written by John Logan and Edward Zwick & Marshall Herskovitz, and produced by Scott Kroopf, Tom Engelman, Edward Zwick, Marshall Herskovitz, Tom Cruise and Paula Wagner. The executive producers are Ted Field, Rick Solomon, Charles Mulvehill and Vincent Ward. After examining the ravages of 19th century America in his Academy Award winning Civil War drama Glory, director Edward Zwick explores the birth of modern Japan in The Last Samurai, a sweeping epic set in Japan during the 1870s. Tom Cruise stars as Capt. Nathan Algren, a respected American military officer hired by the Emperor of Japan to train the country’s first army in the art of modern warfare. As the Emperor attempts to eradicate the ancient Imperial Samurai warriors in preparation for more Westernized and trade-friendly government policies, Algren finds himself unexpectedly impressed and influenced by his encounters with the Samurai, which places him at the center of a struggle between two eras and two worlds, with only his own sense of honor to guide him.

Timothy Spall is Simon Graham, Algren’s British interpreter; Billy Connolly stars as Sergeant Zebulah Gant, a close friend of Algren’s; and Tony Goldwyn plays Colonel Benjamin Bagley, a Civil War veteran seeking his fortune in Japan. Ken Watanabe portrays Katsumoto, a Samurai leader; and Hiroyuki Sanada plays the Samurai Ujio, who is angered at the arrival of Westerners in Japan.

And more on The Last Samurai... (courtesy of etonline)

Konichiwa! A bearded TOM CRUISE jetted to Japan this week to announce the start of principal photography on his newest film, 'The Last Samurai.' The period epic, directed by ED ZWICK ('Glory,' 'The Siege'), stars Tom as a Civil War veteran who journeys to Japan in the late 1870s to train the troops of the emperor Meiji, who no longer wants to rely on samurai warriors to protect his territories. But when Tom's character is captured by the samurai, he learns about their code of honor and has a crisis of conscience as the emperor's new army prepares to wipe out the last samurai.

In preparation for the role, Tom trained with master swordsman NICK POWELL, who also trained MEL GIBSON for 'Braveheart' and RUSSELL CROWE for 'Gladiator.' Also starring TONY GOLDWYN ('Ghost') and BILLY CONNOLLY ('Mrs. Brown') and TIMOTHY SPALL ('Vanilla Sky'), 'The Last Samurai' is slated for release in December 2003.

Just this past Sunday, the busy top gun also attended the closing night of the Hollywood Film Festival with the premiere of 'Narc,' a gritty new film starring JASON PATRIC and RAY LIOTTA. Tom produced the movie and walked the red carpet to sign autographs and show his support for the film.

[10-08-02] Tom says he was misquoted on Iraq -

Promoting movies and taking political stances are not the easiest things in the world, as Tom Cruise has apparently learned.
In Italy during the last week of September to beat the drums of their sci-fi collaboration "Minority Report," Cruise and director Steven Spielberg were asked by reporters at a press conference for their views on President Bush's proposal to go to war against Iraq and its leader, Saddam Hussein.

Cruise, 40, replied that he did not have all the information that the president had on the situation, "but I believe that Saddam has committed many crimes against humanity and against his own people."

The observation was interpreted, in news reports on both sides of the Atlantic, as an endorsement of the Bush call to war -- only that's not really the case, Cruise now says.

"I was actually misquoted on that," the star told TV's "Extra" in a segment aired Monday. "I don't know what Bush and (British) Prime Minister Blair know, so I can't sit here and judge."

[09-30-02] The latest Tom Cruise tidbits (thanks to Zap2It)-

Tom supporting Bush's war on Irag...

While their English colleagues are protesting President Bush’s plans to attack Iraq, Steven Spielberg and Tom Cruise have gone on the record in support of a war.

The two Hollywood forces made their opinions known during a press conference in Rome where the filmmaker and star were promoting the release of “Minority Report.” Spielberg told reporters, "If Bush, as I believe, has reliable information on the fact that Saddam Hussein is making weapons of mass destruction, I cannot but support the policies of his government," according to BBC News.

Cruise echoed his director’s words by adding, "Personally, I don't have all the information President Bush has… But I believe Saddam has committed many crimes against humanity and his own people."

Check out the full story here.

Tom on his kids watching TV, going into space...
"My kids, I really don't like them to watch that much television," said Cruise, 40, who adopted Isabella and Connor (born in 1993 and 1995, respectively) while he was married to second wife Nicole Kidman. (The couple divorced last year after nearly 10 years of marriage.) "We're focusing on reading, a lot of reading."

"They are allowed about three and a half hours of television per week -- if they do very well in their school," he said. "I really don't like them using computers."

"I can actually see the difference when they watch too much television in terms of their education when their reading, in terms of their attention span, their behavior," he said.

At the news conference, Cruise said he still keeps alive his second boyhood dream, aside from film, of being an astronaut. The actor said he recently visited a NASA facility and simulated the weightlessness of space in a swimming pool.

"I spend some time with NASA," he said. "I've just been helping them in various ways, conversations. I am a pilot, I fly aerobatic airplanes."

Cruise also referred to the first space tourists said to have paid about $20 million dollars each for the rare joy of orbiting around the earth on the International Space Station.

"I'd like to do it, I don't want to pay $24 million dollars," he said when asked if he really wanted to go into space. "I'd rather be invited to go."

For the full article, check out this link.

[09-27-02] Tom Cruise Interview with Jonathan Ross - click here.

Also - no Tom Cruise stuff but a bunch of autographed goodies from various other celebrities for a great cause:

"Pick up autographed goodies from today’s hottest stars and help protect animals at the same time. An online auction to benefit the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) kicks off at www.gobid.ca starting October 1st!

Shop your way through a number of items of interest to celebrity watchers including: a DVD of Ocean’s Eleven signed by Brad Pitt; press kits for The Bourne Identity and Sum of All Fears signed by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck respectively; and a Blue Crush t-shirt signed by the movie’s four leading actors and their real-life counterparts, a quartet of female pro surfers involved in the film.

The auction, running until October 31, also features whale and bear watching excursions, gift baskets, jewellery as well as several pieces of artwork. Music sensations R.E.M., Rush, Tim McGraw, Gloria Estefan and film stars George Clooney, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Meg Ryan have all contributed to the month-long event!"

Click HERE to CHECK IT OUT!

[09-20-02] MINORITY REPORT:

Look for the inside story on the dazzling imagery behind Tom Cruise's latest hit, Minority Report, in the fall issue of Cinefex, due out at the end of September. Noted for its in-depth and authoritative coverage, Cinefex details the film's development from conceptual phase through postproduction in a 40-page cover story culled from interviews with the key artists responsible for the effects work. Accompanying the story are more than 35 color photographs, both behind-the-scenes shots and effects clips from the movie. Cinefex can be found in most major bookstores and newsstands or ordered directly by calling 1-800-434-3339. Online orders are accepted at: www.cinefex.com.

[09-19-02] Tom Cruise Minority Report Canvas Banner (Gigantic) for sale - extremely rare promotional cinema banner from the movie Minority Report (approx 10x15 feet) available on ebay - click here to view.

[08-28-02] News on Tom's current project, The Last Samurai - set to be released to theaters in 2003:

Billy Connolly, Tony Goldwyn and Timothy Spall will star opposite Tom Cruise in Warner Bros. Pictures' 19th century epic "The Last Samurai" for director Ed Zwick. Production begins later this year in New Zealand before moving to Japan and the United States. Written by John Logan, "Samurai" is an epic story set in the 1870s during the waning days of the traditional samurai warriors in Japan and the rise of the Meiji emperor at the time of the birth of modern Japan.

Cruise will star as U.S. soldier Capt. Nathan Algren, who is recruited to train the Japanese army to fight against the samurai. He is subsequently captured by the warriors, taught their ways of honorable battle and ends up siding with them. Connolly will play Sgt. Zebulah Gant, Algren's friend who was injured during the war and now has a limp. Goldwyn will play Col. Benjamin Bagly, Algren's commanding officer during the Civil War who recruited him for the job. Spall will play Simon Graham, an English translator for Algren.

[08-13-02] I know this is a Tom Cruise website, but I can't but acknowledge an absolutely astounding actor when I find one (because it is a rare thing these days) - so please, do yourself a favor, and watch something Christian Bale (my personal favorites would be American Psycho and Empire of the Sun, but in my opinion they are all excellent, including the latest, Reign of Fire)!!! The site below is his official website, has all his films to date and it's highly recommended:

[08-02-02] Get an autographed jet picture signed by Tom and donate to a great cause at the same time - check out Item 008 up for bids at: http://www.xvsquadron.co.uk/auction.htm. Ends September 30th. Here's the scoop:

"R.A.F Lossiemouth, XV (R) Squadron GR4 Tornado Display Team of Flt. Lt. Colin McGregor (brother of Ewan McGregor!) & Flt. Lt. Andi McColl and The Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival is this year attempting to raise £20,000 for the Children's Hospice Association of Scotland, Rachel House. Rachel House exists to provide special respite, terminal care and bereavement support for families with a child or young person who is not expected to live into adulthood. Visit www.chas.org.uk for more information."

[07-19-02] How about a "piece of Cruise"? The car from Tom's first movie, Losin' It, is up for sale at Celebrity Car Auction - if you have a couple of grand lying around (try around 50 thou plus), why not? (And why not sponsor the webmaster of this site at the same time? Please?!) The car is a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air convertible, so check it out. Personally, I would opt for Cage's Lamborghini Diablo or at least Sean Penn's Ferrari, which are also available...

[07-09-02] EXCLUSIVE - To win one of the Minority Report Soundtracks described below, enter our contest here (ENDED)!
Thanks to CineMedia, we have FIVE to give away!!! Hurry, contest ends July 31st!

[07-05-02] JOHN WILLIAMS' "MINORITY REPORT" SCORE MARKS 30 YEARS OF COLLABORATION WITH DIRECTOR STEVEN SPIELBERG (Press release quoted with permission from official site http://www.dreamworksrecords.com/minorityreport/)

LOS ANGELES, May 28, 2002
Asked to sum up his very latest commission, composer John Williams - the recipient of five Academy Awards and 19 Grammy Awards - calls it "challenging."

"This film represents a departure for Steven and to some degree for me," says Williams of the Spielberg-directed, Tom Cruise-starring "Minority Report," which premieres nationally June 21. "It's a science-fiction film and an action film and it has elements of film noir. It's also tinged with humor and satire. Then, on top of all that, there's an emotional dimension that's warm and tender. The score has to address all of this."

Based on a story by famed science fiction writer Philip K. Dick, "Minority Report" is set in Washington, D.C., in 2054, a time when police utilize a psychic technology to arrest and convict murderers before they commit their crimes. Tom Cruise plays the head of this Pre-Crime unit and is himself accused of the future murder of a man he has yet to meet...

FOR THE FULL STORY AND MORE INFORMATION ON THE SOUNDTRACK CLICK HERE

[07-03-02] Besides any other news, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TOMMY!

Breaking news again!! It looks like the quotes in the paper may not have been quite correct (surprise surprise), check this followup story by Fox News...

[07-01-02] Breaking news! Tom is getting a lot of heat (just check out our chalkboard!) for recent statements made about his children being raised out of America... check out the full scoop at Fox News.

[06-26-02] Spielberg is back in a big way with his latest flick, Minority Report.

With Tom Cruise as the leading man, this one is sure to blow that kiddy robot movie out of the water. UGO has full coverage including a review, interviews with the cast, and eyewitness accounts of the premiere night - click here!

[06-25-02] Sci-Fi Talk will be featuring Tom Cruise in an interview on Minority Report - "Up first is the radio roundtable interview with Tom Cruise who discusses the journey to work with director Steven Spielberg and the many aspects of this SF thriller. It's a should-not-miss. He even talks about his braces." Catch it on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at:

For 56K Modem or less connection - http://www.live365.com/stations/211667
For T1/DSL connection - http://www.live365.com/stations/227762
Broadcast Schedule - http://hometown.aol.com/scifitalk/broadcast.htm

[06-07-02] Entertainment Weekly interviews Tom for next week's issue - check out the sneak preview at www.ew.com/tomcruise! And I highly recommend getting the issue just for the cover shot featuring Tom with his new braces below!

Click on the pic above for larger version

[06-04-02] Minority Report is fast approaching - in theatres (in the US) on June 21st!!! Check out the official site at http://www.minorityreport.com.

[5-21-02] LEGEND comes to DVD!

Tom as Jack in LEGEND

If you've been looking for a nice copy (or ANY copy for that matter) of one of Tom's earliest movies, Legend, you are in luck. Cult Cinema has come out with an awesome DVD collection - click on the banner below for more information. For LEGEND movie trailers, click below: Legend Trailer 1 Legend Trailer 2 Legend Trailer 3

[5-1-02] Vanilla Sky Collectible LP Set with Film -

"Existing vocabulary fails to illustrate the depth and magnitude of a life in speculation as conveyed in Cameron Crowe's latest film Vanilla Sky - featuring stellar perfomances by Tom Cruise, Penelope Cruz, & Cameron Diaz. This modern, pop culture thrill-ride, pyschodramatic acid trip will leave your brain tingling and your previous perspective on everything quite shaken." This is in part due to the equally evocative and contemporary soundtrack featuring the likes of R.E.M., Radiohead, Sir Paul McCartney, Peter Gabriel, Red House Painters. Josh Rouse, Siqur Rose, Jeff Buckley, Bob Dylan, Nancy Wilson, and the Chemical Brothers among others. Moving fast forward with our valued relationship with Vinyl Films (initiated via last year's "Untitled" soundtrack,) Classic Records (http://www.classicrecords.com) is pleased to bring you the entire Vanilla Sky soundtrack on our (almost) famous 180g QUIEX SV super vinyl!"

*** SPECIAL NOTICE *** Each of these limited edition 2 LP sets comes with an actual piece of the film itself - approximately a dozen frames per set!

[4-19-02] Tom is in Washington, DC and he is narrating IMAX SPACE STATION 3D! To give you a little background on what that's all about...

SPACE STATION is the first cinematic journey to the International Space Station (ISS), where audiences can experience for themselves life in zero gravity aboard the new station. Transported by the magic of the IMAX(r) 3D technology, the audience blasts off into space with the astronauts and cosmonauts from Florida's Kennedy Space Center and Russia's Baikonur Cosmodrome to rendezvous with their new home in orbit 220 miles above Earth. Now people of every age and language can work side by side with their space-walking crewmates, building and inhabiting this unprecedented structure in space. SPACE STATION is produced and directed by Toni Myers and narrated by Tom Cruise.

[12-18-01] Check out these pics from Vanity Fair - click on them to see the FULL version (I recommend it)! And if you'd like to pick up the issue, go here! Be sure to mention our website sent you there!

[9-3-01] Older news to catch up a little to the end of August:

Let's start at the top - Tom and Nicole both showed up at the premiere of the Others (although Tom only signed
authographs and did not stay for the screening) on August 7th, the first time they were seen together in public since
the start of the divorce proceedings. (They never actually crossed paths during the pre-screening party though.)
Tom praised Nicole's performance in the film, but both refrained (for obvious reasons) from further comments.
The very next day, their divorce became final, even though matters such as money, child custody, etc. are
set to be decided on October 4th.

For those who still don't know, yes, Tom is seeing Penelope Cruz, his co-star from Vanilla Sky. He recently
appeared with Cruz at the premiere of her new movie, Captain Corelli's Mandolin.
Nicole has many rumors floating around, such as vacationing with friend Russel Crowe, but it seems she is taking it
slow.

Regarding the lawsuit filed by Tom against Chad Slater aka Kyle Bradford, a former porn star who alleged to have been
Tom's boyfriend, is not being contested. The idiot said he will have to declare bankruptcy if Tom pursues legal action.
I say, pursue all the way, Tom.

On another unhappy divorce note, Melissa Mathison, Harrison Ford's wife, has hired Tom's lawyer, Dennis Wasser, in her
lawsuit against her husband. Ouch, where did the love go in Hollywood???

Finally, to get to the real news, Tom has wrapped Minority Report with Steven Spielberg and is possibly looking at a
civil war role under director Anthony Minghella (who directed The English Patient). The name of the movie is Cold Mountain
and "the lead role is that of a wounded Confederate soldier in the final days of the Civil War who leaves what seems to be his
deathbed to walk home to North Carolina and the woman he loves (www.mrshowbiz.com)." Cate Blanchett may co-star as the wife.

[8-22-01] The Movies and Sounds pages are both updated - check them out, all links should work. ALSO, the FanClub is back in operation and a newsletter will be sent out at the end of this month (August). Existing members need not do anything, your membership was transferred successfully to our new system. And lastly, check out the LOUNGE on the ChalkBoard page to view some of our frequent chatters!

[8-13-01] Tom and Penelope Cruz are a hot item - check out pictures of them at the premiere of Cruz's "Mandolin" at http://www.ezuma.com - courtesy of mandj!!!! Speaking of mandj :) - check out the Chalkboard for our regulars' heated topics! :)

Also:

The American Cinematheque will screen LEGEND on Saturday, September 22, 2001at 5:00 PM at the newly renovated, historic Egyptian Theater in Hollywood as part of an in-person tribute to director Ridley Scott. For more information, please visit www.egyptiantheatre.com.

[7-1-01] Various news tidbits, courtesy of TCFC VP, Kathryn:

From Entertainment Weekly's website: Russell Crowe and Nicole Kidman coincidentally showed up at the exclusive Wakaya Resort in Fiji - the Aussie stars flew in on separate days. The resorts manager tipped the press that both Russell and Nicole were there, then he said that Russell may have had another woman with him. Anyway.......

From US Weekly, July 9, 2001: Tom Cruise has been busy attending public functions lately - he seems ready to put the divorce behind him and move on according to close friends. In April, Cruise attended the Nickelodion Kids' Choice Awards where he got slimed and met up with Rosie O'Donnell (who was probably thrilled to see him single..)

He recently attended the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation benefit for children in Brentwood, California, where he read to children and got wet in the dunk tank. Camryn Manheim said of the event: "It was a chance to see Tom Cruise wet...I thought it would never happen."
Cruise has also been spending alot of time with his children, taking them on helicopter rides in LA and taking them to the vaious events he attends.

He has been busy filming Minority Report with Steven Spielberg and fans have spotted him in Gloucester, Virginia, and Los Angeles.

From Star, July 17, 2001: The results of the divorce settlement thus far is this: Nicole gets the Pacific Palisades family mansion, and the split-level
home in Sydney, Australia. Tom gets his favorite black porsche, his estate in Telluride, Colorodo (where they married), his yacht, Alibi, his two planes, the apartment in New York and he is renting a mansion in Beverly Hills that is reportedly almost twice the size of the original family home and he is paying $45,000 a month in rent! Cruise is worth around $250 million dollars and Nicole is worth about $110 million. They are battling for custody of the children - Tom doesn't want them to be raised in Australia, Nicole does. As for the miscarriage that Nicole had, she reportedly saved some DNA from the fetus in order to prove that the baby was Tom's.... we'll see.

Tom has said that he wants to start dating again and Gwyneth Paltrow has apparantly caught his eye...

[5-1-01] News from this past month:

Premiere.com is featuring Premiere's Power List which orders and celebrates the most powerful 100 people in show biz. This year Tom Cruise is number 11 on the list. The link to Cruise is http://www.premiere.com/premiere/special/power2001/power3.html so check it out!

Out of the many rumors currently going around, Tom apparently had his eyes set on Lisa Marie Presley!!

Nicole's recent co-stars & friends (Ewan McGregor from "Moulin Rouge", George Clooney, Marcus Graham, etc.) have all publicly denied any involvement in the marriage breakup. Nicole's film "Moulin Rouge" is scheduled to open in New York and Los Angeles on May 18.

"Vanilly Sky" has wrapped and is in post-production. Check out the scoop at http://www.corona.bc.ca/films/details/vanillasky.html - the movie release date (US) is to be October this year (2001). For further info, check out http://www.upcomingmovies.com/crowecruise.html and http://movies.go.com/movies/V/vanillasky_2001/index.html - looks very good!

[4-17-01] Bravo Profiles, Inside the Creative Mind, is airing a Profile on Tom Cruise on Wednesday, June 13, 2001 at 7 pm EST. It's a great show featuring interviews with Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Paul Newman, and Dustin Hoffman, among others, so check it out!

[4-04-01] News up through the end of March, courtesy of Kathryn, TC Fan Club VP:

You may have read in this week's issue of Newsweek that Nicole Kidman suffered a miscarriage on March 16. She was 3 months pregnant and her publicist has confirmed that this true. There has always been a rumor about Tom and Nicole having difficulty conceiving, leading to their adoption of their two children. But now people are speculating more than ever as to why their marriage ended after the fact that Nicole was pregnant.

Mr. Cruise looked very handsome, if a bit casual, on Oscar night. Nicole was nowhere to be seen.

In the April issue of Premiere magazine, there is a section on Penelope Cruz and how couples seem to break up after she's made a film with one of them (Vanilla Sky with Tom Cruise).

[3-05-01] News up through the end of February, courtesy of Kathryn, TC Fan Club VP:

On February 5, 2001 Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman announced their regretful decision to separate (http://news.excite.com/news/ap/010205/14/ent-people-cruise-kidman). Their spokeswoman, Pat Kingsley announced: "Citing the difficulties inherent in divergent careers, which constantly keep them apart, they concluded that an amicable separation seems best for both of them at this time." It is not yet known how the custody of their children, Isabella, 8, and Connor, 6 will be handled. The couple's decision has come as a surprise to much of the world, despite the tabloids' many claims over the years of marital troubles between them.

Tom and Nicole met on the set of Days of Thunder in 1990, and were married that year on Christmas Eve in Telluride, Colorado. In 1992 they starred together in the romantic epic Far and Away (one of my favorite films!) and then most recently in Stanley Kubrick's sexual thriller Eyes Wide Shut. Tom and Nicole's relationship has not been without drama over the years. For example: In 1998, London's Sunday Express ran a story claiming that Cruise was gay and that their marriage was a sham. The Cruises sued the paper and won $167,000 which they then donated to a charity. In 1998 the Globe published an article titled "Is Tom Cruise's Marriage Hanging by a Thread?" which was based on an illegally intercepted cellular phone conversation in which Nicole apparantly said those harsh words. Then in 1999, The Star tabloid was sued by the Cruises for claiming that the couple needed to hire sex therapists for their love scenes in Eyes Wide Shut.

Despite all these allegations, Tom and Nicole have always presented a united front to the public, and they seemed the perfect couple - shielding their children from the press and keeping very private. Tom and Nicole are currently working on separate projects - Vanilla Sky for Tom and Moulin Rouge for Nicole.

Two days after the separation announcement, Tom filed for divorce from Nicole Kidman - the petition is going through the Los Angeles Superior Court. The TV show "Access Hollywood" reported that Cruise cited irreconcilable differences and that he wanted joint custody of Isabella and Connor. There are many rumors as to why Tom and Nicole are separting: People magazine reported that they had too many disagreements regarding Scientology (Tom is a devout Scientologist and Nicole was raised Catholic). However, Pat Kingsley - Tom's publicist, denies any connection to Scientology in the split up. Another source is speculating that Tom wants to spend more time in the U.S., while Nicole would rather live in Sydney, Australia. The divorce is suprising considering they just renewed their vows two months ago on their 10th wedding anniversary.

To summarize, I'll just say this: whatever the reasons are for Tom and Nicole's split, I am truly and deeply sorry and I wish them the best of luck both personally and professionally.

On a happier note, check out http://film.com/topten - Tom's listed as one of the top ten actors in the world. If you click on his name in the list (lower left panel on the screen) it brings up a bio with many media clips from various NEW movies, all the up to date news on Tom, and much more. Check it out!

Older news:

Vanilla Sky, Cruise's next film has an expected release date of October, 2001. The cast is: Tom Cruise, Penelope Cruz, Cameron Diaz, Johnny Galecki, Jason Lee, and Kurt Russell. Cruise is producing the film along with his partner Paula Wagner. Kurt Russell will play the second male lead in the film (after Tom of course). The basic plot of Vanilla Sky is: a wealthy ladies' man falls in love with his best friend's girlfriend. The film is being shot in New York City.

Several interesting stories are attached to the making of Vanilla Sky so far... A New York newspaper is quoted as saying that Tom Cruise "lost his cool" when a photographer tried to capture Cruise filming a scene in a car. The paper says that "Tom grabbed his arm and was cursing at him." (Personally, I think I would be fed up with all the paparazzi if I were in Cruise's position too!)

Cruise has apparantly had to disguise his incredible good looks for Vanilla Sky because his characters face becomes disfigured after a car crash. In order not to shock fans and sight-seekers surrounding the film, Cruise wears a hooded cloak so as to not reveal his disfigurement. (That sounds a little extreme to me, but I guess the producers of the film were really worried about scaring Cruise fans!) A member of the production crew is quoted as saying: "If a fan drops dead with shock we'll have a serious lawsuit on our hands."

Tom Cruise was spotted teaching his kids some gymnastics in the park near Pacific Palisades in L.A. One onlooker said that "[Tom] looked like he was having great fun. He was really patient with his kids...I think he was enjoying it even more than them." Cruise then apparantly gave his kids a flying demonstration in his WWII fighter plane that (rumors say) he bought for Christmas.

Tom has this "wall of science" thing that surrounds his future film projects - when he is just starting to delve into a new movie (or even when he is tossing around an idea for his next movie) everyone involved is sworn to secrecy. No one is allowed to bring up the subject unless Tom brings it up first! Paula Wagner has told new staff members to whisper any new film titles that Cruise might be considering. Here is a really long quote from a source at the production company: "It may sound crazy, but Tom has this thing about keeping everything absolutely tight and secret until he's ready to make an announcement. it's not even superstition, it's more about maintaining order. Tom seems to think that if anyone goes around telling peope the new movie he's about make, it somehow devalues the entire project early on or makes it appear he's seeking publicity. So everyone at the company is told that if they want to discuss movies in the pipeline they should go into a huddle and whisper. And make sure they are some distance from Tom." According to Premiere magazine (January, 2001), staff members refer to a script in Tom's hands as "It's in Tomland." (I think it's much better this way because it reduces false rumors and keeps the movies a surprise, so thank you, Tom. - Elle, Editor's note.)

Radio Times, a British Listings magazine has voted Tom Cruise the 38th best Actor of all time. (Paul Newman was first, Tom Hanks is number 44).

In another anti-photographer story... :) According to US Weekly (January, 2001), Tom Cruise has asked that the assistant photographer pick up a camera and start "shooting" any photographer who tries to get near the set of Vanilla Sky. One photographer is quoted as saying: "Tom just steps back and this guy starts filming us. It's a little intimidating." (GOOD! Maybe the paparazzi will get a taste of their own medicine! - Ed.note.)

At the Golden Globe awards on Sunday, January 21, 2001 Tom Cruise handed the award to actress Kate Hudson for Best Actress. The lucky girl! He looked very handsome that night, and I couldn't help feeling a just a little jealous for Mrs Hudson.

[2-04-01] News up through January, courtesy of Kathryn, TC Fan Club VP:

Movieline magazine voted Tom Cruise "most adept at being a movie star" - I assume that means he is gracious and level-headed when it comes to handling his "fame." They also voted Nicole Kidman the actress "most full of surprises."
Premiere magazine did a special issue on Hollywood and the Internet and according to them, Tom Cruise is one of the most sought after stars online. They say: "Hollywood's number-one actor has long been a fixture on the Web, where fans debate the merits of his mixing mainstream blockbusters (MI-2) with quirkier, more adventurous role (Eyes Wide Shut, Magnolia)." Number of sited devoted to him: More than 25 (I don't know where they came up with this figure, because I have done searches that have lead to many more sites about him.) But good news - our site is among the 25! In fact, the magazine quoted someone under the "brief encounter" section from our chatroom! A girl from Korea posted a message in the chat room about having met and talked to Tom at his Korean premiere of MI-2. I actually wrote to this girl and asked her all about the experience, and she wrote back telling me that he acted very gracious!

The only other interesting bit of news about Tom, is this bizarre website I found called: Kidman vs. Cruise. This is a funny website that "mistakes" the wrestler Kidman with Nicole Kidman. A wrestling match ensues, Kidman wins and only then does the author realize that the "Kidman" is not Tom's wife! There are several funny passages about Tom, his "alternate personalities", his "buddies" and his roles as an actor. If fans want to check out this site, they should go to: http://www.mrev.net/slack/main-event/superfights/cruise-vs-kidman.htm

[11-05-00] News from last month, courtesy of Kathryn, Tom Cruise Fan Club V.P.:

Cameron Crowe is reportedly writing a love story entitled "Vanilla Sky" that will star Tom Cruise and Penelope Cruz! (Cute huh - Cruise and Cruz!). This script is currently Hollywood's hottest property. Cameron Diaz is also attached.

I found a website for a dice game that apparently Tom just loves. The headline of the site says "Tom Cruise is Snappin' Are You?" It's this snappy dice game and there is a picture of Tom with that trademark smile of his. For anyone who is interested, the site is at: http://publix.tripod.com/page15.html

In the October 2000 issue of Premiere Magazine, they released the results of a poll taken from magazine readers. The question was: "Which actor or actress would you most like to film a love scene with?" Tom Cruise was #1, of course, but surprisingly, he tied for first place with Ryan Phillippe!

Tom Cruise was voted one of the 10 best actors by Parade Magazine, September 17, 2000. He was in the company of Russell Crowe, Gene Hackman and Anthony Hopkins.

The September 15, 2000 issue of Entertainment Weekly talks about a possible Hollywood Strike that would take place sometime early next year. They expect an impending walkout by writers and actors, members of WGA - the Writers Guild of America, and SAG - the Screen Actors Guild. After June 30 of 2001, they predict that actors such as Tom Cruise, Gwyneth Paltrow and Julia Roberts could join in the strike. Of course this is all speculation. Still, it is worrisome - no Cruise films?!!! One senior agent is quoted as saying: "Can you imagine if [after the strike] someone like Tom Cruise comes up for air and says he wants to do a movie in February! It's going to be awesome!"

[9-30-00] News from last month, courtesy of Kathryn, Tom Cruise Fan Club V.P.:

Tom Cruise and director Cameron Crowe (Jerry Maguire) are talking about working together again, this time on a love story that Crowe will write, and Tom will star in (Daily Variety, July 18, 2000). Cruise and production partner Paula Wagner also want to produce the film which will supposedly be Cruise's next project following Minority Report. Cruise has been very successful at the producer's helm - his latest project, MI-2 was the highest grossing film of the year, bringing in $207 million at the box office. Tom's reported cut of that was $70 million! Not bad for a young producer. MI-2 has been so successful in fact, that CBS has offered to pay $23 million to Paramount in order to broadcast Mission Impossible 5 times over the next four years. TNT and Turner Broadcasting's TBS are looking to secure the cable rights for both MI films.

Although many critics were less than enchanted with Eyes Wide Shut, several think Kubrick's last film is a true work of art, with classic status and longtime appeal. David Schwartz, senior curator at The American Museum of the Moving Image said in a recent New York Time Out article, that he considers the film to be a classic success. "Of modern American films, he thinks Eyes Wide Shut has enough critical and public support to achieve classic status." (Evan Wiener, NY Time Out, August, 2000). I found this quote to be very consoling after all the negative reviews I read of the film. I saw Eyes Wide Shut 3 times in the theatre and I think it is an absolutely beautiful film - a true work of art and a sincere tribute to Kubrick's love of the art of filmmaking.

Tom Cruise's next project, as we all know by now, is the sci-fi thriller Minority Report, directed by Steven Spielberg. The film production schedule is apparently on hiatus due to script approval and other pending projects on Spielberg's plate (such as A.I.). Cruise is confirmed to be starring in Minority Report along with Cate Blanchett. Matt Damon, Jenna Elfman, and Ian McKellan are interested but their involvement is currently unconfirmed.

Nicole Kidman is currently on the cover of TALK Magazine and she gives a wonderful interview inside.

[8-31-00] News from last month:

Guess what? Remember Jerry Maguire? Well, Tom and Paula Wagner (his co-producer) are debating another project with Jerry Maguire director Cameron Crowe - another love story, untitled as of right now. Crowe would also write the movie. The project is currently top-secret but it may begin filming in late fall. This would mean it would come before Tom's current anticipated project with Steven Spielberg, Minority Report, which is still delayed and scheduled to shoot next spring. (see http://movies.go.com/movies/M/minorityreport_2000/index.html for more information on Minority Report)
Actors mentioned to co-star in the flick include Matt Damon, Cate Blanchett, and Jenna Elfman.

Tom is rated THIRD on James Ulmer's Hollywood Hot List: The Complete Guide to Star Power! He is only beaten by Julia Roberts (1) and Tom Hanks (2). The women are taking the lead all over the place apparently, even in Hollywood! The standard for comparison includes factors such as bankability, professionalism, career management, willingness to travel and promote, acting talent, and acting range. (Why, of course Tommy is at the top!!)

[8-22-00] Tom on BRAVO! Check it out: Bravo Profiles is airing Tom Cruise on August 21st at 10pm, August 25th at 8pm and 11:30pm and on August 26th at 7pm. For more information, check out www.bravoprofiles.com.

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