The Beginning of a Power Couple
Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman fell in love on the set of 1990’s Days of Thunder at a time when Cruise was already, well, TOM CRUISE, and Kidman was, well, some actress from Australia. Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman’s on-camera love affair blossomed into one off the screen, and in December of 1990 they married in a whirlwind ceremony. Cruise had recently hit a career high when he linked up with Kidman, having suddenly become one of the biggest movie stars in the world after Top Gun (1986), and Kidman was just starting to be recognised for both her skills as an actress and her striking appearance.
Their early years as a couple were star-studded, as they became one of Hollywood’s most photographed pairings. They collaborated again in two other films – Far and Away (1992) and Eyes Wide Shut (1999) – that cemented their status as a golden couple. However, privately, they adopted two children, Isabella and Connor, to round out what looked like a picture-perfect family.
But their life together has not always been free of hurdles. There were also rumors of friction caused by Cruise’s extreme involvement in Scientology, Kidman’s reported difficulties with the pressure of being famous, and fertility struggles. Their 10-year relationship ended in 2001, leaving fans wondering what really happened.
Quick Bio Table
| Category | Tom Cruise | Nicole Kidman |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Thomas Cruise Mapother IV | Nicole Mary Kidman |
| Age (2024) | 61 (Born July 3, 1962) | 56 (Born June 20, 1967) |
| Height | 5’7” (170 cm) | 5’11” (180 cm) |
| Net Worth | $600 million | $250 million |
| Nationality | American | Australian (Born in Hawaii, USA) |
| Famous For | “Mission: Impossible,” “Top Gun” | “Moulin Rouge!,” “Big Little Lies” |
| Ex-Spouse | Nicole Kidman (1990–2001) | Tom Cruise (1990–2001) |
| Current Spouse | None (Divorced from Katie Holmes) | Keith Urban (Married 2006–present) |
| Children | Isabella, Connor, Suri | Isabella, Connor, Sunday, Faith |
| Social Media | None (Private) | @nicolekidman |
| Academy Awards | 0 (3 nominations) | 1 (Win for “The Hours”) |
| Notable Fact | Performs own stunts | One of Hollywood’s highest-paid actresses |
Their Hollywood Peak
Most significantly, both Cruise and Kidman achieved the highest career successes in their marriage. Cruise became a bona fide action star with Mission: Impossible (1996), and Kidman received critical praise for To Die For (1995) and Moulin Rouge! (2001). TOGLIATTI — TOGLIATTI, Russia — A royal couple of Hollywood, their star power was stronger combined than it had been apart, each one frequently draped across red carpets and magazine covers.
Yet they still faced personal challenges even as their careers soared. Kidman would later tell how she’d endured a miscarriage at the time, adding emotional strain to their relationship. Cruise’s allegiance to Scientology, however, was said to have caused tension as Kidman was less active in the controversial church.
Their last film, the Stanley Kubrick-directed Eyes Wide Shut (1999), was plagued with secrecy and grueling shoots. Some wonder if the movie’s themes of marital distrust reflected their real-life relationship issues. Their marriage was already on the rocks by the time the film she was released in 1999.
DIVORCE, THEN THE UNTHINKABLE
Cruise divorced her in February 2001, citing ”irreconcilable differences.” The quick breakup left many wondering what had transpired behind the scenes. Kidman would later say she was “massively lonely” following the split, while Cruise largely kept quiet.
Their adopted children, Isabella and Connor, were at the center of a custody battle. The children both spent the majority of their time with Cruise and were raised in the Church of Scientology, with Kidman having limited contact with them.
The breaking up of actors from their break while their careers and private lives went ahead. Kidman rediscovered love with musician Keith Urban, and Cruise wed Katie Holmes in 2006. Their roads ultimately took them in different directions, but their 10 years together are one of Hollywood’s most beloved love affairs.
Tom Cruise’s Career After Divorce
Tom Cruise redoubled after the breakup, sticking to big-budget actioners, including Minority Report (2002) and War of the Worlds (2005). His Mission: Impossible franchise remained a box office force and a reminder of his formidable star power.
His personal life has also been open, including his headline-grabbing marriage to Katie Holmes and their daughter, Suri. Unfortunately, that marriage also ended in 2012 with divorce, and it whispered about Scientology playing a role yet again.
Today, Cruise is one of Hollywood’s most reliable money-makers, and a star happy to do his stunts into his 60s. And while he is private about his personal life, his professional legacy cannot be overstated.
Nicole Kidman’s Reinvention
After she divorced, Nicole Kidman launched a remarkable career comeback. She next found success, winning an Oscar for The Hours (2002), and earning critical acclaim for Big Little Lies (2017–2019). She found stability with Keith Urban, and the couple had two daughters, Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret.
Unlike Cruise, Kidman has gotten candid about her personal growth, revealing how the divorce has molded her into who she is. She’s also had time to get in touch with her Australian roots; in 2007, after several long stints in Hollywood, she returned permanently to the US, splitting her time between LA and a “fantastic little house in Nashville”.
Kidman, 56, still offers edgy performances; let’s face it, she knows how to expand her range as an actress. Her transition from Cruise’s wife to a force in her own right is truly impressive.
Where Are Their Adopted Kids Now?
So-called “Tomka” ‘s adopted children, Isabella and Connor Cruise, who were adopted during Kidman and Cruise’s marriage, have been notoriously private. Both have followed their father into the Church of Scientology, with Connor working as a DJ and Isabella leading a quieter life.
Kidman has been slow to discuss her relationship with the children, noting how strict their upbringing was. She’s loved them despite the distance, even if their roads have crisscrossed wildly.
Do They Ever Talk About Each Other?
Both have primarily held their fire. Kidman has referred to Cruise as “an essential part of her life,” Cruise has said that Kidman is a “very, very talented actress.” But they seldom communicate, and their lives have gone widely divergent.
Their Legacy as Hollywood’s Golden Couple
But while their marriage didn’t last, Cruise and Kidman’s influence on Hollywood is still very much being felt. Their films together are classics, and their respective careers have flourished in different ways. Their story shows that even the brightest love stories can dim over time, but the impact always lingers.
Final Thoughts: A Love Story to Stand the Test of Time
No chapter in Hollywood history has ever been quite as telling as that of Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. While it didn’t last forever, their impact on pop culture—and their impressive careers—could never be forgotten. What do you think the actual reason for their breakup was?
READ MORE: Malia Manocherian: An Insight Into Her Life and Career
(FAQs)
How long was Tom Cruise married to Nicole Kidman?
Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman were married for 10 years, from December 1990 to August 2001.
Why did Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman break up?
The legal reason was “irreconcilable differences.” Rumor is that has something to do with Scientology, worklife, relationship issues at home, some mania and who knows what else, but neither has made a public statement as to what is actually goes wrong.
Are Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman friends now?
They’ve each made a couple of public comments about one another, and Kidman has described the divorce as painful and necessary. They have two adopted children “˜ Isabella and Connor ‘ who are lower to their Cruise.
How many children do Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman have together?
The couple have two adopted children, Isabella Jane (born 1992) and Connor Antony (born 1995).
What were Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman movies?
His other writing credits include “Days of Thunder” (1990), “Far and Away” (1992) and “Eyes Wide Shut” (1999).
