American actor and producer Tom Cruise, standing at 5ft 7 ¾ (172.1 cm), is best known for being one of the highest-paying actors in the world, with an estimated net worth of $600 million.
On July 10, 2021, in London, England, on day 12 of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Pom Klementieff (L), standing at 5ft 6 ¾ (169.5 cm), Tom Cruise (C) at 5ft 7 ¾ (172.1 cm), and his then-girlfriend Hayley Atwell at 5ft 6 (167.6 cm) were in attendance (Credit: MEGA / WENN)
While Cruise has stood proud with his vast array of awards and recognition, including nominations for three Academy Awards, a British Academy Film Award, and three Golden Globe Awards, this well-known Hollywood star has still magnetized attention, focusing on his apparent lack of height.
The Real Height of Tom Cruise Revealed
Despite being commonly listed as 5’7″, Tom Cruise is reported to stand at 5ft 7 ¾ (172.1 cm). Interestingly, in the 1980s, he was often cited as being 5’8” or even 5’9”.
Indeed, in 1988, Cruise stated that he stood at 5’9” and weighed 147 pounds. Many observed him to have an average height and build. However, his striking blue eyes and captivating grin distinguished him from others in the film world.
When the 1988 American road drama film “Rain Man” was released in the United States on December 16, 1988, Dustin Hoffman was 51 years old, while Tom Cruise was 26 years old (Credit: United Artists)
However, being sighted next to other actors, actresses, and romantic partners has helped uncover the extent to which this actor really is short in this industry.
Despite this, Cruise hasn’t allowed this factor to emasculate him. He has tackled his career head-on in various captivating and memorable roles.
Tom Cruise wears a US men’s shoe size 9. In the UK, his shoe size is 8.5, and in Europe, it would be approximately size 42. Known for being slightly shorter than the average Hollywood leading man, Cruise often opts for elevator shoes to subtly boost his height on and off the red carpet. These shoes add inches and complement his polished and confident style, ensuring he always makes a striking impression.
Why Tom Cruise’s Height Is a Hot Topic
With the average male height at around 5’9”, many often point out the difference in Cruise’s height to others around him, especially when surrounded by over 6-foot-tall bodyguards who appear to dwarf him.
Even when not wearing high heels, 5′ 9″ tall actress Cameron Diaz towers over 5′ 7″ tall actor Tom Cruise (Credit: WENN)
While shorter than the average male, this physicality hasn’t held Cruise back in his career, where he has stolen the show across decades of filmmaking.
Cruise has shown that he can work with a wide range of people, even if there is a much taller actress.
Tom Cruise and His Relationships With Taller Partners
Having dated many women who are taller than average, Tom Cruise’s ex-wife, American-born Australian actress Nicole Kidman, is just one of these women.
Within the film industry herself, Kidman wore incredibly flat shoes while filming Days of Thunder, yet the height difference between herself and Cruise was still very distinguishable.
“They had me in really flat shoes, but you could still see I was taller than him. I’d prefer to be smaller, but I don’t mind. I like the fact that he’s one of the most famous actors in the world and can work with anybody – but he doesn’t mind working with an actress who’s taller,” Kidman said about filming the 1990 American sports action drama film.
Brad Pitt and Nicole Kidman make Tom Cruise look short (Credit: WENN)
After the couple’s divorce, Kidman soon joked that she could wear high heels again without the height drawing too much attention.
Cruise’s other ex-wife, Katie Holmes, is also taller than him at 5’9”, so it’s obvious that Cruise has had a history of getting used to his less-than-average height.
Cruise’s first official partner, Mimi Rogers, stands two inches taller than him at 5 feet 9 inches. Famous American singer Cher also took Cruise’s fancy, displaying this actor’s love for taller and older women.
Comedians loved poking fun at the height difference between 5’7″ Tom Cruise and his 5’9″ wife Katie Holmes (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)
Therefore, while many factors stand in the way of modern relationships, Cruise appears to put love first when it comes to coupling up.
Onscreen Heights: Tom Cruise Beside Brad Pitt
Rumors abound that Tom Cruise enhanced his stature with shoe lifts or elevated boots during ‘Interview with the Vampire’ to appear taller alongside Brad Pitt.
During filming, Cruise stood on platforms next to Pitt in certain scenes. The production team always tried to devise innovative solutions to reduce the height difference between Cruise, 5’7”, and Pitt, 5’11”.
To address the height difference between Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise during the production of “Interview with the Vampire,” the crew had Tom Cruise stand on specially constructed platforms while Brad Pitt stood in a ditch to even out their apparent heights on screen (Credit: Warner Bros.).
Therefore, they cleverly dug ditches for Pitt to stand in while acting in scenes opposite Cruise. Considering the improvisations and techniques the team used to reduce the noticeable height differences between the two actors, it’s impressive that the film has held up so well over the years.
The Ongoing Debate Over Tom Cruise’s Height
Therefore, while much discussion has been about one of the biggest celebrities in Hollywood’s less-than-average height, Tom Cruise doesn’t allow his co-workers and partners to diminish his overall performance and success.
As a Golden Globe award-winning actor, Tom Cruise’s success in Hollywood is undeniable. Despite his perceived lack of height, Cruise has consistently demonstrated a willingness to work alongside actors and actresses of various sizes.
This has showcased his versatility as an actor and helped him maintain his position as one of the most successful stars in the industry. His dedication to his craft and astute fashion sense has allowed him to overcome any perceived physical limitations and carve a fortune in his acting career.
Tom Cruise stands at 5ft 7 ¾ (172.1 cm), which is often viewed as somewhat shorter than the typical leading man in Hollywood (Credit: KIKA / WENN)
With heads constantly turning in Cruise’s direction, his radiating confidence and flashing smile have helped him draw attention for the right reasons.
Explore More About Tom Cruise:
For readers interested in exploring more about Tom Cruise’s career and personal life, consider delving into the following articles:
- Why Jennifer Connelly Replaced Kelly McGillis in Top Gun: Maverick: Discover the reasons behind the casting changes in the iconic film’s sequel.
- Days of Thunder: Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman’s On-Set Romance: Learn about the relationship that blossomed between Cruise and Kidman during the filming of this classic movie.
- 3 Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise Movies Ranked From Worst to Best: Explore the films that featured both Cruise and Kidman together.
- Why Nicole Kidman’s Divorce From Tom Cruise Brought Her Success: Understand how Kidman’s career evolved following her separation from Cruise.
- Hayley Atwell and Tom Cruise: On-Screen Chemistry and Real-Life Rumors: Read about Hayley Atwell’s experience working with Cruise and addressing dating rumors during the filming of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.
- Dakota Fanning and Tom Cruise: An Enduring Friendship: Discover the unique bond between Cruise and Fanning formed during War of the Worlds.
- How to Spot Genuine Ray-Ban Sunglasses Worn by Cruise in Top Gun: Learn how to distinguish authentic Ray-Ban sunglasses, famously associated with Cruise.
During their six-year marriage, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes were among Hollywood’s most talked-about couples. From high-profile red carpet events to intimate family moments, their relationship was under constant media scrutiny, offering glimpses into their glamorous yet complex lives together. One such memorable occasion was Katie’s 33rd birthday celebration, which highlighted their bond.
Katie Holmes’ 33rd Birthday Celebration: Style and Venue Details
Katie Holmes was joined by her husband, Tom Cruise, in a sheer blouse paired with a black strapless jumpsuit (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN)
On December 18, 2011, Katie Holmes, accompanied by her parents, husband Tom Cruise, and daughter Suri, celebrated her 33rd birthday at the upscale restaurant Buddakan in New York City.
Katie Holmes, whose birth name is Kate Noelle Holmes, was born on December 18, 1978, in Toledo, Ohio, U.S. She is of German, Irish, and English ethnicity.
Wearing an Aladdin-esque black jumpsuit with white lace sleeves, Katie Holmes seemingly wanted to match the restaurant’s modern Asian theme that night.
Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise leaving their Manhattan hotel with daughter Suri to celebrate Katie’s 33rd birthday at the Buddakan Restaurant in New York City on December 18, 2011 (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN)
She completed her outfit with a pair of Rodarte for Opening Ceremony t-strap heels. They didn’t go with her outfit, but thankfully, they went with its black-and-white theme.
These pumps look jarring with those harem pants. But on their own and cropped as in the picture above, you can see that these T-strap pumps are quite stylish.
T-straps always have that retro vibe, but they go back a few eras when made in black and white and finished with a cap toe.
Katie Holmes wearing Rodarte for Opening Ceremony t-strap heels
Black and white T-straps would look really interesting in an office wardrobe when worn with pencil skirts or tailored suits. They’d also look great paired with floral a-line dresses or one of those 40s-style dresses from the Miu Miu Fall 2011 collection.
With the stiletto heel and the pointy toe, these Manolo Blahnik t-strap pumps have a sexier vibe. But the perforations and the black and white colors keep things retro. There’s also a very subtle wingtip design right at the toe:
Manolo Blahnik Leather T-Strap Spectator Pumps, $785.00
For something a bit more vintage, we love this design from Marc Jacobs.
Marc Jacobs Fetish T-Strap Heels, $895.00
How would you wear a pair of retro t-strap pumps?