Rebecca De Mornay Praises Ex Tom Cruise Epic Rise to Stardom. From Risky Business to Top Gun: Rebecca De Mornay’s Rare Words on Tom Cruise’s Hollywood Triumph.
Rebecca De Mornay, the 65-year-old actress known for her breakout role in the 1983 comedy Risky Business, recently shared heartfelt praise for her ex-boyfriend and co-star Tom Cruise, now a global icon at 63. While promoting her new thriller Saint Claire in July 2025, De Mornay opened up about their shared past, their time together in the early ‘80s, and Cruise’s incredible journey to becoming one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Her rare comments offer a glimpse into their bond, the legacy of Risky Business, and her own reflections on navigating fame. Here’s the full story of their connection, her pride in Cruise’s success, and what this means for fans of both stars.
A Nostalgic Look Back at Risky Business
De Mornay’s comments came during a press junket for Saint Claire, a thriller marking her return to the spotlight. When asked about her career-defining role as Lana in Risky Business, opposite Cruise’s Joel Goodsen, she couldn’t help but reflect on their shared history.
The 1983 film, a coming-of-age comedy about a teenager’s wild adventure running a brothel out of his parents’ home, catapulted both actors to fame. Its iconic scenes—like Cruise dancing in his underwear to Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock and Roll”—became cultural touchstones, grossing $63 million on a $6.2 million budget.
“I’m really proud of him,” De Mornay told reporters, beaming with admiration for Cruise’s transformation into a Hollywood powerhouse. “He’s like, ‘I am Top Gun,’ and that’s what America really wanted—and he’s fulfilled it.”
She described Cruise as a “brilliant, brilliant interpreter of what the zeitgeist is,” crediting his ability to tap into audience desires with blockbuster hits like Top Gun, Mission: Impossible, and Jerry Maguire. Her words highlight the ambition she saw in Cruise when they were just young actors filming in Chicago’s suburbs, dreaming of stardom.
A Romance Born on Set
Beyond their on-screen chemistry, De Mornay and Cruise shared a real-life romance that began during Risky Business and lasted three years, from 1982 to 1985. At the time, both were rising stars navigating the pressures of early fame. De Mornay, then 23, and Cruise, 20, bonded over their shared experience on the film, which marked their big breaks.
“I’m really, really proud of knowing him from when we were in the suburbs of Chicago, and knowing what he wanted and where he is now,” she said, reflecting on their early days. Their relationship, though private, was a significant part of their formative years in Hollywood, ending amicably as their careers diverged.
De Mornay’s comments are rare, as she’s typically kept her personal life out of the spotlight. Fans on X have celebrated her candor, with posts like, “Love how Rebecca still roots for Tom after all these years!” and “Risky Business vibes forever.”
The nostalgia resonates, especially as Risky Business remains a beloved ‘80s classic, with its mix of humor, rebellion, and romance still influencing pop culture. The film’s success laid the foundation for Cruise’s action-hero persona and De Mornay’s versatile career in films like The Hand That Rocks the Cradle and Backdraft.
De Mornay’s Journey After Risky Business
While Cruise soared to A-list status, De Mornay faced her own challenges navigating Hollywood. In a 2024 interview, she reflected on the aftermath of Risky Business, admitting, “I had no real plan for what to do next. I knew I didn’t want to be typecast as ‘the sexy woman’, but it was all so difficult to navigate.”
Her role as the alluring call girl Lana risked pigeonholing her, but she consciously sought diverse roles, starring in thrillers, dramas, and even TV shows like Jessica Jones. The loss of her mother in 1986, three years after Risky Business, further derailed her focus, adding emotional weight to her early career struggles.
Despite these hurdles, De Mornay carved out a respected career, earning praise for her intensity and range. Her latest project, Saint Claire, a psychological thriller about a detective unraveling a small-town mystery, showcases her enduring talent.
The film, set for release in late 2025, has generated buzz for its gritty narrative and De Mornay’s commanding performance. Her decision to speak about Cruise now, while promoting this project, suggests a reflective moment, celebrating her past while embracing new opportunities.
Why This Matters to Fans
De Mornay’s praise for Cruise resonates because it humanizes a star often seen as larger-than-life. Their shared history in Risky Business—a film that defined ‘80s youth culture—adds a layer of nostalgia to her words. Fans have taken to X to share clips of the movie, with one user noting, “Rebecca and Tom were electric together. Her saying she’s proud of him hits different.”
The comments also highlight Cruise’s relentless drive, from a suburban Chicago set to performing death-defying stunts in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part Two (2026). At 63, Cruise remains a box-office titan, with his films grossing over $12 billion worldwide, a feat De Mornay clearly admires.
For De Mornay, speaking about Cruise is also a chance to reflect on her own resilience. Her career, though less flashy than Cruise’s, includes standout roles in Runaway Train (1985) and The Trip to Bountiful (1985), earning her critical acclaim.
Her ability to avoid typecasting and maintain a steady presence in Hollywood, despite personal losses, mirrors the determination she sees in Cruise. Fans appreciate this mutual respect, with one X post stating, “Rebecca De Mornay’s class act, giving Tom his flowers while shining in her own right.”
Looking Ahead: A Legacy of Impact
As Saint Claire prepares to hit theaters, De Mornay’s comments have reignited interest in her early work and her connection with Cruise. The timing feels poignant, as 2025 marks the 42nd anniversary of Risky Business, prompting streaming spikes on platforms like Max and Paramount+.
Meanwhile, Cruise is gearing up for Mission: Impossible 8 and a rumored Top Gun 3, showing no signs of slowing down. Both actors, in their own ways, continue to shape Hollywood, with De Mornay’s indie projects and Cruise’s blockbuster dominance.
This rare glimpse into their shared past reminds fans of the magic of Risky Business and the personal journeys behind the fame. De Mornay’s pride in Cruise’s success, paired with her own comeback, underscores the enduring bond forged in their youth.
As one X user put it, “From Chicago suburbs to Hollywood legends, Rebecca and Tom’s story is iconic.” With Saint Claire set to showcase De Mornay’s talent and Cruise’s star power brighter than ever, their legacy continues to inspire.
