Tom Cruise, Estranged from His Daughter, Has Been Sending Birthday Gifts to a Former Child Star for Years — Why?

Tom Cruise has been a prominent figure in Hollywood for many years. His performances in various blockbuster movies have made him a well-known name in the film industry. In addition to his acting career, his personal life has also attracted public attention.

Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt in a scene from the film “Mission: Impossible” in 1996 | Source: Getty Images

One of the most publicized aspects of his personal life is his relationship—or lack thereof—with his daughter. But despite the image he has portrayed as an uninvolved father, he has proven his capacity to forge lasting connections.

Suri Cruise on October 19, 2007 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Cruise has sustained a personal tradition spanning nearly two decades. Year after year, he has sent birthday gifts to a former child star who was an important part of his past. This consistent act suggests a personal connection that has lasted for almost 20 years.

Tom Cruise at the “Rock of Ages” premiere on June 8, 2012 | Source: Getty Images

Unravelling Tom Cruise’s Estrangement with His Daughter

Despite the deep connection implied by his long-standing tradition with this child star, the actor’s relationship with his daughter Suri Cruise tells a different story. A source confirmed to Page Six last year that the actor remains distant from Suri, who was 16 at the time of the report.

Tom Cruise and his daughter Suri Cruise seen on October 6, 2008 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

The last public images of the father-daughter duo together date back to July 2012, indicating a long-standing separation. Cruise and his then-partner Katie Holmes welcomed Suri on April 18, 2006.

Katie Holmes, Tom Cruise, and their daughter Suri Cruise on October 10, 2009 in Cambridge, Massachusetts | Source: Getty Images

In the months following her birth, the couple expressed their adoration for their daughter, with Holmes noting Suri’s resemblance to Cruise. However, following their split in 2011, Cruise’s relationship with Suri began to deteriorate.

Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, and their daughter Suri Cruise on November 17, 2006 in Rome, Italy | Source: Getty Images

Tom Cruise and Suri Cruise are seen on July 17, 2012 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

In 2012, Cruise sued Bauer Media for claiming he had abandoned Suri. During the lawsuit, he revealed that he hadn’t seen Suri for three months after separating from Holmes.

Tom Cruise during an interview on June 8, 2012 | Source: Getty Images

The core issue of the estrangement was Holmes’ decision to leave Cruise, partly to protect Suri from Scientology, her father’s religion. Holmes’ protective actions are seen as a major factor in the growing distance between Cruise and his daughter.

Suri Cruise at Bonpoint Children’s store on August 17, 2008 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

During the lawsuit, which was eventually settled, Cruise admitted that his affiliation with Scientology was a significant factor in the separation from Suri. He confirmed that Holmes left him, in part, to protect Suri from the religion.

Tom Cruise at the premiere of “Oblivion” on April 10, 2013 | Source: Getty Images

Additionally, he disclosed that Suri, then 7, was no longer a practicing member of Scientology, which labels those who leave the church as “Suppressive Persons,” leading to disconnection from church members, including family.

Suri Cruise is seen on November 29, 2012 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Despite having the legal right to visit Suri for up to 10 days each month, Cruise chose not to. He explained that divorce changes situations as was the case with his and Suri’s connection. “It’s not an ideal scene. It’s not an ideal situation,” he admitted.

Tom Cruise attends the “Jack Reacher” premiere on December 10, 2012 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

In 2016, Scientology’s policy of disallowing contact with nonbelievers was once more cited as a reason for Cruise’s continued absence from Suri’s life, as neither she nor Holmes are involved with the church.

Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise are seen on March 20, 2016 in Brooklyn, New Jersey | Source: Getty Images

Suri Cruise’s Relationship with Katie Holmes

On the other hand, Holmes has remained devoted to her only child. During a 2023 interview, she emphasized the importance of protecting Suri, especially given her early visibility.

Suri Cruise are seen on August 18, 2012 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

She is happy to be Suri’s parent and described the teenager as an incredible person. Holmes, who has raised Suri as a single parent since 2012, has spoken of her deep love for her daughter, saying, “She is my heart.”

Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise attend the Z100’s Jingle Ball 2017 on December 8, 2017 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Suri Cruise and Katie Holmes attend the Oklahoma City Thunder vs New York Knicks game on December 16, 2017 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

As Suri approaches her 18th birthday, she still has no relationship with Cruise. Holmes has raised her in Manhattan, away from the public eye and her father’s involvement with Scientology.

Suri Cruise and Katie Holmes seen on May 21, 2018 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Suri began to make independent decisions about her future last year as she neared 17. Under her mother’s guidance, she started the college application process, with a particular interest in pursuing fashion studies in New York City.

Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise seen on July 22, 2019 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Holmes, known for her fashion sense, supported her daughter’s desire to stay in the city, though the prospect of Suri leaving for college was an emotional thought for her.

Suri Cruise and Katie Holmes seen on September 8, 2020 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Suri’s artistic abilities were on display last year when she played Morticia Addams in her high school’s production of “The Addams Family: A New Musical.” Her performance was well-received, with audience members praising her as “amazing.”

Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise seen on February 6, 2021 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Her talents aren’t limited to acting; Suri also has musical abilities. She recorded a cover of “Blue Moon” by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart for the opening credits of Holmes’ film “Alone Together” in 2022.

Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise attend the opening night premiere of “In The Heights” on June 9, 2021 | Source: Getty Images

Holmes has often spoken highly of her daughter’s skills, saying, “I always want the highest level of talent, so I asked her! She’s very, very talented.” In 2023, Suri contributed vocals to another of Holmes’ projects, the film “Rare Objects.”