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.

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.

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.

Unraveling 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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 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.

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’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.”

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.

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.”

Holmes hopes that Suri will continue to be involved in her filmmaking, stating, “I hope she always does something in my films. I always ask her.” She sees these collaborations as an extension of her passion for the film industry, which she views as a space that brings people together like a family.

In contrast to this familial bond, the impact of religious beliefs on family relationships cannot be overlooked. Former Scientology spokesperson, Mike Rinder, is also estranged from his children since leaving the church. He expressed that Suri deserves love and sympathy. “Suri is not a Scientologist and never will be,” he stated.

This brings us to another intriguing aspect of familial bonds within the Scientology community.

Cruise’s Connection with a Former Child Star

Cruise’s decision to remain distant from his daughter Suri is surprising, especially considering his longstanding connection with Dakota Fanning, a former child star. This bond, which has lasted nearly two decades, starkly contrasts with his estrangement from Suri.

The relationship between Cruise and Fanning began on the set of the 2005 film “War of the Worlds.” In this adaptation of H.G. Wells’ classic science fiction story, Cruise portrays Ray Ferrier, a New Jersey dockworker who is divorced and estranged from his children, Rachel and Robbie. Amidst an alien invasion, Ray becomes a protector.

Fanning, who played Cruise’s daughter, Rachel, in the film, formed a unique bond with him during production. On her 11th birthday, February 23, 2005, Cruise gave her a Motorola Razr—her first cell phone. Fanning recalls not having anyone to call or text but cherishing the gift nonetheless. “I was so excited,” she remarked.

Cruise has continued this tradition of sending birthday gifts to Fanning every year since then. Fanning shared that Cruise has not missed a year, maintaining the ritual even as she turned 30 last February.

Cruise’s distant relationship with his daughter Suri and his close bond with Fanning raises questions. His consistent tradition of sending birthday gifts to Fanning each year shows a lasting connection, while his estrangement from Suri seems to be influenced by his religious beliefs.

His decision not to visit Suri, despite having the legal opportunity, indicates that his religious commitments deeply influence his family interactions. The prioritization of his faith appears to take precedence, regardless of the impact on his personal relationships.