Tom Cruise is opening up – and baring a little skin – in a rare magazine interview.
The "Mission: Impossible" star, 64, fronts GQ's October cover, marking his first appearance on the magazine’s cover in 20 years. Photographed by Mario Sorrenti, Cruise shows off his physique in the accompanying fashion spread, including a nearly shirtless look that proves the action star remains in fighting form.
But Cruise revealed more than his chest. In a wide-ranging conversation with GQ published Tuesday, the actor addressed his reputation for being intensely committed on movie sets, his lack of fear surrounding death-defying stunts and his new project, the movie "Digger."
Tom Cruise on his intense work ethic: 'The rumors are true'
When it comes to
stories about his demanding work ethic, Cruise said people have heard correctly.
"The rumors are true," Cruise said he tells collaborators before working with them. The actor said he is upfront about expecting a lot from those around him. Cruise also acknowledged that people have described him as overly serious about his work since he was young.
"I am intense," he said. "I got a very good sense of humor about it, but it was like: When I'm interested in something, I want to learn it. I want to understand it."
The "Top Gun" actor also revealed that his strong work ethic doesn't slow down between projects and movies. Cruise's schedule apparently leaves little room for traditional downtime.
Asked how he spends an ordinary day when he is not filming, Cruise replied, "I'm preparing for the next."
"I'm always studying something. I'm always learning something, always," Cruise explained. "Movies don't just start when you're shooting it and on a movie set. There's sometimes years of preparation. [Director Alejandro González] Iñárritu spent 10 years preparing this. And he and I were talking about it since 2018, 2019."
Does turning 64 mean anything to Tom Cruise?
Cruise was equally direct when asked whether his July meant anything to him.
“It means I’m 64,” he replied.
The actor said his age has not altered how he approaches life or his career. He remains interested in taking risks and pursuing new creative challenges, both physically and figuratively.
Cruise explained that his age “doesn’t at all” change anything for him. “What changes things is I love seeing people do well,” he added.
“Here’s the thing. It’s like: I’m living my life and I have, always, dreams. But I also know to accomplish those dreams it takes effort, and you need to understand life and skills, and it’s a constant learning experience,” Cruise went on to explain.
Outside the GQ spread, Cruise has recently made headlines for both his public appearances and family life. While the Emmy Awards unfolded in Los Angeles on Monday, Sept. 14, Cruise was at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, watching the Chiefs’ season opener alongside Taylor Swift. The two exchanged a high-five and hug after a Chiefs touchdown.
In July, Cruise’s 20-year-old daughter with Katie Holmes legally changed her surname. Formerly known as Suri Cruise, she now goes by Suri Noelle, according to Pennsylvania voter records reviewed by USA TODAY.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Tom Cruise says 'the rumors are true' about his intense behavior on set
