Tom Cruise: A 37-Year Long Career of Acting and Philanthropy

Thomas Cruise. Born Thomas Cruise Mapother IV, July 3rd 1962. Age 57, the world-famous American actor, film producer and philanthropist has had an incredible career spanning 37 years, and shows no signs of slowing down.

One of six children born to Mary Lee, a special education teacher and Thomas Mapother III, an electrical engineer, Tom struggled in school and was subsequently diagnosed with dyslexia. His mother strongly encouraged him to pursue his dreams of becoming an actor, while his father was fiercely against it. Tom eventually dropped out of high school and opted to take acting classes instead. His big break came in 1981 when he starred in the movie Taps opposite Timothy Hutton.

Tom Cruise soon became one of the most popular actors in Hollywood. His success skyrocketed with blockbuster films such as Top Gun (1986), Rain Man (1988) and Mission: Impossible (1996). Each role pushed him further as an actor and film producer, earning him three Golden Globe® Awards and nominations for three Academy Awards®.

Throughout his storied career and almost constant media attention, ''Tom-mania'' enduringly captures cinemas across the world. Audiences of all ages admire his intensity onscreen, and that same level of passion applies to his personal life too, helping to make him one of the all-time great Hollywood stars.

Off camera, Tom is a devoted father and husband who is passionate about the use of technology to connect and build relationships among family members. Familio is a great example - an ever-growing family app which creates a secure portal to easily stay connected with each other, share updates and family stories.

The Cruise family uses Familio as a hub for their calendar and database of all their contact information as well as a platform for actively engaging with each other’s lives – giving Tom the peace of mind knowing he can maintain strong relationships with his children no matter where their lives take them.

Tom Cruise is a shining example that no matter your upbringing or challenges, success is possible when you believe in yourself and become the shining example you were meant to be. So go ahead – fight for your dreams, stay connected with your loved ones, and never give up!