Rebecca De Mornay, the actress who co-starred with Tom Cruise in ‘Risky Business,’ has recently shared her heartfelt admiration for her ex-boyfriend and former co-star, Tom Cruise. The two met on the set of their breakout film and dated for nearly three years after its release. De Mornay, now 65, recently told Page Six that she is ‘really proud of him,’ acknowledging his ambition and success in Hollywood. She described Cruise as a ‘major chord’ in the music metaphor, contrasting with her own ‘minor chord’ status. De Mornay reflected on their time working together on the film and how Cruise’s career has evolved over the decades, noting his impact in movies like ‘Top Gun’ and the ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise. She also discussed her own career path, transitioning from a sex symbol to a more complex actress. De Mornay emphasized her desire to ensure her daughters are not separated from their father, highlighting her role as a mother and the challenges of balancing a career with family life.
De Mornay’s career took off dramatically after the release of ‘Risky Business,’ which catapulted her to fame at the age of 24. She told TheWrap in 2023 that the experience was ‘personally jarring and thrilling and discombobulating.’ The film’s success brought unexpected attention, with photographers literally jumping out of bushes to capture the moments. This pre-paparazzi era was a unique time for De Mornay, who felt she was more of a mysterious presence than Cruise. Her role in ‘Risky Business’ as Lana, the prostitute, made her a sex symbol, and she sought to avoid being typecast by taking on more challenging roles, such as the railway worker in ‘Runaway Train.’ De Mornay’s transition from a sex symbol to a more nuanced actress reflects her desire to be recognized not just for her looks but for her acting abilities.
As an actress and mother to two daughters, De Mornay has been selective about her film choices, prioritizing roles that offer a model of strength for women. She admitted to TheWrap that she often questions how other famous actresses with children manage their careers and family life, humorously stating, ‘Iām not,’ before emphasizing the importance of choosing roles that reflect female strength. Beyond her acting career, De Mornay has also appeared in various films and television shows, including the thriller ‘Saint Claire,’ where she plays a complex character of a female serial killer obsessed with Joan of Arc. Her involvement in such projects underscores her ongoing commitment to challenging societal perceptions and exploring diverse roles in her acting career.
De Mornay’s reflections on her past relationship with Cruise and her career path offer insights into the personal and professional journeys of a Hollywood icon and a once-famous actress. As she continues to navigate her career and family life, her focus remains on making meaningful contributions through her work and maintaining a balance between her personal and professional worlds. The story of her career evolution, from fame in the spotlight to a more independent and nuanced path, serves as a testament to the complexities of fame and the pursuit of personal and artistic fulfillment in the entertainment industry.