Tom Cruise interview with Rona Barrett (1984)

Hollywood gossip maven Rona Barrett's 1984 interview with Tom Cruise... shortly after the success of "Risky Business"... and just as "All the Right Moves" hit theatres..

[@brotendo]

Wrap your mind around the fact that he is 22 years old here. Think of our 22-year-old celebrities now--how many of them are as well-mannered and articulate as Tom Cruise was in this interview??

[@michaeledwards1644]

only the likes of River Phoenix, Sean Astin, Corey Feldman

[@lanacruise4705]

actually hes 20 here

[@brotendo]

@@lanacruise4705 WOW HUGE DIFFERENCE

[@lanacruise4705]

diesel828 yes it is

[@brotendo]

@@lanacruise4705 You must be a 20-something idiot

[@mscarolynnigro]

36 years later and he's still on top. Unreal.

[@justicewillprevail1106]

He was so mature for a 22 years old. He’s so disciplined, well spoken. Hard working … wow… he’s truly a natural born Super Star.

[@wiktoriagargula9050]

I am the author of this poem. Says... So many wise words About oneself From toes to head. Suddenly I put down My glasses Divide each sentence in half, Not giving credence. Without paper and pen By subtraction and addition Behind the glasses Substituting each features. And every result It's nonsense and cloud, Which blur thoughts And the ocular.

[@BookClubDisaster]

he was in a wide variety of movies in the 80's and 90's. Now he's just an action star because his weird/hostile interviews made him not seem relatable anymore. I don't know if that's still being on top

[@maryhollingsworth4627]

So mature, intelligent, genuine, and sweet. i remember being home with two little kids in those days when those movies came out and how wonderful it was to go to a Tom Cruise movie on a Saturday night, not like anything from young actors now, really.

[@daniellegloveskeanu]

Awwww I love Tom sooooo much. How cute, I cried at the end of this. Such a sweet heart of a boy. I hope to have such an amazing son as him. His Mom and sisters must be so proud. I just love this man.

[@milabritmiami]

The most beautifull interview that i had seen in my Life

[@r3boxx142]

this man always looked 10 years younger than his age

[@Dany-nt6dn]

So, when he was 10, he still was inside his mother??

[@Leon_der_Luftige]

E for effort.

[@leviathandiabolo6296]

@@Dany-nt6dn lol

[@jessicaericfreel9721]

0kv

[@colinmontgomery5492]

@@pdottie212fu , maybe 17.

[@JAWZMUZIK1]

today the actor and the interviewer would be a thousand million times more obnoxious. it was a great interview they don't do it like this anymore. all journalists and actors care about now is how famous they are

[@FunStuffForDogscom]

+duke Right you are. It's the age of outrage now. How boring for us all.

[@chandanadas7860]

It's so real. He has charm, innocence.

[@thomascampbell5633]

Exactly. And it's interesting to see, partly because it's so rare nowadays.

[@davidnoble8002]

Tom Cruise lost his innocence many years ago starting with his first wife and her influence upon him to become a Scientologist. Also, try to imagine if you will if Tom Cruise never married her and never became a Scientologist. True that he cheated on his first wife, but based on this video before Tom Cruise became a Scientologist he seemed like a nice guy and now despite his fame and fortune a victim of Scientology as well who has never realized yet that all this time he has been brainwashed by them or perhaps refuses to leave the church out of fear of what they might do to him if he does leave.

[@ingodwetrust225]

I don't think we have any journalists or reporters that are genuinely good hearted souls like this lady anymore today.... Towards the end of this interview I was literally in awe.❤

[@magorzatamargaret294]

Today we don't have reporters at all. We have hyenas and liars...

[@chrisb8655]

@@magorzatamargaret294 Lol

[@eugenekozma2697]

Rona Barrett was a classy journalist.

[@aWomanFreed]

What?

[@anujoseph_10]

Tom felt the opposite way. He asked his publicist after the interview to never have this woman interview him again

[@kishannaconandoyle1907]

At that time I had only Tom's photos hanging on my walls! He was so cutie!

[@jimmyfigueras4476]

Such a kind and professional interviewer

[@scattysafari7742]

Rona Barrett was a gossip columnist who had a weekly spot on tv and a national magazine. She got a lot of shit for being a 'gossip' reporter but she was an excellent interviewer, her magazine was a good read and her scoops were often the real deal. I miss her.

[@eugenekozma2697]

Yes rona Barrett has both kindness and class.

[@cowboysimpson]

I think it's crazy when people say Tom Cruise is not attractive.. I think he's gorgeous.

[@IAMMALANGMAYANK]

Who the hell are those bloddy blind people who think tom cruise is not good looking... i guess no one

[@supriyasalian3241]

@@IAMMALANGMAYANK 😂😂true

[@bluedaylight1243]

@@IAMMALANGMAYANK lol they are not blind, they just jely 😆

[@debabratadatta3696]

I have never heard anyone saying this🤣🤣

[@patriciaalva1156]

He was so young and so adorable and I think its amazing that he's as famous as he is and has maintained such a humble down to earth attitude and he just keeps getting better looking with age

[@colinmontgomery5492]

Tom Cruise wasn't considered traditionally handsome. With a large, slightly crooked nose, bushy eye brows; rather short of stature. But, his innocence and genuine passion for his craft made him into the star he became. Tom Cruise is someone who absolutely made his own life; he is the American Dream personified.

[@Vaporvice84]

Tom was growing his hair long for the movie "Legend".

[@SorayaEsfandiary_]

After all these years, he still does it for me.

[@maa1441]

In addition to Tom's respectful behavior, the host couldn't be more elegant in her beautiful modest appearance and style of interview. We seldom see this nowdays.

[@thomascampbell5633]

Wow, that was an amazing interview. Tom was so open and genuine with Rona.

[@jameshernandez5766]

He still looks good 35 + years later

[@machadodeassis4610]

Tom was always articulate and methodical to the good side I admire this guy

[@Tinydancer2009]

So do I ^.^

[@tiddbob4166]

1980's was the last nice decade...... Just normal happy people.

[@calebgodard4554]

Except for the whole cold war deal

[@GudieveNing]

Indeed. It ended with (contemporary) left wing ideals that are very different from their original honourable motives. All the wrong values being encouraged, so people have no moral compass. I type this from the UK where abhorrent crime is rampant, even if not given coverage by the MSM who are blinkered by PC nonsense. For a backgrounder on how we got here, read Lord Of The Flies. Anyway, Tom comes across as grounded and thoughtful. Did you know that when he signs autographs outside The Empire, Leicester Square (and elsewhere), he waits until all the fans have left? Bless.

[@RavishingSailor]

Alex Blok perfectly stated. I whole heartedly agree. The liberal political ethos has been completely hijacked by radical Marxist. Being a liberal these days has nothing in common with true liberalism.

[@BeholdChronicles]

not if your a minority with the rise of systemic racism and incarnation, or increased war fears with military involvement, or the Aids epidemic blamed on homosexuality, or capitalism corrupting society increasing wall street power over government, or the heavy violence in entertainment which lead to the movie rating today, the struggle for women equality was in full effect, and I could on and on.

[@RavishingSailor]

Awaken Chance Entertainment Here we go again: you guys are every where like ants. Need to inject your political rhetoric everywhere. We all get you. You are a victim. We feel sorry for you. No here I’ll send you a virtual hug. This is coming from a fellow minority who doesn’t go around playing the victim.

[@soojeepyo9398]

So quiet, so shy and so "real"! He is really so "human" here. Gosh... I wish he hadn't even heard of that cult called Scientology .... Sigh...

[@fairybits]

+JPPT1974 He does not feel that way.

[@petzoid]

+fairybits Exactly! He's doing quite well and seems OK with it all. Actually, he has turned out to be exceptional in the film industry.

[@alexpilgrim1659]

I am not a Scientologist, but I don't think it is any worse than being a Muslim

[@Ryan-ob6gp]

Or a Christian if you really think about it.

[@cartermorel4275]

Why should his belief define him?

[@sunreddy85]

He is devastatingly good looking :) I am melting looking at his young and boyish charm.

[@raymondjosh9201]

I love how he's kept his sincerety and passion throughout his life!

[@makaylakennedy1459]

he never talks about The Outsiders anymore.... it makes me sad :( Steve Randle was amazing 💔

[@jordynmackenzie6591]

Makayla Kennedy I know :(

[@evelynverdejo6926]

and Patrick Swayze

[@debrae.6263]

Very sweet the way she swept his hair to the side for him😊

[@julesmpc1314]

She is such a sweet and respectfull professional. A great example to today's awfull jornalists

[@eugenekozma2697]

Yes rona Barrett is so appealing to watch and listen to.

[@anstriagreenwood2740]

Aw how adorable is he :) Just so loaded with talent.

[@MarcosVinicius-xm6rx]

He was a dream come true! So cute, so sweet!

[@lolazimmerman9779]

What a sweet interviewer!

[@scattysafari7742]

Lola Zimmerman Rona Barrett isn't known by a lot of milennials,but as a Gen Xer I remember her well. She was a terrific celebrity interviewer and knew how to get the best out of her subjects. One of the last really famous gossip columnists who did impeccable research. Even her gossip mag had stories that were usually true.

[@itmattersnot1216]

I LOVE that she fixed his hair! It was bothering me too. =)

[@eugenekozma2697]

Rona Barrett was an affectionate journalist.

[@cindihere]

This was made before Tom got into Scientology. For several years my impression of Tom Cruise has not been favorable. I started feeling this way around the time he divorced Nicole Kidman. Watching this video makes me feel a little sad. I don't think he will ever be able to leave Scientology even if he wanted to. He is so far into it he's lost himself. I was also struck by how gentle and loving Rona Barrett was in this interview.

[@fomalhauto]

He cheated on Mimi Rogers with Nicole Kidman. Scientology Church even encouraged it. They wanted to get Mimi out of the way.

[@gloriao.falkson4282]

They did not get divorced because of Scientology.

[@anujoseph_10]

​@@gloriao.falkson4282then what was the reason

[@Tridentus]

I swear his second voice break came at the age of about 25 (he's 21/22 here!). Not that I don't love the guy, big fan of his, I think among all the actors who have some talent and a lot of luck, he has a lot more talent than luck.

[@mariannefong4200]

Jerry McGuire was the best Romantic Comedy (RomCom) I have seen. When I think about it one of the reasons is that the main character Tom Cruise is such a great actor. His expressions and emotional delivery is just so real. He has acheived this in so many movies. Movies people watch more than once. He is smart and chose to study the best directors and best actors. He never stops learning while at the same time is so humble likely due to his roots growing up poor and having to mature early because of it.

[@jonaswunderkind4580]

Such a shame Scientology has took over such a beautiful soul.

[@lynnie6120]

He’s a beautiful soul!

[@jonaswunderkind4580]

@@lynnie6120 trapped in Scientology crap

[@holycow7195]

A humble, modest super talented actor who stays out of politics.

[@lynnie6120]

That’s what I love about him the most. We have no idea what he thinks politically, & that’s so refreshing. He understands his role is to entertain. A true star!

[@viviendolavidaconfe.6545]

He it just him so charming 💕💫😊❤️🥰😍

[@minakovi]

I couldn't help to smile the whole video... I really wish there were more honest, deep people like him these days. I guess the media ruined it. I miss that...

[@kingmufasaa]

Good looking

[@imyourgodmachine]

Toms longevity in acting is remarkable! Matched by very few!

[@rizalukman7982]

Tom Cruise had gone through a lot of difficult time with his family when he was a child.He got married in a young age when he was not mentally stable yet.He still want to have some fun

[@littlejar389]

I want to protect him from criticism...

[@chipichipichapachapa733]

He's so sweet, honest, intelligent

[@danikgold]

I so had enjoyed this interview !!! Amazing Tom Cruise !

[@mu9284]

Tom cruise is one of those few actors who is ageing so beautifully.

[@caitlinjoy6332]

So cute! He has a boyish innocence about him here 😍

[@KyleCorwith]

According to an article on buzzfeed, Tom asked his publicist to never have her interview him again. That's on him, he chose to answer how he did. She was in-depth, pleasant, and honest. If you don't want to go on the ride, get off. Don't give the blame/power to someone else.

[@crossbearer6453]

This was his first interview mind you. And she got a hint that he didn’t want to talk about it but pushed in. She shouldn’t have done that

[@TellusJD]

Why? for what question, I think he seemed willing to answer all the questions?

[@gterrymed]

Nothing Short of Being TOTALLY AWESOME!!!!!! I am Grateful for him being so positive throughout.

[@picklepoppers8223]

Just look at that winning attitude. He is a born superstar and a megastar. Even at that age he can pull you towards him. The anchor is completely awestruck by him and it's very evident from her reactions. Decades later Tom still retains that position.

[@superviewer]

Nice interview. Tom must somehow feel awful that he is now involved in something so unholy. I pray for him to one day find his way out of the cult. So many people are waiting to support him.

[@saralowe_arts]

He is terrific

[@melisse8150]

Great interview. Transparent, no over inflated ego, mature. Priesthood! Comfort in a time of need. Thankfully he made movies.

[@florence7179]

😅

[@strikingly105]

He's so handsome, he's the best looking guy I ever saw.

[@Pal.Cockrum]

+strikingly105 I personally have never known a female who ever seriously thought he is attractive.

[@OurWorldAhead]

+TheSwanhater ooh the jealousy, man! The jealousy.

[@Pal.Cockrum]

+OurWorldAhead His money would be nice but that's about it. Most women wouldn't look at him twice if not for his fame and fortune.

[@clairhomi9229]

+TheSwanhater make no sense, his box office already exceed $8.6 billion (only account for those leading role and event not adjusted for inflation), if he is not attractive, then who is, you?

[@alidedereal]

You don't go out much do you?

[@Lindaxoxox]

awwwww his voice lol so cute

[@kingmufasaa]

His face

[@Dany-nt6dn]

I am 21 and I still think he´s the hottest guy alive of all time, no one beats him, not even Zac Efron

[@DinushikaGT]

Dany who is Zac Efron?

[@Dany-nt6dn]

@@DinushikaGT the dude from high school musical, charle st. Cloud...

[@neledemeulemeester754]

He has always had this extremely genuine, intelligent, honest and charming side. He literally looks and talks like an angel. And yetI see shimmers of a psychopath as well. He has an extremely fascinating personality

[@wiktoriagargula9050]

I know that nobody really cares about my feelings, but this is, for example, a poem I wrote to and about Tom Cruise. I encourage to read :) I am the author of this poem. "Playing The Piano" I sit at the piano I'm starting the "Moonlight Sonata" to play Sunlight streams in through the windows It's time of day. I sit at the piano Sunlight streams in through the windows I look into the distance I imagine I'm playing for someone... I play the piano I look through the windows Nobody looks at me But I'm playing for someone. And when I play like that, I smile I'm not crying, 'Cause I imagine That I'm looking at him... Evening I'm still playing "Moonlight Sonata" The moonlight shines Through the windows from outside. It's late evening Dusk has fall, And my play on the piano It ends with a low, sombre chord.

[@neledemeulemeester754]

@@wiktoriagargula9050 Well some day someone will GENUINELY care don't worry

[@wiktoriagargula9050]

@@neledemeulemeester754 I don't think so and if someone will care it will not be Tom anyway. But thank You for cheering me up.

[@neledemeulemeester754]

@@wiktoriagargula9050 Someone BETTER than Tom. Trust me I know I've had to wait 44 years for the right one. Just keep the faith. God provides.

[@wiktoriagargula9050]

@@neledemeulemeester754 Thank You very much for the kind words, but I guess that for me, hopes have already disappeared and prospects have closed.

[@Emmet-id6xq]

Humble then and now .....

[@Hornetsdotmpeg]

Tom Cruise is a great guy, only every one focuses on the negatives...He's an honest human being, I hope everything just continues for him.

[@edwardjames50]

+Johnathan Henson Honest? How about his REAL sexual preference?

[@itmattersnot1216]

That's REALLY none of your business or anyone else's for that matter! To be honest.

[@edwardjames50]

Itmatt Ersnot Once someone becomes a celebrity of that magnitude, they give up all claim to privacy.

[@itmattersnot1216]

Rafael Storm No, they absolutely do not. For one the magnitude that a someone becomes celebrity is never planned or known so that's just a ridiculous statement. Second, just because someone wants to be an actor, that does not somehow deem them less than human. Your statement is nothing more than a common excuse for people who have no sense of decency.

[@pentgon5000]

+Rafael Storm fuck off he's not gay

[@CamberGreber]

What a delightfully comfy and gentle interview. So refreshing Love it.

[@elmocotton3078]

He is quick on his feet and good at telling you what you want to hear. He has already created his brand.

[@wiktoriagargula9050]

I think there is a lot of truth in what you wrote. I even wrote a poem that deals with this topic. I encourage to read it. I am the author of this poem. Says... So many wise words About oneself From toes to head. Suddenly I put down My glasses Divide each sentence in half, Not giving credence. Without paper and pen By subtraction and addition Behind the glasses Substituting each features. And every result It's nonsense and cloud, Which blur thoughts And the ocular.

[@JAWZMUZIK1]

this generation could NEVER, NEVER. The 80s was really the end of the 50s. America will never be the same. Now the interviewers and the whole way it all is now has no meaning anymore. WE LOVE YOU CRUISE! jawzmuzik.com

[@edwardjames50]

+duke How about some thanks to Rona Barrett for asking the right questions?

[@JAWZMUZIK1]

+Rafael Storm you better believe it

[@light-yi2me]

Well said! Wish I could go back to 80's 🙌

[@peterghiz73]

I think she was smitten. Tom is always very respectful, open and honest with women. He clearly loves women. I also see a highly intelligent, highly competitive, loner.

[@florence7179]

Agree 😌

[@ma01kcm]

Man, Tom Crusie looks better at 49 than he did at 21, there's not many who can say that!!

[@shhh3185]

Awww, what a lovely interview. I love how she coached him through the prayer question.

[@garygoggin]

This is like watching Hannibal Lector interview Clarice Starling.

[@aperson2730]

The word "Hero" is spelt T-O-M-C-R-U-I-S-E

[@chuck1prillaman]

I had forgotten about Rona Barrett. She was really sweet here.

[@eugenekozma2697]

Rona Barrett shows compassion in her work.

[@johnhancock2914]

Looks like a very humble and respectful Young man

[@ilolroflandlmao]

the interviewers voice is so nice and soothing

[@eugenekozma2697]

Yes rona Barrett cared about the people she interviewed.

[@carmenmitchell2826]

He is beautiful. Drop dead gorgeous. I love Tom Cruise

[@matthanf6126]

Risky Business is my favorite movie! And thank god she brushed his hair. It was driving me nuts!

[@AvPal_Arts]

who could have thought this guy would ever do those daring stunts in Mission Impossible movies!!

[@Serai3]

Funny how so many people still think Risky Business was his first film.

[@vimal516]

I trust tht an actor has his own personal life and tht shud not restrict people frm going nd watching his movies............TC rocks

[@diziplesp]

Wow amazing interview!

[@greeneyedmonster1080]

All the wonderful qualities of his personality and how he treats people, worries about them and is protectful of them still are visible today. Most of his problems over the years come from other peoples' thoughts and opinions on what he believes, thinks, says, or does... Luckily, he doesn't model his life on other peoples' opinions...Always thought he was a good guy, and quite adorable.

[@joematt890]

before Scientology hit him

[@jasonarnold9864]

He is a truly special human being .

[@LadyMercutia]

He seems so normal here.

[@Wargasm404]

so fresh faced and beautiful, inside and out. if you dont like tom, you have a problem

[@ojsimson123]

He sure is one very beautiful man. I dun care much on his personal life. He is one of the best actors around. I love his performances in "Jerry Maguire" and "Born on the fourth of July".

[@canalevideocoveredits6546]

I looooove Tommy so much! OMG I would look at him all day. I love this voice btw.

[@mizzodamm]

awww that smile :) so sweet

[@seemonsamaddar1321]

Huge fan of #tomcruise💖

[@blareysue1]

My ovaries dispensed 3 extra eggs simultaneously by watching this.

[@MariaGrazia76]

Bellissimo dentro e fuori 😍

[@mariannefong4200]

Jerry McGuire was the best Romantic Comedy (RomCom) I have seen. When I think about it one of the reasons is that the main character Tom Cruise is such a great actor. His expressions and emotional delivery is just so real. He has acheived this in so many movies. Movies people watch more than once. He is smart and chose to study the best directors and best actors. He never stops learning while at the same time is so humble likely due to his roots growing up poor and having to mature early because of it.

[@rahulvinalnarayan9743]

thank you...

[@joefpsunset]

I had no idea he went to seminary. So sad that he fell into Scientology. Hopefully he will find his way back to the truth.

[@60asteroid]

Maybe that's why he "fell into Scientology." Considering the priesthood indicates (to me), a young guy spirituality seraching. Think he was manipulated. Young, abusive home, insecure, impressionable & vulnerable. In Hollywood. Poor fella.

[@cat.736]

I love this man

[@kiralukas9651]

I’m freaking crying. he’s just so beautiful here.

[@Carolina_0]

The time she interviewed Tom Cruise: “I knew something was slightly wrong. I’d done a ton of research on him,” she told me, picking her words carefully, “which was hard to do, since there wasn’t a lot out on him. But one his friends told me that Tom had been studying for the priesthood.” So once she and Cruise established a rapport, Barrett asked, “What made you want to become a priest?” “He didn’t know how to answer,” Barrett told me. “And when the interview was over, he went over to his publicist, Pat Kingsley, and said, ‘You must promise me that never again will you allow Rona Barrett to interview me. That woman is a psychologist. I felt like I had been through a session with a doctor.’” “I think Tom was really scared during that period,” Barrett continued. “That someone would come out and say something. His family was very protective of him, but his mother told me so many things about him over the phone. Never would talk to me again after that!”

[@nailakamana763]

Can I ask where you got that from? I'm really interested to know. Tom is such a mysterious person.

[@stephanieshank4414]

This interview I fell in love

[@thedissenter7760]

love the innocent face at 9:16

[@peritafresa340]

little Tom Cruise awwww!!!

[@markiworthington6658]

Jeepers, so surprised and shocked by this interview. He appears to be so nice, so real and so honest here and yet as he gets older, everything he does appear to be an act and for the audience and made for TV.

[@crusader5989]

He was waaaay better actor back then! So grounded too! Very humble and having true self critique. Outstanding!

[@wiktoriagargula9050]

I am the author of this poem. Says... So many wise words About oneself From toes to head. Suddenly I put down My glasses Divide each sentence in half, Not giving credence. Without paper and pen By subtraction and addition Behind the glasses Substituting each features. And every result It's nonsense and cloud, Which blur thoughts And the ocular.

[@TarikM]

great interviewer en great intimate interview

[@hi.moriarty]

I absolutely LOVE her interviewing skills!!!! This answers a whole ton of questions on why he is a dangerous person now.

[@jamel-eliasaghiouas3211]

I'm interested in what way? (I prefer to precise I asked with no ill aha since we are on youtube)

[@MegaSina777]

He is the best 🥰

[@BeachComber1977]

Rona Barrett had the hots for him for sure.

[@valuecalc]

Roan really got to meet the big stars of the day.