Dakota Fanning On The Kindness Of Tom Cruise, Who Remembers Her Birthday Every Year

Feb 06, 2025 by apost team

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Dakota Fanning is the definition of the Hollywood child; practically growing up in the spotlight, she has managed to carve out her place in the entertainment industry, where she has worked since the tender age of five. 

Her acting career started in commercials before quickly transitioning to film, where her natural talent sparked attention from industry heavyweights. 

Her breakthrough came in 2001 when she starred alongside Sean Penn in “I Am Sam,” earning widespread recognition for her natural portrayal of a young child helping her mentally disabled father navigate life’s challenges. 

By age 11, Fanning was already sharing the big screen with major players, including Hollywood A-lister Tom Cruise. In 2005, they starred in Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi action movie “War of the Worlds.” 

This marked the beginning of a string of standout roles that exhibited her talent, from the suspenseful drama “The Secret Life of Bees” to the supernatural intensity of “The Twilight Saga.” 

Over the years, Fanning has continued to take on diverse roles, always impressing viewers with her maturity and emotional depth. Now in her 30s, Dakota has evolved into a versatile actress, balancing high-profile films with independent projects. 

With an incredibly impressive portfolio of work, Fanning has had the privilege of experiencing some truly unforgettable moments throughout her career in Hollywood. 

During an interview, the actress revealed a heartwarming story about her “War of the Worlds” co-star Cruise and the thoughtful gesture he’s never forgotten to do for her every year since she was a pre-teen. 

This yearly tradition, which has lasted nearly two decades, offers a glimpse into a side of Cruise that few may be aware of.

In 2024, Fanning was busy promoting her Netflix series “Ripley,” where she stars alongside Andrew Scott. In a Harper’s Bazaar interview with her co-star, she opened up about the cutest story behind how she got her very first phone.

During a game Scott and Fanning were playing together on the show, Scott was asked, “Who gave Dakota her first cell phone?” He replied, “Okay, well it’s going to be some Hollywood icon… Tom Cruise?” 

Fanning confirmed that his answer was correct – it was none other than Cruise who had gifted her with her first cellphone, a Motorola Razr. 

“Oh, my God, I was so excited,” she endearingly expressed while remembering what it felt like to receive such a thoughtful present from the Hollywood star.

Despite the fact that she “didn’t have anybody to call or text at that time,” she recalled how overjoyed she was then.

“You know, I was 11,” she explained. “But I loved having it. I loved it. I felt so cool.” 

And in a June 2024 appearance on “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” audiences were left in awe as she revealed how Cruise still acknowledges her birthday! 

“Tom sends me a birthday gift every year and has since that birthday,” Fanning said, recalling how Cruise started the tradition when filming “War of the Worlds” together.

“Yeah, so thoughtful, really really nice,” she said, praising Cruise.

So, what kind of gifts does the superstar send her? 

“He always sends me the same thing every year,” Fanning explained. “I loved shoes when I was little, and I started to be able to fit into really small adult shoes when I was on the ‘War of the Worlds’ press tour, so I was really excited about them. So from that birthday on, he always sends me shoes.”

apost.com

Tom Cruise’s thoughtful tradition of remembering Dakota Fanning’s birthday each year speaks volumes about their bond. Who can you say has done the same for you? Let us know, and then pass this along to friends and family, too!