Tom Cruise Says He Was Cast in ‘Rain Man’ After His Sister Forced Him to Go Up to Dustin Hoffman at a Restaurant: ‘As I Was Leaving He Said, “I Want to Make a Movie With You”’

by

Tom Cruise may have never starred in “Rain Man” if not for his little sister.

On a comprehensive discussion held at the BFI, London last Sunday, Tom Cruise looked back on the movies that shaped his career and shared an anecdote about his serendipitous encounter with Dustin Hoffman in a New York City eatery. This incident took place in 1984 when Tom had recently wrapped up Ridley Scott’s “Legend.” He was back home in the United States visiting his sister Cass, who recognized Hoffman from afar in the restaurant.

Tom Cruise stated, “She exclaimed, ‘Here’s Dustin Hoffman!’ I glanced over and indeed it was him, wearing a hat – he was performing ‘Death of a Salesman’ – and he was placing an order for takeout.” He continued, “She told me to go greet him. I replied, ‘I won’t say hello.’ She said, ‘You know him, you know his films.’ And she doesn’t typically behave like that. Also, I don’t approach people casually, but she was quite insistent.

Later on, Cruise mentioned that his sister, who was present at the BFI talk, had put him in a tough spot by threatening to reveal his identity if he didn’t act. Cruise expressed his concerns, saying, “He won’t recognize me, and that would be incredibly embarrassing!” Eventually, Cruise said his sister kept pressing until he decided to approach Hoffman. “I apologized and said, ‘I’m sorry…’,” Cruise recalled, to which Hoffman replied with recognition, “Cruise!

Hoffman eventually extended invitations for Cruise and his sister to attend “Death of a Salesman” and invited them behind the scenes following the performance. Upon departing, Hoffman casually mentioned, “‘I’d like to make a movie with you.’ To which I replied, ‘That sounds delightful, sir.'” As it turned out, that conversation led to events, and about a year later, Hoffman sent over “Rain Man.

Barry Levinson’s movie, titled ‘Rain Man’, is a comedic road trip story about a shrewd businessman (Cruise) who learns he has an unknown brother (Hoffman), to whom their father left his entire fortune. This film went on to win the prestigious Best Picture award at the Oscars, and also earned Levinson the accolade of Best Director, Hoffman as Best Actor, and recognition for its original screenplay.

Tom Cruise is currently in London to accept the BFI Fellowship, the highest accolade bestowed by the organization, which he’ll receive at the BFI Chair’s Dinner on Monday. Lately, Cruise has been spending a considerable amount of time in the UK, as he filmed both Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s unnamed upcoming film and the latest Mission: Impossible series installment, “The Final Reckoning,” within the country. Following his receipt of the BFI Fellowship, Cruise will travel to Cannes for the world premiere of “The Final Reckoning” on Wednesday.

In addition to his work in the U.K., Cruise has also been a part of various other film projects, such as “Legend” directed by Ridley Scott, Stanley Kubrick’s “Eyes Wide Shut”, “Interview with the Vampire” from Neil Jordan, and Doug Liman’s “Edge of Tomorrow”.

Cruise expressed his heartfelt gratitude upon receiving the acknowledgement. With more than 40 years of filmmaking under his belt in the U.K., he shared that he has no intentions of slowing down. He admires the immense talent found among British professionals, including actors, directors, writers, and crew members, as well as the breathtaking locations the country offers. He is thankful for the British Film Institute’s support of U.K. filmmaking and the shared art form we both cherish.

Read More

2025-05-11 22:59