According to IMDb trivia, what began with “The Color of Money” evolved into a close friendship that influenced Cruise’s approach to fame, his passion for racing, and even the kinds of films he chose to make. As the actor celebrates his 64th birthday, Newman’s impact remains one of the defining relationships of his career.
How Paul Newman Became Tom Cruise’s Greatest Mentor
Cruise’s connection with Newman almost never happened. He had auditioned for a role in “Harry & Son” but was not cast. Although Cruise missed out on that part, Newman remembered the young actor and later chose him to star opposite him in Martin Scorsese’s “The Color of Money,” the 1986 drama that paired one of Hollywood’s brightest rising stars with one of its most respected veterans.
Working together quickly developed into a genuine friendship. Newman, whom Cruise has long regarded as his acting idol, became an important mentor during a pivotal moment in the younger actor’s career. The legend encouraged Cruise to keep perspective as his fame continued to grow, advising him to focus on living his life rather than becoming consumed by public attention.
The influence extended well beyond filmmaking. A lifelong racing enthusiast, Newman introduced Cruise to competitive motorsports, eventually leading him to race on the same Nissan team. That experience later proved valuable when Cruise prepared for his starring role in “Days of Thunder.” IMDb trivia also notes that conversations with Newman about politics and social issues helped shape Cruise’s outlook, influencing his decision to follow the patriotic “Top Gun” with the anti-war drama “Born on the Fourth of July.”
For Cruise, “The Color of Money” became more than another successful credit in his filmography. It marked the beginning of a friendship with one of his greatest heroes, whose advice, example, and generosity continued to influence his life long after the cameras stopped rolling.