Before “Rain Man” cemented him as a huge household name in 1988, Tom Cruise was already gaining recognition with roles in “Risky Business”, “Taps”, and “The Outsiders”. But it was a chance meeting—thanks to a little sisterly pressure—that helped land him the role that would define a turning point in his career.
While reflecting on his early career during a conversation at the British Film Institute yesterday—just before receiving the prestigious BFI Fellowship—Cruise, now 62, shared a pivotal story involving his younger sister, Cass. While filming “Legend” with Ridley Scott in the U.K. back in 1985, Cruise took a short trip to New York to see Cass. That’s when fate stepped in—disguised as takeout.
Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman: An Unexpected Connection
“We were in a restaurant and I looked up and there he was with the hat. He was doing Death of a Salesman [on Broadway],” Cruise recalled about spotting Dustin Hoffman. “He was ordering takeout. My sister was like, ‘You go up and you say hello to him.’ She doesn’t do stuff like that. And I don’t walk up to people and introduce myself. But she was so pushy. She literally said, ‘Look, if you don’t do it, I’m going to go over there and tell him who you are.’”
Cruise resisted. “I’m like, ‘He’s not even going to know who I am. This is going to be so humiliating. I’m not doing it,’” he remembered. But eventually, “she pestered me so much I said fine and walked over there. He had his hat on and was obviously ordering takeout and I said, ‘Mr. Hoffman, I’m sorry.’ And he looked at me and said, ‘Cruise!’”
The two began talking, and Cruise mentioned how “The Graduate” had influenced his performance in “Risky Business”. Hoffman was warm and welcoming, even inviting Cruise and Cass to see “Death of a Salesman” live. “He was so gracious with his time,” Cruise said.
After the show, Hoffman made a surprising statement: “I want to make a movie with you.” Cruise, still modest and unsure, replied, “That’d be nice. I was very Southern: Yes, sir, no, sir, yes, ma’am, no ma’am.” A year later, that offhand comment became a reality—Hoffman sent Cruise the script for “Rain Man”.
The Legacy of “Rain Man”
The film, which tells the story of two estranged brothers on a transformative journey, became a massive critical and box office success. It won four Academy Awards and marked a major milestone in Cruise’s evolution as a serious actor.
Looking back, Cruise credits that moment—and Cass’s persistent encouragement—as a turning point. It’s a reminder of how even a small nudge from someone who believes in you can shape the course of your life.
