Original Air Date:
Friday, May 2, 2008
Tom and Oprah Tour the Cruise Home:
When Oprah first arrived at the Cruise home in Telluride, Colorado, she was met by Tom and Katie and given a tour of the home. Tom walked Oprah through the mudroom where he gave her a pair of slippers, into Suri's "office" under the stairs, the playroom, kitchen, dining room and family room. Along the way, Oprah spotted a shelf filled with Tom's bound scripts and script notes from all of his films dating back to Risky Business.
Tom Cruise on the 2005 Couch Jumping Interview:
It had been 3 years since Tom jumped on Oprah's couch professing his love for then girlfriend Katie Holmes while promoting War of the Worlds in 2005, and he and Oprah had not had a real conversation since. Oprah confessed that she had no idea that the event would turn into something so huge, that in the moment it felt like fun. Tom shared that knowing what he knows now, he gets what happened, but in the moment his feelings were genuine. Stating that Oprah egged him on a bit and the audience experience played into it, in the moment the experience was very real.
Tom Cruise on the Events that Followed the 2005 Interview:
After Tom jumped on Oprah's couch during an interview, he went on to talk about Brooke Shields' postpartum depression on Access Hollywood and with Matt Lauer which combined to create a media storm surrounding Tom. Sitting with Oprah, he explained that what he was trying to explain had come out wrong and was twisted into meaning something else. Tom stated that he supports parents choosing what is best for their kids, but that personally he doesn't believe in using drugs to treat phychiatric issues. Tom explained that he doesn't want to tell anyone how to live their lives.
Tom Cruise on Scientology:
Tom shared with Oprah that he understands people's interest in understanding Scientology because it is a minority religion, but that it is often misinterpreted. Early on in his career, Tom was accused of avoiding the subject when he didn't want to talk about his beliefs and now that he does, he is accused of preaching. Tom shared that he will now only focus on his humanitarian work and his films.
To understand more about Scientology, Tom suggested that people read about it themselves instead of him explaining it. The video that leaked on the internet was stolen and Tom said completely out of context.
Tom Cruise on Public Attention:
Tom and Katie Holmes have received an enormous amount of attention in the last 3 years, which Tom shared people don't really understand until you live it. Today's culture accelerates celebrity and the media uses spin to create the stories that they want to report. Tom was shocked at how quickly the news of Katie's pregnancy leaked and how it was twisted instead of the real focus being on the safety of the birth of his child. Tom shared that the books and reports about Suri and his relationship with Katie are the downside of his life and he chooses to focus on the positive things.
Tom Cruise on Family:
Tom shared that his relationship with Nicole Kidman is good and easy and that they are both fully involved in the lives of their children together, for whom they share custody.
Family and friendship, Tom explained are incredibly important to him - his mother and sisters being the core for his life. Tom shared that loyalty, truth, honesty, wanting the best for someone and celebrating both the good and the bad with another are traits important to him. Tom said that he was raised to work towards making things right in life, not just talking.
Tom Cruise on His Children:
Tom and Katie's daughter Suri, 2, is the magic in Tom's life - describing life with her as moments of joy. Tom also has 2 older children with ex-wife Nicole Kidman - Bella and Connor Cruise. Saying or doing the right things are issues that Tom deals with as a parent, just like all parents do, but he says he works to create a life for them together and not let his celebrity affect his children. What is important to Tom is to keep your heart in the right place and do good - learn life lessons because life isn't perfect. Tom doesn't want his children to worry - but to know that he is always there.
Tom Cruise - Misunderstood?:
When Oprah asked Tom if he has been misunderstood, he said he could have done things better, but that there is also the truth, and what the media spins to create stories. Always learning new things, Tom said he definitely learned from the last 3 years, especially where and when to communicate. Making movies was Tom's dream and he said there are things you have to let go, and just do the best you can.
Tom took Oprah by snowmobile to his favorite spot on his land in Colorado where she told him that she wished his life the peace that the mountain can bring.
