Tom Cruise’s Height: The Secrets He Uses to Look Taller

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American actor and producer Tom Cruise, standing at 5ft 7 ¾ (172.1 cm), is best known for being one of the highest-paying actors in the world, with an estimated net worth of $600 million.

Starring in classic films such as Mission: Impossible, Top Gun, and Rain Man, this actor has undoubtedly gained much attention from around the globe.

On July 10, 2021, in London, England, on day 12 of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Pom Klementieff (L) standing at 5ft 6 ¾ (169.5 cm), Tom Cruise (C) at 5ft 7 ¾ (172.1 cm), and his then-girlfriend Hayley Atwell at 5ft 6 (167.6 cm) were in attendanceOn July 10, 2021, in London, England, on day 12 of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, Pom Klementieff (L), standing at 5ft 6 ¾ (169.5 cm), Tom Cruise (C) at 5ft 7 ¾ (172.1 cm), and his then-girlfriend Hayley Atwell at 5ft 6 (167.6 cm) were in attendance (Credit: MEGA / WENN)

While Cruise has stood proud with his vast array of awards and recognition, including nominations for three Academy Awards, a British Academy Film Award, and three Golden Globe Awards, this well-known Hollywood star has still magnetized attention, focusing on his apparent lack of height.

There has been much discussion over how tall Tom Cruise actually is. So, read on to learn more about this topic and delve into this intriguing discussion!

Tom Cruise: Fun Facts About the Top Gun Star

What is Tom Cruise's net worth?He is an American actor and producer with a net worth of $600 million.
Full Name:Thomas Cruise Mapother IV
Born:July 3, 1962, in Syracuse, New York
Kids:Suri Cruise, Connor Cruise, and Isabella Jane Cruise
What disease does Tom Cruise have?Tom Cruise was diagnosed with the learning disorder dyslexia at age 7.
Feet/Shoe Size:9 (US)
How tall is Tom Cruise?Tom Cruise is believed to be around 5ft 7 ¾ (172.1 cm) tall, which is slightly below the average height of an American male, which is 5ft 9 (175.3 cm).

However, Cruise's height has never been a hindrance to his success as an actor.
Nationality:American
Is Tom Cruise a billionaire?No, he's not yet a billionaire.
Is Brad Pitt taller than Tom Cruise?Yes, he is. Brad Pitt's height is 5ft 11 (180.3 cm), while Tom Cruise's height is 5ft 7 ¾ (172.1 cm).
Is Tom Cruise taller than Dustin Hoffman?Yes, Tom Cruise is taller than Dustin Hoffman. Tom Cruise is around 5ft 7 ¾ (172.1 cm) and Dustin Hoffman is 5ft 5 (165.1 cm).
Is Tom Cruise taller than Jennifer Connelly?Yes, Tom Cruise is taller than Jennifer Connelly.

Tom Cruise's height is stated as 5ft 7 ¾ (172.1 cm), while Jennifer Connelly's height is listed as 5ft 6 (167.6 cm).
Is Tom Cruise taller than Ben Stiller?Yes, Tom Cruise is taller than Ben Stiller. Tom Cruise's height is listed as 5ft 7 ¾ (172.1 cm), while Ben Stiller's height is stated as 5ft 6 (167.6 cm).

Therefore, Tom Cruise is approximately 1 ¾ inches (4.5 cm) taller than Ben Stiller.
Is Tom Cruise taller than Kelly McGillis?No, Tom Cruise is not taller than Kelly McGillis.

Kelly McGillis stands at 5ft 9 ½ (176.5 cm), while Tom Cruise's height is listed as 5ft 7 ¾ (172.1 cm).

Therefore, Kelly McGillis is approximately 1 ¾ inches (4.4 cm) taller than Tom Cruise.

How Tall Is Tom Cruise?

Despite being commonly listed as 5’7″, Tom Cruise is actually believed to stand at 5ft 7 ¾ (172.1 cm). Interestingly, in the 1980s, he was often cited as being 5’8” or even 5’9”.

Indeed, in 1988, Cruise stated that he stood at 5’9” and weighed 147 pounds. Many observed him to have an average stature in terms of height and build. However, it was his striking blue eyes and captivating grin that distinguished him from others in the film world.

When the 1988 American road drama film "Rain Man" was released in the United States on December 16, 1988, Dustin Hoffman was 51 years old, while Tom Cruise was 26 years oldWhen the 1988 American road drama film “Rain Man” was released in the United States on December 16, 1988, Dustin Hoffman was 51 years old, while Tom Cruise was 26 years old (Credit: United Artists)

However, being sighted next to other actors, actresses, and romantic partners has helped uncover the extent of how short this actor really is in this industry.

Despite this, Cruise hasn’t allowed this factor to emasculate him, tackling his career head-on in various captivating and memorable roles.

Tom Cruise’s Height: A Topic of Discussion

With the average male height standing at around 5’9”, many often point out the difference in Cruise’s height to others around him, especially when he is surrounded by over 6-foot-tall bodyguards who appear to dwarf him.

Even when not wearing high heels, 5′ 9″ tall actress Cameron Diaz towers over 5′ 7″ tall actor Tom CruiseEven when not wearing high heels, 5′ 9″ tall actress Cameron Diaz towers over 5′ 7″ tall actor Tom Cruise (Credit: WENN)

While shorter than the average male, this physicality hasn’t held Cruise back in his career, where he has stolen the show across decades of filmmaking.

Cruise has shown that he can work with a wide range of people, even if there is a much taller actress.

Tom Cruise and His Taller Partners

Having dated many women standing taller than average, Tom Cruise’s ex-wife, American-born Australian actress Nicole Kidman, is just one of these women.

Within the film industry herself, Kidman wore incredibly flat shoes while filming Days of Thunder, yet the height difference between herself and Cruise was still very distinguishable.

“They had me in really flat shoes, but you could still see I was taller than him. I’d prefer to be smaller, but I don’t mind. I like the fact that he’s one of the most famous actors in the world and can work with anybody – but he doesn’t mind working with an actress who’s taller,” Kidman said about filming the 1990 American sports action drama film.

Brad Pitt and Nicole Kidman make Tom Cruise look shortBrad Pitt and Nicole Kidman make Tom Cruise look short (Credit: WENN)

After the couple’s divorce, Kidman soon joked that she could wear high heels again without the height drawing too much attention.

With Cruise’s other ex-wife, Katie Holmes, also standing taller than her husband at 5’9”, it’s obvious that Cruise has had a history of getting used to his less-than-average height.

With this in mind, Cruise’s first official partner was Mimi Rogers, standing 2 inches taller than him at 5’9”. Famous American singer Cher also took Cruise’s fancy, displaying this actor’s love for taller and older women.

Comedians loved poking fun at the height difference between 5'7" Tom Cruise and his 5'9" wife Katie HolmesComedians loved poking fun at the height difference between 5’7″ Tom Cruise and his 5’9″ wife Katie Holmes (Credit: Andres Otero / WENN)

Therefore, while many factors stand in the way of modern relationships, it appears that Cruise puts love first when it comes to coupling up.

Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt

There has been much speculation that Cruise has invested in shoe lifts or elevated boots to look taller while beside Brad Pitt in Interview with the Vampire.

During filming, Cruise stood on platforms when standing next to Pitt in certain scenes. The production team always tried to devise innovative solutions to reduce the height difference between Cruise at 5’7” and Pitt at 5’11”.

To address the height difference between Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise during the production of "Interview with the Vampire," the crew had Tom Cruise stand on specially-constructed platforms while Brad Pitt stood in a ditch to even out their apparent heights on screenTo address the height difference between Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise during the production of “Interview with the Vampire,” the crew had Tom Cruise stand on specially-constructed platforms while Brad Pitt stood in a ditch to even out their apparent heights on screen (Credit: Warner Bros.)

Therefore, they cleverly dug ditches for Pitt to stand in while acting in scenes opposite Cruise.

Considering the improvisations and techniques that the team had to carry out to reduce the noticeable height differences between the two actors, it’s impressive that the film turned out so well to stand the test of time.

Tom Cruise’s Height Controversy

Therefore, while much discussion has been about one of the biggest celebrities in Hollywood’s less-than-average height, Tom Cruise doesn’t allow his co-workers and partners to diminish his overall performance and success.

As a Golden Globe award-winning actor, Tom Cruise’s success in Hollywood is undeniable. Despite his perceived lack of height, Cruise has consistently demonstrated a willingness to work alongside actors and actresses of various sizes.

This has showcased his versatility as an actor and helped him maintain his position as one of the most successful stars in the industry.

His dedication to his craft and his astute fashion sense have allowed him to overcome any perceived physical limitations and carve a fortune in his acting career.

Tom Cruise stands at 5ft 7 ¾ (172.1 cm), which is often viewed as somewhat shorter than the typical leading man in HollywoodTom Cruise stands at 5ft 7 ¾ (172.1 cm), which is often viewed as somewhat shorter than the typical leading man in Hollywood (Credit: KIKA / WENN)

With heads constantly turning in Cruise’s direction, his radiating confidence and flashing smile have helped him draw attention for the right reasons.

Katie Holmes Celebrates 33rd Birthday at Buddakan in Aladdin-Esque Jumpsuit

Katie Holmes was joined by her husband Tom Cruise in a sheer blouse paired with a black strapless jumpsuitKatie Holmes was joined by her husband, Tom Cruise, in a sheer blouse paired with a black strapless jumpsuit (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN)

Accompanied by her parents, husband Tom Cruise, and daughter Suri, on December 18, 2011, Katie Holmes celebrated her 33rd birthday at the upscale restaurant Buddakan in New York City.

Katie Holmes, whose birth name is Kate Noelle Holmes, was born on December 18, 1978, in Toledo, Ohio, U.S. She is of German, Irish, and English ethnicity.

Wearing an Aladdin-esque black jumpsuit with white lace sleeves, Katie Holmes seemingly wanted to match the restaurant’s modern Asian theme that night.

Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise leaving their Manhattan hotel with daughter Suri to celebrate Katie's 33rd birthday at the Buddakan Restaurant in New York CityKatie Holmes and Tom Cruise leaving their Manhattan hotel with daughter Suri to celebrate Katie’s 33rd birthday at the Buddakan Restaurant in New York City on December 18, 2011 (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN)

She completed her outfit with a pair of Rodarte for Opening Ceremony t-strap heels. They didn’t really go with her outfit, but thankfully, they went with its black-and-white theme.

These pumps with those harem pants look really jarring. But on their own and cropped as in the picture above, you can see that these t-strap pumps are actually quite stylish.

T-straps always have that retro vibe to them, but when made in black and white and finished off with a cap toe, they really go a few eras back.

katie-holmes-pumpsKatie Holmes wearing Rodarte for Opening Ceremony t-strap heels

Black and white t-straps would look really interesting as part of an office wardrobe and when worn with pencil skirts or tailored suits. They’d also look great paired with floral a-line dresses or one of those 40s-style dresses from the Miu Miu Fall 2011 collection.

With the stiletto heel and the pointy toe, these Manolo Blahnik t-strap pumps have a sexier vibe. But the perforations and the black and white colors keep things retro. There’s also a very subtle wingtip design right at the toe:

Manolo Blahnik Leather T-Strap Spectator PumpsManolo Blahnik Leather T-Strap Spectator Pumps, $785.00

For something a bit more vintage, we love this design from Marc Jacobs.

Marc Jacobs Fetish T-Strap HeelsMarc Jacobs Fetish T-Strap Heels, $895.00

How would you wear a pair of retro t-strap pumps?