Tom Cruise rose to fame at a very young age and is one of the most famous American movie stars. The actor was only 24 years old when he starred in «Top Gun,» a movie that is now a classic.
However, what fans may not know is that Cruise was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of seven. In addition, the actor is a longtime member of the Church of Scientology and has credited overcoming his dyslexia to them.
Cruise was introduced to the church by his first wife, Mimi Rogers. Her father was a member, so he shared his religion with Cruise and invited him to a meeting at the Scientology center in Hollywood.
Cruise is on the board of H.E.L.P., the Hollywood Educational Literacy Project. This learning technology offers one-on-one tutoring for adults and children at no cost.
Cruise said he had tried his best to find ways to understand any reading material, but found it impossible to remember what he read, despite the help of several tutors.
It wasn’t until Cruise learned about L. Ron Hubbard’s Scientology study technology that he was able to get the help he needed.
That’s why H.E.L.P. technology is so valued by the actor; its technique of having an object you’re studying in front of you helped him overcome his learning disability. The concept is, «If you’re studying an airplane, have an airplane in front of you, if you can.»
The airplane example fits because Cruise confessed to people that he had always dreamed of being a pilot. Although he got to act like he was flying a plane in «Top Gun,» his dyslexia did not allow him to become a professional pilot.
According to Instyle magazine, Cruise and Rogers met in a Rolling Stone interview in 1986. But the actor couldn’t do anything because she was dating his friend at the time.
However, Tom said he was intrigued by her because he thought she was «extremely bright.» When the couple became close, things evolved quickly and they soon began talking about marriage.
However, marrying one of the most famous men in Hollywood was no easy task; Instyle said they disguised the wedding by calling it «the project.» The project took place in 1987. Apparently, they had a beautiful and intimate ceremony.
According to the source, the actor said Rogers made him a better actor and that he couldn’t imagine himself with anyone else. He added:
«I care about my wife more than anything in the world. She is my best friend.»
The unauthorized biography of Tom Cruise, by Andrew Morton, claims that the actor filed for divorce on December 9, 1989.
However, in an interview, Mimi clearly explained the reasons why her marriage broke up. She admitted that her age constantly appears in the tabloids, which «bothers her.» She was six years older than Tom Cruise.
However, Rogers, who is also a prominent actress, clarified that stardom, Cruise’s jealousy or Scientology were not the reason behind their breakup.
The actress revealed that Cruise was seriously considering becoming a monk, which was not compatible with marriage. That led them to end their marriage.
Cruise keeps his personal life private, but according to Instyle, there are rumors that he was dating his «Mission Impossible» co-star Hayley Atwell from 2020 to mid-2022, and is now single.
As for Rogers, she married producer Chris Ciaffa in 2003 and together they have two children, Lucy and Charlie.
When Cruise and Rogers divorced, the actress confirmed that she had left Scientology. He, for his part, remains an active member of the church.
Some reports claim that the church of Scientology was behind the end of those two Cruise marriages; the first to Rogers, then the second to Nicole Kidman.
Cruise still supports his church, and the actor believes Scientology played an important role in his success and in overcoming his dyslexia.
