Despite only working together on one movie, nearly two decades ago, Dakota Fanning has confirmed that Tom Cruise still gives her a birthday gift every year. The pair worked together on 2005's War of the Worlds, an action-heavy adaptation of H.G. Wells' seminal sci-fi novel. Fanning was just 11 years old when she starred in Steven Spielberg's adaptation, with Cruise being 43 at the time.
In a recent interview with Harper's Bazaar, Fanning was asked who gave her the first cellphone she owned. Jokingly, the interviewee suggested it could be Tom Cruise, to which Fanning confirmed. She mentioned it was a Motorola Razr and expressed her fondness for having it despite not having many people to contact at the time.
Fanning then shared that Cruise has been sending her a birthday gift every year since they worked together on War of the Worlds. She described it as a thoughtful gesture that she appreciates. The duo may not have collaborated on any projects since their initial movie, but their friendship remains evident through this annual tradition.
Tom Cruise's reputation for generosity extends beyond his gesture towards Fanning. The actor is known for his Christmas Cake list, which includes notable Hollywood figures. Fanning is among the recipients of Cruise's annual Christmas cake, a coconut Bundt cake with white chocolate and cream cheese frosting from Doan's Bakery in California.
Other actors who have received Cruise's Christmas cake include Kirsten Dunst, Glen Powell, Angela Bassett, and more. Cruise's generosity doesn't stop there; during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, he revealed using his first paycheck to cover his sister's college tuition, showcasing his caring nature towards loved ones.
Currently starring in Netflix's Ripley alongside Andrew Scott, Fanning continues to captivate audiences with her performances. The Limited Series adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's novel The Talented Mr. Ripley follows the intriguing journey of the titular con-man hired to bring a wayward son back home.
