Tom Cruise Sends Dakota Fanning Annual Birthday Shoes in Lasting War of the Worlds Tradition

Tom Cruise has maintained a unique birthday tradition with his former co-star for nearly twenty years. Dakota Fanning confirmed the Top Gun star still sends her a pair of shoes every year for her birthday. The tradition started when they filmed the 2005 blockbuster War of the Worlds together.

Fanning revealed the heartwarming detail during a recent television appearance. The gesture highlights a lasting friendship that began when Fanning was just a child actor.

A Simple Yet Enduring Gesture

Fanning discussed the tradition on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. When asked if Cruise still sends her gifts, she confirmed he does. She described the presents as “really nice shoes.”

Her co-guest, Brittany Snow, expressed curiosity about the specific type of footwear. Fanning kept her answer simple and charming. She stated the tradition is exactly as it sounds.

The actress also noted Cruise has kept up with her changing shoe size over the years. She emphasized that he has “adapted” as she grew from a child into an adult. This attention to detail shows the consistency of his thoughtful gift-giving.

From Cell Phones to a Lasting Bond

The shoe tradition has its roots in another significant gift. According to People, Cruise gave Fanning her first cell phone for her 11th birthday. It was a Motorola Razr, which she adored at the time.

That initial birthday present appears to have started the annual ritual. The gift of shoes then became the standard, continuing long after filming ended. This ongoing connection is a rare constant in the fast-paced entertainment industry.

Their bond was formed on the set of Steven Spielberg’s sci-fi epic. Fanning played the daughter of Cruise’s character, a dockworker fighting to protect his family during an alien invasion. The film was a global box office success, grossing over $600 million worldwide.

The story of Tom Cruise and his annual birthday shoes for Dakota Fanning is a enduring example of Hollywood friendship. It proves that some on-screen bonds can create genuine, long-lasting connections off-screen as well.

Thought you’d like to know-

Does Tom Cruise send Dakota Fanning birthday gifts every year?

Yes, Dakota Fanning confirmed that Tom Cruise continues to send her a birthday gift annually. The gift is consistently a new pair of shoes.

How did the shoe-giving tradition begin?

It started after they filmed War of the Worlds in 2005. The tradition seems to have followed an initial gift of a cell phone from Cruise for Fanning’s 11th birthday.

What was the first major gift Tom Cruise gave her?

For her 11th birthday, he gave her a Motorola Razr mobile phone. Fanning told Harper’s Bazaar she “loved it” and felt “so cool” having it.

How does Tom Cruise know her correct shoe size?

Fanning stated that Cruise has “adapted” over the years. This implies he has kept track of her changing size as she grew up.

Where can viewers watch War of the Worlds now?

The film is currently available for streaming on Paramount+. The movie also frequently airs on various cable television networks.

Trusted Sources

People, Harper’s Bazaar, Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.