Mission Impossible star Tom Cruise‘s relationship with the Church of Scientology has caused him so much trouble, ranging from his divorce from his third wife, Katie Holmes, to his strained relationship with his 18-year-old daughter, Suri.
The actor was introduced to the Church of Scientology in 1986 by his first wife, Mimi Rogers, who was a prominent church member. However, years into their marriage, Rogers left the church, leading to their divorce in 1990.
Tom Cruise’s affiliation with the Church of Scietology
Over the years, insiders have reported that Tom Cruise’s religious affiliation with the church isn’t as strong as it used to be, and the actor might be looking to opt out to find a way to reconnect with his daughter Suri — whom his third wife Katie Holmes is shielding from the church.
RELATED: Tom Cruise Allegedly Quitting Scientology After It Kept Him From Seeing Daughter Suri For Years
However, the actor is in a dilemma as his past still hunts him. His other two children, Isabella Jane and Connor Antony, whom he introduced to the church of Scientology, are firmly rooted in the church, and if he decides to renounce his faith, the two might cut off the relationship they have with him.
Tom Cruise breaks down about his son on set
In an excerpt from Ed Zwick’s latest memoir, Hits, Flops, and Other Illusions: My Fortysomething Years in Hollywood, who directed The Last Samurai, which featured Tom Cruise and his son, Connor, he reminisced about a conversation he had with the Top Gun actor about his relationship with Connor to set the mood for filming an emotional scene.
“Tell me about your son,’ I said. He looked at me, surprised. I knew Connor had just returned to L.A., and Tom wouldn’t be seeing him for a while. For a moment, Tom was quiet. And then he began to talk,” the director recalled. “It doesn’t matter what he said in those few short moments in the fading light. I watched as he looked inward, and a window seemed to open, and his eyes softened.”
The actor seems lost with the idea of having a perfect relationship with his three children due to Scientology beliefs, and carrying that burden alone is weighing hard on him.