Tom Cruise, known for his iconic roles in Hollywood and his penchant for performing his own daring stunts, almost had a mishap that could have resulted in a broken nose during filming.
Tom Cruise’s reputation for taking risks to achieve the perfect scene is well-established. His involvement in the Mission Impossible series showcases his dedication to performing high-risk stunts. However, a co-star from his early career days in 1988 shared a story about a close call involving his nose.
Gina Gershon, in a conversation with The Guardian, recounted an intimate scene with Cruise while filming the romantic comedy Cocktail.
Gershon disclosed a near-accident involving Cruise’s nose and expressed her worry that it might have ended her Hollywood career.
When asked about the scene, Gershon replied: “I almost broke his nose. I had never done a love scene before and it was going to be with Tom Cruise. I thought: ‘God, I get paid for this’.”
Gershon described Cruise as “very protective and very much a gentleman,” noting his concern for her comfort during filming.
“Initially, they were supposed to film the scene unclothed, but I thought: ‘I don’t wanna do that. That seems dumb’. I suggested: ‘Why don’t you go down on me under the covers? Then when you pop up, it’ll be a surprise’. He loved the idea, but I’d told him I was very ticklish.”
This detail would prove significant later on, as Cruise would soon discover.
Gershon elaborated: “[Cruise] had started to tickle me earlier. I said: ‘Just don’t do that’. I lose control because I was tortured as a child by my brother.”
“Right before the take, he was down there and grabbed my waist in a tickly, sweet manner. I didn’t mean to, but I had a knee-jerk reaction right into his nose. It was full of blood.”
She was worried that injuring such a well-known actor could jeopardize her future in the industry.
Gershon reflected: “I thought: ‘I just broke Tom Cruise’s nose. I will never work in Hollywood again’. I was mortified because I really kicked him good. I didn’t mean to. He said: ‘Nope. My bad. You warned me’.”
She admired Cruise for his kindness during a vulnerable moment, acknowledging him as a true movie star. It was an experience she cherished, especially since it was her first such scene.