Tom Cruise Last Publicly Seen with Daughter More than 10 Years Ago - Mom Katie Holmes Cooks & Gives Her ‘Innocent Childhood'
- Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes once argued over changing Suri's diapers.
- Cruise had the opportunity to visit Suri Cruise but chose not to.
- Suri's life is filled with round-the-clock love and care from her busy yet doting mother, and on special occasions like her birthday, she receives collective affection from her friends and family.
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes were once a beloved duo in Hollywood, both renowned television and film stars. However, they are no longer together now. As their daughter enters her teenage years, many are curious about her relationship with her famous father.
Tom has one biological child, Suri Cruise, who looks like him and turned 17 in 2023. Despite having inherited her dad's looks, the teenager also has distinct features reminiscent of her mother, Katie.
Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise arrive at Mentor LA's Promise Gala honoring Tom Cruise at Twentieth Century Fox Studios on March 22, 2007, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Like many excited soon-to-be parents, Tom was pleased about expecting his child. He was so happy that he reportedly bought a $200,000 ultrasound machine to see her daily.
However, not everyone saw the actor's decision as a positive act. The American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine slammed the purchase, calling it a form of medical device abuse.
Despite knowing it was expensive, Tom assured people that the ultrasound machine he bought would be donated to a hospital after the child's birth.
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, holding their daughter Suri, leave a restaurant on November 17, 2006, in Rome, Italy. | Source: Getty Images
On April 18, 2006, Tom and Katie welcomed a daughter named Suri. The arrival of their daughter brought immense joy to the couple, and Tom described his daughter's birth as a "spiritual" experience.
Like other parents, Katie and Tom experienced the challenges of caring for their newborn. They have divided responsibilities, but most of them lead to occasional disappointment.
Katie Holmes, Tom Cruise carrying their daughter Suri Cruise seen leaving on January 14, 2008, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
In 2009, Katie confessed that she and Tom had argued over even the most minor matters, one of which was Suri's diapers. She remembered that Tom had offered to change them to prevent her from getting upset.
Although it was a minor disagreement, Katie expressed dissatisfaction with Tom's gesture. However, they ended up working together to change Suri's diapers.
Katie was fiercely dedicated to her role as a female and a mother and was unwavering in her determination to fulfill her responsibilities in raising her daughter.
Tom Cruise and Suri Cruise visit Charles River Basin on October 10, 2009, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. | Source: Getty Images
She spoke fondly of her own mother, who, to her, was a strong and fiercely protective figure for her and her siblings. Whenever anyone dared to criticize their family, her mom would always be ready to defend them.
Despite their disagreement over changing Suri's diapers, Katie praised Tom's culinary skills. She said she was not a great cook and could only bake cupcakes in the kitchen.
Tom took on the role of a chef, as he would prepare his delicious pasta carbonara for her. The actor followed a recipe but gave it his creative spin. Katie recalled he made a similar dish when they went on a camping trip.
Tom Cruise and Suri Cruise seen on the streets of Manhattan on August 15, 2008, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Like her admiration for Tom's culinary skills, Katie remains devoted to Suri, who has become a celebrity child. As the years went by, speculation spread in 2008 that the couple was expecting a second child.
However, Tom quickly dismissed the claim in an interview with Grazia magazine. He did say, however, that they plan to have "more children" in the future.
Inside Tom and Suri's Decades-Long Disconnection
The relationship between Tom and his daughter remains largely unknown to this day. In 2006, Tom and Katie tied the knot, but their marriage lasted only six years before they separated in 2012.
The divorce happened when Suri was six years old. The case was quickly settled 11 days after she asked for a divorce. Katie got custody of their daughter, and Tom lost his.
Nevertheless, Tom was granted ten-day visitation rights to his daughter every month as stipulated in the divorce agreement with his former wife. It was a privilege he could utilize to his benefit.
Tom Cruise and his daughter Suri Cruise enter Dylan's Candy Bar on April 13, 2011, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
However, a source claimed that the movie heartthrob opted not to see his daughter because of his different association with a controversial movement. The source said in the US Weekly in 2018:
"He chooses not to because she is not a Scientologist."
Tom is reportedly believed to be one of the devout members of the Church of Scientology, a religion founded by author L. Ron Hubbard. Despite its popularity among celebrities, it has been criticized and accused of being a "manipulative" and "dangerous cult."
Tom Cruise and Suri Cruise seen on the streets of Manhattan on December 16, 2011, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Katie was once part of a controversial group while married to Tom. Her reported association with the movement was the primary factor for her divorce, as she sought to distance herself from it.
In addition to his monthly ten-day visitation rights, Tom reportedly pays over $33,000 per month in child support for Suri. Another source allegedly stated in 2019 that Tom still loves his daughter.
Rumor has it that Tom and his daughter Suri are estranged because he hasn't seen him in years. The last time they were seen together in public was during a trip to Disneyland in 2012.
Katie Holmes, Tom Cruise, and their daughter Suri Cruise visit Schenley Plaza's carousel on October 8, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. | Source: Getty Images
According to a source, Tom never intended to be estranged from his daughter. Tom was last seen with her daughter more than ten years ago. The actor reportedly hopes to repair his relationship with his daughter one day after years of allegedly being an absent father.
However, this means that Tom has reportedly missed out on important and difficult moments in his daughter's life. Suri had only one parent around 24/7, who has been a constant presence in her life and close to the teen when she needed reassurance.
As Suri's primary caregiver, Katie has established important rules for her daughter. Her parenting style is quite unique, as she takes a hands-on approach.
Tom Cruise and Suri Cruise leave Chelsea Piers on July 17, 2012, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
No matter how big or small the problem, many parents panic and stress when something terrible happens to their child, like an injury or trauma. It was not the case for the actress.
Katie maintains her composure and does not quickly react to risky situations involving her child. By staying calm, she believes that a child will follow her lead and remain calm.
Inside Katie and Suri's New Life
Katie and her daughter Suri have had a close relationship throughout the years, with Katie being a devoted and hands-on mother. She treasures their time together, taking Suri along to work whenever possible, even at the tender age of two during a theater performance.
The actress has been protective of Suri and has mentioned in an interview that the media's coverage of their family has made her more self-reliant and determined to protect her daughter.
She remembered a time when they were frequently followed by paparazzi and how she would take Suri out early in the morning to find parks where they could be alone. She mentioned a special moment when then-two-year-old Suri started waving at the cameras.
After her divorce from Tom, Katie moved to New York City with their daughter. The mother-daughter duo has been living there for over a decade, adapting to a new lifestyle and enjoying the city's vibe, art, theater, sports, and community spirit. She said:
"New York has been very good to both of us. I love the theater, the galleries in my neighborhood."
Despite being constantly in the public eye, Katie and Suri have found a routine in the bustling metropolis they call home and relish ordinary activities that only city life can provide.
In the past, Katie was spotted several times on the New York City subway, and she sometimes rides the subway with her daughter. A Twitter user reported seeing Katie sitting alone on a train with an extra dress on her lap.
Later, it was revealed that the beautiful actress was on her way to an appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon." The Twitter user was impressed by her humble demeanor.
In 2018, Katie was seen seated next to a row of passengers, peacefully reading a book. The passengers next to her appeared unbothered by her presence.
The two bond over food. Katie cooks well, making Suri's favorite breakfast and introducing new foods. Katie said: "I like to make a nice breakfast and start the day calmly. I like that time with my little one before school."
Katie, who self-rates her culinary skills at a "solid 7," acknowledged that Suri has her favorite foods, just like any other kid, and shared that she doesn't have any special tactics to deal with picky eating.
Instead, she makes what she knows Suri likes and occasionally introduces something new. Katie has shared her love of cooking on Instagram with posts about her various culinary adventures.
Dominating the kitchen, Katie has made many tasty treats for her daughter, such as homemade cookies for the first day of school, freshly baked apple tarts, and chicken pot pie with leeks.
She also has ensured that her daughter Suri's social calendar is always brimming with activities, from cozy gatherings with their extended family to playdates with friends.
Katie once took her daughter to a refugee camp to visit many families and children. She was proud of Suri for her ability to make instant friends, as she was pictured all smiles while playing with a small boy.
Her mother's family and friends have provided her with excellent company. She smiled in a group selfie with her aunts and uncle while relaxing at a tropical resort and playing football with her older relatives on the beach.
Of all the family members Suri has spent time with, her grandmother holds a special place in her heart. In 2017, Suri joined her grandma in baking a pie during the Thanksgiving feast in 2017.
Pampering seemed to be a staple for this dynamic duo, with regular trips to the salon for some much-needed self-care. Even when work demands Katie's attention, she brings Suri along, strengthening their bond on movie sets and making lasting memories.
When Katie gets occupied with work at home, Suri will come up to her. As a result, Katie could not help but give her darling daughter affectionate hugs and kisses.
Suri and Katie enjoy fun mother-daughter activities, such as creating Christmas dioramas, visiting their favorite art exhibit, painting pretty flowers, and exploring the city.
The mother-daughter duo enjoys cozy moments, as evidenced by an Instagram post depicting Suri happily lounging on the floor with their furry friend and a book while watching TV in their living room.
Katie asserted that her daughter is not a typical Hollywood child. She shared with Marie Claire how she instilled good values in Suri, like self-reliance. She would make her do chores like any child, such as making her bed, taking her dishes to the sink, and putting her clothes in the laundry.
Katie said her ultimate goal is to nurture Suri into her individuality. She spoke highly of Suri, describing her daughter as a strong, confident, and hard-working person with a focused personality.
In addition to their activities at home, Katie has enjoyed shopping for groceries solo and was once spotted wearing a blue shirt as she pushed a cart filled with her purchases.
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Katie was seen leisurely walking in the streets of the Big Apple, making her way to the local grocery store with her reusable shopping bags in hand.
She was dressed comfortably in a blue and green flannel shirt, high-waisted jeans, and slippers. She appeared calm and tranquil as she went about her grocery shopping errands. At times, she would bring along little Suri, and they would even dress in matching outfits.
In recent years, Suri has grown into a young lady, accompanying her mom on errands. On Suri's 15th birthday, Katie was spotted solo on a grocery run, showcasing her down-to-earth lifestyle as a single mom in the big city.
Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise are seen in the Upper West Side on July 22, 2019, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Suri's birthdays have always been made extra special by Katie. When Suri turned 14, Katie posted another photo of her daughter wearing a lovely flower crown on her head, the ribbon cascaded down her back."Birthday vibes," the mom wrote.
When Suri turned 12, the actress posted another photo of her stunning daughter holding balloons. She also shared another snap of Suri wearing a "Happy Birthday" crown.
Suri seems to be growing more and more like her famous mother. In 2022, Suri made her show business debut by getting featured in her mother's film "Alone Together."
In the film's opening credits, Suri sang "Blue Moon." Her sweet and innocent voice was reminiscent of Katie', showcasing her immense potential in the industry.
Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise attend the Z100's Jingle Ball 2017 on December 8, 2017, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Not only did Suri's angelic voice impact fans, but her smile, as seen in Katie's Instagram photos, bore a striking resemblance to her mother's iconic smile.
Along with her singing and smiling, Suri has adopted her mother's healthy lifestyle, including working out with Katie at the gym when their schedules align.
The actress has practiced several fitness routines, including yoga and boxing, and works out four times weekly. She emphasized that she never pressured Suri to join her fitness routine.
Katie has made a solid effort to provide Suri with a stable and "innocent childhood." Even though she has been single for a few years since she broke up with Tom, she has kept a normal and independent life.
Katie does not regret anything in her life and places importance on maintaining a sense of normalcy for herself and her daughter. Becoming a mom has transformed her, inspiring her to work hard and be open to new opportunities and experiences.