Tom Cruise is not a man who forgets birthdays. Dakota Fanning revealed that the actor still sends her a pair of shoes every year — a beloved tradition that’s carried over two decades since they filmed War of the Worlds together. The 31-year-old actress talked about it during her appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen on Thursday, November 6, alongside Brittany Snow, who was there promoting her new Peacock series All Her Fault.
Cohen asked if Cruz still sends her gifts, referencing comments she made years ago about getting birthday shoes from him. “Yes, he does,” Fanning confirmed. When Cohen pressed for details, he said simply, “Really nice shoes, yes.”
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Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning’s bond
“I have a lot of questions,” said Snow, clearly curious. Fanning laughed it off, saying: “It’s as simple as that really. He always gives me the shoes.”
Snow tried again – “But are they sneakers? Are they, like…?” — and Fanning clarified, “They’re nice shoes.” He also revealed that Cruise has kept up with his shoe size over the years. “It’s changed over the years, and he’s adapted. He’s adapted,” she said.
The pair’s relationship dates back to 2005, when Fanning played Cruise’s daughter in Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster War of the Worlds. Based on the classic novel by HG Wells, the film stars Cruise as a father trying to protect his children during an alien invasion. Fanning was just 11 years old at the time, and their on-screen relationship continued into real life.
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Not just shoes – also the first cell phone
As People Reportedly, this isn’t the only thoughtful gift Cruz has sent her. In an interview in April 2024 Harper’s Bazaar, Fanning revealed that he gave her her first cell phone – a Motorola Razr – on her 11th birthday.
He said, “I liked eating it. I liked it very much. I liked it very much.” And from that moment on, the tradition was established. Every year since then, Cruz has sent a gift – often, a new pair of shoes.
For Fanning, it’s a small but steady reminder of the bond they formed so many years ago — a bond that hasn’t faded, even as both of their careers have gone in completely different directions.
All Her Fault is now streaming on Peacock. War of the Worlds is available to watch on Paramount+.
questions to ask
Does Tom Cruise still send Dakota Fanning birthday gifts?
Yes, Fanning confirmed to People that Cruise still sends her a pair of shoes every year.
How did this tradition start?
It started when Fanning was 11, when they worked together on War of the Worlds in 2005.
What was the first gift Cruz gave her?
He gave her a Motorola Razr phone for her 11th birthday – her first cell phone ever.
How does Cruz adjust to her shoe size?
Fanning said he has “adapted” over the years as his size has changed.
Where can you stream All Her Fault and War of the Worlds?
It’s All His Fault is on Peacock, and War of the Worlds is available on Paramount+.