SimplyAbuDhabi XLII

Cruise’s incredible versatility as an actor then allowed him to tackle a wide range of roles, from action-packed blockbusters to thought-provoking dramas. His breakthrough to true global stardom came with the iconic role of Pete “Maverick” Mitchell in ‘Top Gun’ (1986), and over the years, he continued to captivate audiences with memorable performances in films like ‘Rain Man’ (1988), ‘Born on the Fourth of July’ (1989), and ‘A Few Good Men’ (1992), earning him multiple Academy Award nominations. In the 1990s, Cruise embarked on an extraordinary journey as an action hero, headlining the highly successful ‘Mission: Impossible’ franchise, which has become one of the most beloved and enduring action series in cinema history. His dedication to performing jaw-dropping stunts, often without the use of stunt doubles, has become a hallmark of the franchise, setting a standard for action cinema. (We speak to Cruise more in-depth about his stunts in the newest installation of the franchise, in the interview that follows). 86 | Simply Abu Dhabi