Dakota Fanning opens about getting 'special annual birthday gift' from Tom Cruise

Dakota Fanning Opens Up About Her Unique Birthday Tradition with Tom Cruise

Dakota Fanning has shared a personal story about a meaningful birthday tradition she has had with Tom Cruise for two decades. The two first worked together in the 2005 science fiction film War of the Worlds, where Fanning played Cruise’s daughter.

During an appearance on the Today show, the Uptown Girls star revealed that Cruise began this thoughtful custom when she was 12 years old. Knowing her love for shoes and excitement about finally wearing adult sizes, he chose to mark the occasion in a memorable way.

“He sends me beautiful shoes, it’s a tradition that started, I think, on my 12th birthday,” Fanning said. “I loved shoes, and I had just started fitting into adult-sized shoes, so I was really excited about it. For that birthday he gave me shoes, and he’s kept the tradition going for 20 years.”

Host Craig Melvin jokingly asked whether the gifts were from luxury brands like Louis Vuitton or Prada, to which Fanning chuckled and responded that they are simply “nice.”

Long-Lasting Friendship

The story highlights the long-standing friendship and mutual respect between Fanning and Cruise, showing how a simple gesture has turned into a cherished ritual spanning two decades.

Author’s Summary: Dakota Fanning revealed that Tom Cruise has sent her a pair of new shoes as a birthday gift every year since she turned 12, a sweet tradition that has lasted 20 years.

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The News International The News International — 2025-11-06