Dakota Fanning Shares Tom Cruise’s Long-Standing Birthday Tradition
Dakota Fanning revealed on the "Today" show that Tom Cruise has been sending her shoes every year for her birthday for the past 20 years.
The Origin of the Tradition
Fanning developed a passion for shoes as a child, which Tom Cruise noticed during their work together. The actors first connected on the 2005 film War of the Worlds, where Fanning played Cruise’s daughter.
“He sends me beautiful shoes, it’s a tradition that started, I think, on my 12th birthday. I loved shoes, and I just had started fitting into adult-sized shoes, and so I was really excited about it. And so for that birthday he gave me shoes, and he’s kept the tradition going for 20 years.”
Details About the Gifts
When asked if the shoes were designer brands like Louis Vuitton or Prada, Fanning replied:
“He’s got good taste.”
The host pointed out, “He’s Tom Cruise, he can’t send you a pair of Keds,” highlighting Cruise’s status as a Hollywood star.
Fanning's Connection to the Gifts
Fanning wears the gifted shoes but also preserves them as keepsakes.
“I do [wear the shoes]. But I save them all, I’ll keep them forever. It’s such a great memory, it’s a way that he checks in with me.”
Author’s Summary
For two decades, Tom Cruise has maintained a heartfelt tradition of gifting Dakota Fanning shoes every birthday, blending thoughtful connection with timeless style.