How did Kurt Russell help Tom Cruise become a pilot?

Kurt Russell encouraged and supported Tom Cruise's interest in flying after the "Top Gun" movie, nurturing a passion that influenced his career.

What is Kurt Russell's connection to Tom Cruise's flying career?

Kurt Russell, an accomplished pilot, played a key role in fostering Tom Cruise's dedication to aviation, which became integral to his persona and film choices.

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Kurt Russell Helped Tom Cruise Take Flight

Q: Did Tom Cruise pay forward Kurt Russell's help with flying?

Yes, Tom Cruise reportedly covered flight school costs for his "Top Gun: Maverick" co-star Glen Powell, continuing the cycle of support.

3 Feb

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Summary

Kurt Russell shared how he helped Tom Cruise become a pilot.
Russell's encouragement nurtured Cruise's aviation interest post-Top Gun.
Russell's mentorship may have shaped Cruise's career and persona.

Kurt Russell Helped Tom Cruise Take Flight

Kurt Russell recently shared an anecdote detailing his pivotal role in Tom Cruise's aviation journey. Russell, a seasoned pilot, recognized Cruise's burgeoning interest in flying after the success of "Top Gun." He actively encouraged and supported this passion, a move that has since been credited with significantly influencing Cruise's career trajectory.

This mentorship extended beyond simple encouragement. Russell's guidance, alongside earlier support from director Sydney Pollack, helped solidify flying as a core element of Cruise's identity. This dedication manifested in Cruise's personal life and his cinematic choices, notably in films like "American Made" and "Top Gun: Maverick."

Cruise has also paid this forward, reportedly covering flight school costs for his "Top Gun: Maverick" co-star Glen Powell. Russell himself remains connected to the aviation theme, recently appearing in a Super Bowl commercial with director Joseph Kosinski.