What’s the story behind Tom Cruise sending Dakota Fanning shoes for 20 years?

Tom Cruise clearly has a memory for birthdays. And Dakota Fanning just reminded everyone that he’s also big on sticking to traditions.


The actor revealed that Cruise still sends her a birthday gift every single year. The tradition started when they worked together on War of the Worlds back in 2005 and, somehow, it’s been going strong for nearly two decades. Dakota shared this little nugget while chatting on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen on Thursday, November 6. She was on the couch alongside Brittany Snow, who was there to talk about her new Peacock show, All Her Fault.




Andy Cohen brought it up straight away, asking if the birthday gifts were still a thing. Dakota didn’t hesitate. “Yes, he does,” she said, smiling. When Andy asked what exactly he sends, her answer was refreshingly simple. “Really nice shoes.”

Naturally, Brittany Snow was intrigued. “I have so many questions,” she jumped in. Dakota laughed and tried to keep it low-key. “It’s honestly that simple. He’s always given me shoes.”


But Brittany wasn’t letting it go that easily. Sneakers? Heels? Something wild? Dakota cleared it up. “They’re just… nice shoes.” She also revealed that Cruise somehow keeps track of her shoe size, even as it’s changed over the years. “It has changed,” she said. “And he’s adapted. He’s adapted.”


The whole thing traces back to when Dakota was just 11 years old, playing Cruise’s daughter in Steven Spielberg’s War of the Worlds. The film was a massive hit, and their on-screen bond clearly turned into a real-life one that stuck around long after the cameras stopped rolling.

And the shoes weren’t the first thoughtful gift. In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar earlier this year, Dakota shared that Cruise gave her her very first mobile phone for her 11th birthday, a Motorola Razr. Peak cool, especially at that age. “I loved it. I felt so cool,” she said.


From that point on, the birthday tradition was set. Year after year, a gift would arrive. Most often, a fresh pair of shoes.


It’s a small detail, but a pretty sweet one. In an industry where people move on fast, this quiet, consistent gesture says a lot. For Dakota, it’s a reminder of a connection formed years ago, one that’s somehow survived time, fame, and two very different career paths.

Get an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here