Why Suri Noelle No Longer Calls Herself ‘Cruise’ — And the Unusual Gift Her Father Once Sent

Suri Cruise, born to Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes in April 2006, became a figure of public fascination from the start. Although her parents initially kept her out of the spotlight, her first public appearance alongside them in Vanity Fair’s September 2006 issue created an international buzz. The feature, with its 22-page spread, gave fans a glimpse into the lives of the celebrity family.

Now, nearly two decades later, Vanity Fair’s then-editor Graydon Carter has revealed a unique gesture Tom made after the cover hit newsstands. Carter told Page Six that Cruise sent him a document encased in plexiglass, outlining 20 tenets of Scientology. The gift, while unexpected, underscored the actor’s deep devotion to his faith—a commitment that, over the years, has seemingly driven a wedge between him and his daughter.

The Custody Battle and Estrangement

Cruise and Holmes’ marriage ended in 2012 after five years, with Holmes citing “irreconcilable differences” in divorce filings. Central to their split was Holmes’ refusal to join the Church of Scientology, a decision that reportedly became the breaking point for the relationship. That same year, Holmes gained primary custody of Suri, then just five years old, while Cruise was granted generous visitation rights.

Despite the court’s provisions, Cruise has reportedly distanced himself from Suri’s life since 2013. Though he was ordered to provide $400,000 annually in child support until she turned 18, Cruise’s active involvement in his daughter’s life diminished. By 2024, as Suri graduated from LaGuardia High School, she had dropped the “Cruise” surname, opting instead to be known as “Suri Noelle”—using her mother’s middle name. Cruise did not attend her graduation, and Suri’s professional ventures, including musical theater performances, also reflected the new moniker.

Today, as a college freshman at Carnegie Mellon University, Suri continues her studies while Cruise pays her $65,000 annual tuition. However, their relationship remains largely absent from public view.

Cruise’s Scientology Commitment

For Tom Cruise, Scientology has been a cornerstone of his identity for over 30 years. Despite the personal estrangements it may have caused, the actor has consistently praised the religion for its impact on his life. “It’s something that has helped me incredibly in my life,” Cruise said in an interview with InTouch Weekly. “I’ve been a Scientologist for over 30 years. Without it, I wouldn’t be where I am. So, it’s a beautiful religion. I’m incredibly proud.”

Cruise has acknowledged that being a Scientologist is no small task, describing it as a privilege that must be earned. “You see life, you see things the way that they are. In all its glory, all of its complexity. The more you know as a Scientologist, you don’t become overwhelmed by it,” he shared.

A Complicated Legacy

Tom Cruise’s steadfast devotion to Scientology continues to shape his public and private life. While he remains one of Hollywood’s most prominent actors, his family dynamics—particularly his relationship with Suri—paint a more complex picture. The plexiglass-encased tenets he sent to Vanity Fair’s editor after his daughter’s first public appearance symbolized the intersection of his personal faith and public life, a line he has navigated for decades. Yet, as Suri Noelle builds her own path, her separation from her father’s name and faith highlights a divergence that seems unlikely to change anytime soon.