Just a day after news broke of his split from Ana de Armas, Tom Cruise surprised everyone with an unexpected public appearance on the set of 'NCIS: Origins' at the Paramount lot in Hollywood. The 63-year-old actor was spotted laughing and posing for photos with the cast and crew, including Austin Stowell, Tyla Abercrumbie, and Caleb Foote, during his unannounced visit.
CBS shared the moment on Instagram, calling Cruise “a VIP on set,” while co-showrunner David J. North posted that it was “awesome” having the 'Top Gun: Maverick' star stop by. North wrote, adding, “So we were stoked he approved lol. Thanks for all the advice and the love, Tom.”
© CBSCruise’s visit came as the actor continues to juggle several projects at Paramount, including development on 'Top Gun 3.' Stowell, who plays a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs in the CBS prequel, teased the visit on his Instagram Stories with the caption, “Gibbs & Hunt, NCIS: Impossible,” referencing Cruise’s 'Mission: Impossible' character. North also shared clips of Foote reenacting a scene for Cruise, describing the visit as a major boost for the cast and crew.
© David J. North/IGThe surprise appearance follows a week of headlines about Cruise’s personal life. The actor and Ana de Armas quietly ended their relationship after nine months of dating. Sources close to the former couple revealed to The Sun that the split was amicable.
© David J. North/IG“Tom and Ana had a good time together but their time as a couple has run its course. They are going to remain good friends but they aren’t dating anymore. They just realized they weren’t going to go the distance and that they are better off as mates,” one insider said.
© The Image Direct/The Grosby GroupDespite the breakup, the two are still set to work together on Cruise’s next project, a supernatural thriller titled 'Deeper,' which remains on both of their schedules even as production faces delays. Another joint film, tentatively titled 'Pressure,' is also said to be in development.
© Backgrid UK/The Grosby GroupCruise, who has largely kept his dating life private since his split from Katie Holmes in 2012, was often seen with de Armas at fun events and during romantic getaways across Europe. The pair were photographed in Madrid, Menorca, and Vermont earlier this year and attended David Beckham’s 50th birthday celebration together in London.
© Backgrid UK/The Grosby Group“He has been showering Ana with gifts ever since they met, it’s his thing, he is thoughtful,” a source told the Daily Mail in July. “The more they got to know each other, the bigger the gifts became. There has been jewelry like gold bracelets and designer clothing… probably the biggest gift he has given her is being able to go anywhere in the world at a moment's notice.”
© SIRBOUMANDe Armas has since been spotted traveling solo and attending Paris Fashion Week, where she posed for photos with a mystery companion. She was also seen leaving a Santa Monica gym with 'Top Gun: Maverick' star Miles Teller earlier this month, though they left separately.
For now, Cruise appears to be focusing on his work. His visit to 'NCIS: Origins' marked another in a series of surprise appearances that have become something of a trademark for the actor, who previously showed up unannounced at 'Top Gun' orchestral performances and 'Mission: Impossible' screenings.
