Rebecca De Mornay speaks about intense affair with Tom Cruise
Rebecca De Mornay’s performance in Risky Business positioned her as a rising star in Hollywood. Her talent was undeniable and her future seemed bright.
Yet, while her co-star Tom Cruise skyrocketed to global superstardom, De Mornay’s path took a different turn — one that few could have predicted.
Not long ago, I came across a black-and-white photo of a beautiful young woman standing beside Tom Cruise. Her look was quintessentially 1980s, and her gaze instantly captivated me. At first, I thought it might be Heather Locklear, but I quickly realized it wasn’t her. Instead, I soon learned her name: Rebecca De Mornay.
Odd upbringing
Rebecca De Mornay was born in 1959 in Santa Rosa, California. Her upbringing has often been described as unconventional — some might even say chaotic.
Her parents were Wally George, a disc jockey who later became a right-wing TV personality, and Julie George, who dreamed of becoming an actress.
When Rebecca was just two years old, her parents divorced. Her mother remarried a scientist, but tragically, he passed away when Rebecca was only five.
Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
After this loss, her mother decided to take Rebecca and her brother on a journey across Europe. They traveled around in a Volkswagen van, eventually settling in a small town in Austria, where Rebecca began school. Living like a nomad forced Rebecca to grow up quickly, and she was often seen as much older than her years.
She was courageous and mature, making her own decisions early on. By the age of 18, she returned to the U.S. to pursue a career. Initially, Rebecca had a passion for singing and aspired to make it as a folk singer or composer.
Acting came to her mind later on.
”I started thinking about acting one day when I was walking down Santa Monica Boulevard her in Las Vegas,” she said in 1994.
”The only thing I could relate to was that my mother had wanted to be an actress when she was very young. She hadn’t really done anything: she had just been a mother. She had told me as an early teenager: ’I think you could be very gifted as an actress’. Which sort of poisoned it for me, because anything your mother says, you don’t want to do”.
Breakthrough
In 1980, De Mornay moved to Los Angeles and enrolled at the famous Lee Strasberg Institute to study acting.
De Mornay made her film debut with a small role in Francis Ford Coppola’s 1981 film One from the Heart, but it was her breakthrough role in Risky Business just two years later that truly put her on the map.
In the 1983 blockbuster, Rebecca plays the role of a seductive call girl (Lana) who teaches a young Tom Cruise a few life lessons. With her blonde bangs, porcelain-doll features, and piercing blue eyes, she was the perfect fit for the role. She had a mystique in the movie and was something of a mystery woman.
Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images
While most remember the 1983 comedy as Cruise’s launchpad to superstardom, it also propelled the once-unknown 24-year-old De Mornay into a solid career.
”I had only been auditioning for six months – which is nothing – when I got the female lead in a feature film that went on to become a monster hit,” De Mornay told The Los Angeles Times in 1993.
”I got a nine-year ride on one film”.
Although there was pressure to cast a famous actress, director Paul Brickman was determined to have De Mornay. After auditioning 400 women in the United States and Europe, he stood by his choice and ensured she got the role.
Rebecca De Mornay and Tom Cruise in a scene from the film ‘Risky Business’, 1983. (Photo by Warner Brothers/Getty Images)
One of the reasons De Mornay was able to portray the role so convincingly, despite her relatively limited experience, was that she identified with the character Lana. Their life stories were not entirely dissimilar.
”[I’ve] gone through a lot in my life in terms of upheaval and family stuff, and suddenly there was a part that just fit me like a glove, that I knew.”
According to De Mornay and many other’s, Lana was the ”soul of the movie.”
“I wanted to maintain her dignity, regardless if she’s having sex for money. She maintained some source of integrity and soul,” she said.
Intense affair with Tom Cruise
De Mornay knew right away that Risky Business was destined to be a hit, but she had no idea it would also spark a new romance. During the shoot, she and Tom Cruise not only connected professionally but also fell for each other. Their on-screen chemistry was undeniable, and the sparks continued to fly off-camera.
“It’s no secret that Tom engaged in an intense affair during the shooting with De Mornay,” Curtis Armstrong, who costarred in Risky Business alongside Tom and Rebecca, recalled in his 2017 memoir.
De Mornay was dating actor Harry Dean Stanton at the time, whom she had met in the early 1980s while working on One from the Heart. Their romance, though, quickly fizzled once she and Cruise began to fall for each other.
De Mornay initially joked that she found Cruise ”annoying” when they first met, but he quickly won her over. Before long, their connection blossomed into a romance that lasted two and a half years.
During this time, De Mornay was on cloud nine. She was one of the hottest names in Hollywood and deeply in love. Reflecting on their swift rise to fame, De Mornay described the experience as both thrilling and overwhelming.
However, while Cruise skyrocketed to become one of the most successful actors in film history, De Mornay’s momentum faded, and the industry’s interest in her waned.
“I was a more complicated, mysterious presence, innately than Tom,” she told The Wrap in 2023. “His presence is more like, I would say, a major chord, [thinking] in music terms, and I’m more of a minor chord…America really, really loves the major chords.”
However, her career didn’t completely fizzle out. De Mornay continued to work throughout the 1980s, achieving varying levels of success. Her biggest hit after Risky Business came in 1992 with The Hand That Rocks the Cradle.
Tom Cruise and Rebecca De Mornay attend a screening of John Hughes’s film, ‘The Breakfast Club,’ held at the Director’s Theater in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Darlene Hammond/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
The psychological thriller was a major commercial success, and De Mornay’s portrayal of a vengeful widow who infiltrates the life of one of her late husband’s accusers left a lasting impression.
”I thought when I was making it that everyone would hate me. But when the film came out, everyone loved my character,” she told LA Times.
Throughout her career, De Mornay averaged about one film per year. Despite her talent, she didn’t always land the major roles that some might have expected, partly because she never pursued fame aggressively.
”It’s not like I got more talented. In retrospect, I had a good education in Hollywood ups and downs very quickly. I was in a big hit and then several lows. But it all helped me in my quest to detach,” she says.
Tom Cruise & Rebecca DeMornay during The Breakfast Club Premiere at Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by Barry King/WireImage)
Rebecca De Mornay husband
When she met actor-turned-sportscaster Patrick O’Neal in 1995, she chose to focus more on her family. Together, they raised two daughters: Sophia, born on November 16, 1997, and Veronica, born on March 31, 2001.
Balancing motherhood with a Hollywood career is far from easy, and De Mornay experienced this firsthand. While filming Identity, she brought her daughter Sophia to the set. She also had to turn down roles that required too much travel or time away from her family. She wasn’t willing to relocate for new job opportunities; her top priority was providing her children with a stable and secure upbringing.
“I’m not quite sure how some of these very famous actresses with children, how they do it. Maybe they’re good at multitasking? I’m not,” she told The Wrap.
Age discrimination in Hollywood might also explain why De Mornay struggled to compete with younger actresses. This issue has affected not just De Mornay but many of her peers in the industry. De Mornay’s friend, Carol Kane, once told her that “when I turned 40 it was like I sent an invisible telegram to Hollywood that said, ‘Don’t hire me.’”
A significant part of the problem is the scarcity of substantial roles for women as they age, which has undoubtedly impacted De Mornay’s career as well. At the same time, she remains one of the fortunate few who have been able to sustain a career in acting.
“It’s always been important to me to choose roles where there [is] some model of strength to women, regardless of what they do or how they do it,” she said.
Rebecca De Mornay daughters
As of today, Rebecca De Mornay continues to work in the entertainment industry, though her roles have become more selective over the years.
She has transitioned from the leading roles of her earlier career to supporting roles in both film and television. De Mornay has appeared in various projects, including TV series like Lucifer and Jessica Jones, where she received praise for her performances.
In addition to her acting work, De Mornay remains focused on her personal life. She has kept a relatively low profile, prioritizing her family and private life. Despite the ups and downs of her career, she is regarded fondly in Hollywood and continues to be respected for her talent and contributions to the industry.
De Mornay’s daughters, Sophia and Veronica, have followed in her footsteps by dipping their toes in the entertainment industry. Both have shown an interest in acting, taking inspiration from their mother’s successful career.
In 2024, the 26-year-old Sophia De Mornay-O’Neal made her big-screen debut in Peter Five Eight. While many enjoyed seeing Sophia follow in her mother’s footsteps, fans are particularly excited about the striking resemblance between them and Sophia’s stunning modeling photos.
Latest movie
Rebecca De Mornay is currently in the spotlight with her role in the film Saint Clare, an Italian thriller based on Don Roff’s novel Clare at Sixteen. The film, which also draws some inspiration from Joan of Arc, premiered at the 2024 Taormina Film Festival.
When the project was first mentioned to De Mornay, the experienced actress was immediately intrigued and eager to be involved.
“I have two daughters, who are 23 and 26, and I really enjoyed being part of a film giving the females in the audience, young girls particularly, the message that you don’t have to fucking take it. You are strong enough to fight back at these guys. If an 18-year-old girl can lead an army, you can fucking fight off an aggressor. You can win as a woman against the patriarchy,” the 64-year-old actress told Variety.
Rebecca De Mornay today
De Mornay has always been known for her timeless beauty and striking presence.
During her breakthrough in the 1980s, she captivated audiences with her fresh-faced, all-American look, characterized by her bright blue eyes and flowing blonde hair. As she transitioned into the 1990s, her style evolved, adopting a more polished and sophisticated appearance.
Today, De Mornay has maintained her graceful and refined image. Even as she has aged, she has embraced a natural and effortless beauty, allowing her to retain the elegance that has been her signature throughout her career.
Looking at the latest red carpet photos from the Taormina Film Festival, it’s clear that Rebecca De Mornay is more stunning than ever! It’s incredibly exciting to see her blazing her own trail and continuing to create films she’s passionate about. Her enduring beauty and commitment to her craft are truly inspiring!
Share this article on Facebook to celebrate Rebecca’s incredible journey and keep your friends updated on the latest from this remarkable actress!
Rebecca De Mornay attends the photocall at the 70th Taormina Film Festival on July 14, 2024 in Taormina, Italy. (Photo by Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images)
Whiten Your Teeth – Home Remedy with Ginger & Salt
Want instantly brighter teeth? This quick and natural ginger and salt remedy lifts stains, eliminates bacteria, and enhances your smile
Why Ginger & Salt Work for Whitening Teeth
✔ Removes Yellow Stains – Salt works as a natural exfoliant to cleanse and polish the enamel. ✔ K-ills Bacteria & Plaque – Ginger is packed with antibacterial properties to fight bad breath ✔ Strengthens Gums – Helps to reduce gum inflammation and sensitivity ✔ Fast & Effective – Works in just one use for a brighter smile
How to Make & Use the Ginger & Salt Whitening Treatment
Ingredients:
½ teaspoon fresh ginger (grated or powdered) ¼ teaspoon salt (fine sea salt or Himalayan salt) A few drops of water (to form a paste)
Instructions:
– Step 1: Grate fresh ginger or use powdered ginger. – Step 2: Mix it with salt in a small bowl. – Step 3: Add a few drops of water to create a thick paste. – Step 4; Apply the paste to your toothbrush and gently brush for 2 minutes. – Step 5: Rinse well with warm water and enjoy your whiter teeth!
💡 Use this method only 2-3 times a week to avoid enamel damage.
Extra Tips for Brighter Teeth
✔ for extra whitening power, Brush with baking soda once a week ✔ Rinse with coconut oil (oil pulling) for deep cleaning and freshness ✔ Eat crunchy fruits like apples and carrots to naturally clean enamel ✔ Avoid tea, coffee, and smoking, which stain teeth over time
Inside the hectic life of Australia’s biggest family
When Jeni first met her husband Ray, she was certain of one thing — she never wanted children.
“Ray wanted at least four kids. I thought that was crazy. Like, who has that many children?” Jeni told Mamamia.
Now, over three decades later, they are the proud parents of 16 children.
$600 every week on groceries
If you’re from Australia, you might have heard of them, but for me, it was a real shock when I first started reading about The Bonell Family.
Life for the Bonell family, who are raising 16 kids in Australia, is anything but ordinary. From feeding their large brood to coordinating the chaos of daily life, Jeni and Ray Bonell have mastered the art of juggling it all — and with a healthy dose of humor, too.
The Bonell family, from Queensland’s Toowoomba, is made up of nine boys and seven girls – Jesse, 35, Brooke, 34, Claire, 31, Natalie, 30, Karl, 28, Samuel, 26, Cameron, 25, Sabrina, 24, Tim, 22, Brandon, 20, Eve, 19, Nate, 17, Rachel, 16, Eric, 15, Damian, 14 and Katelyn, 10.
Comedian Jim Gaffigan once joked, “You know what it’s like having a fourth kid? Imagine you’re drowning, then someone hands you a baby.” So what’s it like to have sixteen kids?
Jeni, the mother at the helm, spends a staggering $600 every week on groceries just to keep their pantry stocked. With inflation hitting hard, that budget has crept up by $50. For a family of 18 (with 8 kids still living at home), it takes a lot to keep everyone well-fed.
The weekly grocery list is nothing short of impressive: 17 three-litre bottles of milk, 14 boxes of cereal, 45 tubs of yogurt, and a whopping four dozen eggs.
“We go through 50 litres of milk each week and one to two loaves of bread every day,” says Jeni.
Getting a good family photo is difficult
It’s a logistical nightmare for anyone, but for the Bonells, it’s all part of the rhythm of life. The Bonell family’s home life is a carefully choreographed routine.
“Getting a good family photo is difficult,” says Jeni, laughing. “You need an extra-wide lens, and there’s always someone looking away, pulling a funny face, or with their eyes closed. But we enjoy those little quirks in the photos. They’re not picture perfect, but that’s part of the fun.”
With 16 kids, it’s not just about taking photos — it’s about keeping up with the whirlwind of daily life.
Imagine having 16 kids, a full-time job, part-time jobs, and a household to run. That’s the reality for Jeni and Ray.
“I used to think life was busy with little kids,” says Jeni, “but I’m certainly busier these days with older children.” Between coordinating three different schools, sporting activities, part-time jobs, and the older kids’ studies, it’s a juggling act. And yet, Jeni wouldn’t have it any other way. “Life is very hectic – but it’s good.”
The evening routine in their home is a perfect reflection of the Bonell family dynamic. “Take an average-sized family and multiply it by eight, and that’s what our evening routine is like,” Jeni laughs.
Stretching every dollar
Some nights it’s total chaos; other nights, everything falls into place like a well-oiled machine. But regardless of how the evening unfolds, one thing is always consistent: dinner time. “Dinner is always great,” Jeni explains. “Some nights we have eight people at the table, other nights we have more than 20!”
The Bonells are pros at stretching every dollar. Jeni is known for her budget-friendly meals that cost between $2 and $10. She often shares her grocery trips on YouTube to help others manage their food costs.
“It’s a struggle for everyone at the moment,” says Jeni, “We’re all feeling that pinch with the budget.” To stay organized, Jeni uses a chore chart to divide household responsibilities, making sure everyone from age eight upwards pitches in. The kids are also taught to cook from a young age. “Our 12-year-old can put a roast dinner on for 20 people with almost no supervision,” Jeni says with pride.
The laundry load in a house like theirs is equally immense. Jeni does three full loads of laundry every day, which amounts to about six average-sized loads. And when it comes to grocery shopping, Jeni fills up two trolleys each week. “I always need one of the kids to help with the load,” she says.
The Bonell Family religion
When it comes to their finances, the Bonells have learned to make sacrifices. While they pay off their home mortgage, the financial pressures are still real. “It’s expensive and you definitely have to make sacrifices with your budget,” says Jeni. “But we all work, and our family doesn’t live off the taxpayer. However, we do get a lot of criticism for having so many kids.”
Although the Bonells are deeply religious and regularly attend church, Jeni insists that their large family isn’t solely the result of their strong faith.
“God has a funny sense of humour,” says Jeni. They have no regrets, though. ”It just feels right for us,” says Ray, who works as an electrician. ”People have to do what’s right for them. Having 16 kids is not for everyone, but it’s what works for us.”
Despite their busy lives, Jeni and Ray find moments for themselves. “Do I get alone time with my wife? Of course, I do. We make time for each other,” says Ray with a smile. “It’s important to look after each other.”
Their two older children have now left home and are married, adding to the family dynamic as Jeni and Ray become grandparents to two grandchildren. It’s proof that the Bonell family just keeps growing. But with each addition, the love, laughter, and sense of togetherness only deepen.
Inside their roster system
In a family where organization is key, the Bonells have developed a solid routine. From prepping school uniforms and lunches the night before to creating a rotation system for chores, the Bonells make it work.
“We have a roster system, so when a kid turns eight, they get put on the roster,” says Jeni. “They rotate through chores like sweeping, mopping the floor, packing up the table, and helping with meal prep.”
When it comes to snacks, Jeni has a few favorites she shares with fans on YouTube, including air fryer egg cups and air fryer pizza bites. Both snacks are simple to prepare, freeze well, and are perfect for school lunches.
For the Bonells, it’s all about creating a system that allows everyone to pitch in and contribute. And despite the chaos of managing a household of 16, it’s clear that love, teamwork, and humor keep the Bonell family thriving.
Whether it’s feeding the kids, running a household, or finding time for a quick coffee date, the Bonells make it all work — and they do it with a smile.
At the end of the day, the Bonell family proves that with a little creativity, a lot of organization, and plenty of love, you can make just about anything work. Sure, raising 16 kids isn’t easy, but for Jeni and Ray, it’s all part of the adventure.
Whether it’s sharing tips on how to feed a crowd on a budget, keeping up with the endless laundry, or just enjoying the chaos of family life, the Bonells know how to make it happen. And through it all, they’re creating a home full of memories, laughter, and endless love. If there’s one thing we can all take away from this, it’s that family, no matter how big, is always worth it.
Tiger Woods posts an emotional message on social media announcing the death of his mother, Kultida, saying, “My Mom Was Force Of Nature
In a heartfelt social media statement, Tiger Woods revealed that his mother, Kultida Woods, has passed away at the age of 78. She is his “biggest fan” and a “force of nature,” according to the 15-time major champion.
“I want to share with you my deepest sorrow that my beloved mother, Kultida Woods, passed away early this morning,” Tiger wrote in his touching letter. My mother’s spirit was just indisputable; she was a force of nature all her own.
She laughed and used the needle quickly. “She was my biggest supporter and fan, and without her, none of my personal accomplishments would have been possible,” he continued. Her two grandsons, Sam and Charlie, adored her more than anyone else. I appreciate everyone’s prayers, support, and privacy at this trying time for my family and myself. I adore you, Mom.
Kultida, who is originally from Thailand, met Tiger’s father, Earl Woods, in the late 1960s when he was serving with the US military in Bangkok, according to Fox News. After being married in 1969, the pair moved to Brooklyn, New York, and finally settled in Cypress, California, where their only child, Tiger-born Eldrick Woods, was born.
Eldrick was given his parents’ names, K for Kultida and E for Earl. Tiger Phong, his father’s lost companion in Vietnam, inspired the golf champion’s nickname. At the age of 74, Earl passed away in 2006.
During one of the golfer’s darkest moments, Kultida supported her son. In a widely reported news appearance in 2010, he admitted to having several extramarital affairs. Tiger’s mother, who was seated in the front row of the public confession, acknowledged that he had “stopped living by the core values” that his parents had taught him and that his behaviour was unacceptable.
penultimate year, Tiger Woods said on The Tonight Show that his mother was the reason he was able to don the now-famous red and black ensemble that he donned on the penultimate day of golf competitions. Published at 10:45 AM IST on Wednesday, February 5, 2025