Rebecca De Mornay’s career took off in the 1980s, thanks to her unforgettable role in Risky Business. While the film launched Tom Cruise into global superstardom, De Mornay’s path took a different turn. Alongside professional success, her time on set led to a passionate romance with Cruise—one that would define a key chapter of her life.
In a recent interview, De Mornay reflected on her journey, from an unconventional childhood to Hollywood stardom, and the romance that captured media attention.
An Unconventional Upbringing That Shaped Her Strength
Rebecca De Mornay was born in 1959 in Santa Rosa, California, but her childhood was anything but ordinary. Her father, Wally George, was a well-known conservative TV host, while her mother, Julie, had dreams of becoming an actress.
When De Mornay was just two years old, her parents divorced. After her stepfather passed away when she was five, her mother took her and her brother on an adventurous journey across Europe, living in a Volkswagen van before settling in Austria. This unconventional lifestyle forced De Mornay to mature quickly, shaping the independent and resilient woman she would become.
At 18, she returned to the U.S. to chase her dreams—though her first passion wasn’t acting, but music.
The Unexpected Path to Hollywood Success
Initially, De Mornay aspired to be a folk singer and composer. But one day, while walking along Santa Monica Boulevard, she found herself considering acting. Her mother had once told her she had a natural talent for it, but at the time, she dismissed the idea.
Eventually, she gave it a shot and moved to Los Angeles in 1980. She enrolled at the prestigious Lee Strasberg Institute, where she trained in method acting. Her film debut came in 1981 with a small role in Francis Ford Coppola’s One from the Heart.
Then, in 1983, everything changed.
The Role That Changed Her Life: Risky Business
At just 24 years old, De Mornay landed the lead female role in Risky Business. She portrayed Lana, a confident and alluring call girl who becomes entangled with Cruise’s character, Joel.
The film was a box office hit and is still regarded as one of the best teen comedies of all time. Cruise’s career exploded after the film’s release, and while De Mornay didn’t reach the same level of superstardom, she did secure a spot in Hollywood’s rising talent pool.
Interestingly, Risky Business director Paul Brickman had auditioned over 400 women for the role, but he was determined to cast De Mornay. The actress later revealed she related to Lana’s character on a deeper level.
“I had gone through a lot of upheaval in my family life, and suddenly there was a part that fit me like a glove.”
While her performance won praise, it was her off-screen connection with Tom Cruise that became an industry talking point.
An Intense Love Affair with Tom Cruise
It wasn’t just on-screen chemistry—De Mornay and Cruise fell for each other behind the scenes as well. Their romance began during filming and lasted for two and a half years.
Their co-star Curtis Armstrong, who played Miles in Risky Business, later confirmed in his 2017 memoir that Cruise and De Mornay were “inseparable” throughout production.
At the time, De Mornay had been dating actor Harry Dean Stanton, but once she and Cruise connected, her relationship with Stanton fizzled out.
Ironically, she initially found Cruise annoying, as she later joked in an interview. But over time, his charm won her over.
Their relationship was a whirlwind—both young, ambitious, and navigating newfound fame. However, their love story ended just as Cruise’s career skyrocketed to megastar status.
Why Their Love Story Came to an End
Despite their deep connection, De Mornay and Cruise went their separate ways after two and a half years. While Cruise’s career soared with Top Gun (1986) and other major blockbusters, De Mornay’s Hollywood journey took a different path.
She later reflected on how her “mysterious presence” made her less of a mainstream star compared to Cruise.
“His presence is more like a major chord, and I’m more of a minor chord… America really loves the major chords.”
Career Ups and Downs: Finding Her Own Path
Although De Mornay didn’t reach Cruise’s level of fame, she continued to have a steady acting career.
Her biggest post-Risky Business success came in 1992 with The Hand That Rocks the Cradle. In the psychological thriller, she played Peyton Flanders, a vengeful woman who infiltrates a family’s life—earning her critical acclaim.
“I thought people would hate me for that role, but they ended up loving it.”
Despite consistent work, she was never aggressively chasing fame. She averaged about one film per year, preferring roles that resonated with her rather than blockbuster hits.
Love, Family, and Life Beyond Hollywood
In 1995, De Mornay met actor-turned-sportscaster Patrick O’Neal, and together, they welcomed two daughters—Sophia (1997) and Veronica (2001).
Balancing motherhood and Hollywood wasn’t easy. She often turned down roles that required long hours or extensive travel.
“I don’t know how famous actresses with kids do it. Maybe they’re good at multitasking? I’m not.”
She and O’Neal split in 2002, and De Mornay has kept her personal life private since.
Hollywood’s Double Standard: Ageism in the Industry
As De Mornay entered her 40s, she noticed a shift—fewer roles for women her age.
Her friend, actress Carol Kane, once told her:
“When I turned 40, it was like I sent an invisible telegram to Hollywood saying, ‘Don’t hire me.’”
While male actors often continue to land leading roles into their 50s and 60s, women are frequently sidelined. De Mornay experienced this firsthand, but she remained grateful for the longevity of her career.
Rebecca De Mornay Today: Still in the Spotlight
Now in her mid-60s, De Mornay is still active in the entertainment industry. Recent projects include appearances in the hit TV shows Lucifer and Jessica Jones.
She recently starred in the 2024 thriller Saint Clare, an Italian film inspired by Joan of Arc. The role deeply resonated with her, especially as a mother of two daughters.
“I wanted to be part of a film that tells young girls—you don’t have to take it. You can fight back. You can win.”
Final Thoughts: A Star Who Carved Her Own Path
Rebecca De Mornay’s journey has been anything but conventional. From an adventurous childhood to Hollywood success, a whirlwind romance with Tom Cruise, and a career marked by selective, powerful roles, she has proven that talent and resilience go a long way.
While she may not have become a Hollywood “major chord” like Cruise, she remains a respected actress, still captivating audiences decades later.
Her story reminds us that success isn’t always about box office numbers—it’s about creating a career on your own terms.
