- Katie Holmes’ daughter surprised fans with how much she looked like her dad, Tom Cruise, as she reached a milestone age.
- However, her public appearances have reminded people that the actor hasn’t been in her life for years, and some sources tried to explain why.
- Check out these photos of her transformation from an adorable mini-version of her parents to a talented young woman.
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes welcomed their daughter, Suri Cruise, in 2006, before announcing their separation in 2012. It’s public knowledge that the actor hasn’t been in contact with his daughter for a while, but a source revealed a possible explanation in 2023.
Suri and Tom Cruise at the Charles River Basin on October 10, 2009, in Cambridge, Massachusetts | Source: Getty Images
Despite the estrangement from the “Mission Impossible” star, fans have often been shocked by Suri’s resemblance to Tom and how much she has changed from a little girl to an 18-year-old college student.
Her Transformation Over the Years
Tom and Katie’s daughter was often photographed on different public occasions when she was a little girl. During these outings, the public caught glimpses of her chubby-cheeked cuteness.
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes with their daughter Suri Cruise at the restaurant “Nino” in Rome, Italy, on November 16, 2006. | Source: Getty Images
When the little girl turned two, she was photographed in a children’s store. Her similarity to her famous mother had become evident at this point, as she shyly held a teddy bear in the picture below.
Suri Cruise at the Bonpoint children’s store in West Village on August 17, 2008, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
A year later, Suri appeared to have come into herself. She was spotted waving to the cameras while inside a confectionary shop. In the photos, it’s easy to see how the little girl inherited Katie’s eyes. Her hair was also longer.
Suri Cruise at the Sweet Cupcake store in Harvard Square on October 10, 2009, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. | Source: Getty Images
Two years later, she had grown in height and her brown locks were even longer. It seemed her parents had made sure she learned how to swim at a young age, as Suri was seen at a pier wearing a cute swimming costume.
Suri Cruise at the Chelsea Piers on September 8, 2011, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
At age six, the little girl seemed more confident in herself. However, she was still very much into stuffed toys, as she was photographed in New York City holding a teddy bear again. She also looked more and more like Katie.
Suri Cruise on the streets of Manhattan on March 10, 2013, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Fast-forward a few years to April 18, 2016, when Suri was 10, and she was seen with her mother. The publication noted in the Instagram photo that the little girl had a growth spurt.
The following year, Suri’s looks were becoming more defined as she inched closer to teenagehood. Her hair was cut shorter as she attended another sporting event and was photographed looking straight at the camera.
Suri Cruise at a basketball game at Madison Square Garden on December 16, 2017, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
At age 15, she was photographed several times with her mother going about their lives and the resemblance between them was uncanny. The teenager also seemed to be getting taller by the day.
On November 21, 2020, Tom’s daughter was seen walking two dogs in New York while wearing jeans, sneakers, and a knitted sweater. This showcased a sense of style similar to Katie’s.
By age 16, Suri was almost undistinguishable from her mother. She was photographed strolling around in New York in November 2022, while wearing a facemask. It was hard to tell who it was because of her eyes.
By the time she turned 17, she looked more like her mother’s sister than her teenage daughter. Suri grew to have a similar facial structure and body build as the actress. And every time she went out, the paparazzi captured a shot.
However, by that age, it was also easier to see how similar Suri was to her father. As her looks developed, Tom’s genes flourished. Regardless, her face was undoubtedly more similar to Katie’s.
On June 25, 2023, she was photographed in Soho, New York, walking with some friends. For this outing, Suri wore a black tank top, a knee-length denim skirt, several silver bracelets, and a black choker necklace.
While it’s clear that Suri has had mostly a normal life, her relationship with her father has always been publicly discussed and questioned.
What Is the Reported Reason Tom Cruise Does Not See His Daughter?
Tom and Katie separated when Suri was only five. Despite once saying it wasn’t an “ideal situation,” he hasn’t seen or spoken to Suri since the divorce.
The actor revealed that he knew when he and Katie split, things would change within their family dynamic, and had to accept that reality. He also confirmed that one of the reasons Katie left him was to protect Suri from the Church of Scientology.
Additionally, Katie reportedly kept Suri from having a relationship with her dad. This resulted in an even deeper estrangement that eventually made the teenager decide to go by her mom’s maiden name, Noelle.
It’s public knowledge that Tom has been an important member of Scientology for many years. The church allegedly forbade the star from having a relationship with his daughter because she wasn’t part of the religion. However, a close source shared, “That is his loss, his issue, his problem. He must really be brainwashed.”
Furthermore, Leah Remini, an ex-Scientologist, alleged that Tom saw his daughter with his Katie Holmes as a “suppressive person.” For this reason, the “Top Gun” star believed he could not be connected to his child.
As for the future, former Scientology spokesperson, Mike Rinder, told Page Six, “Suri is not a Scientologist and never will be…she deserves love and sympathy.”
Despite this estrangement, there have been early indications that Suri has inherited artistic skills from both her famous parents.
What Talents Has She Already Shown?
While Tom and Katie are both multi-award-winning actors, Suri has shown talent in the musical field instead. Her mother even asked her to sing a cover of “Blue Moon.” This track played over the opening credits of Katie’s production, “Alone Together.”
The actress wrote the romantic comedy based on the quarantine period of the COVID-19 pandemic. She apparently asked her daughter to participate because she believes Suri is “very, very talented.”
Katie added that she only accepts the best on her projects. That’s a high compliment, as Suri also sings in her mother’s film “Rare Objects.”
Meanwhile, the teenager has also shown talent in acting. In 2023, Suri landed a role in a school play, where she embodied Morticia in a musical version of “The Addam’s Family.”
Despite her talents and her parents’ fame, Suri has a relatively normal life when she is not working on big Hollywood projects with her mother. This includes attending school and spending time with her friends.
Meanwhile, Katie has also tried to have a different life despite her career. She slowed down and took up hobbies like painting, writing, and sewing. The actress also spent her time passing down her love of fashion to her daughter.
Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise at the opening night premiere of “In The Heights” during the Tribeca Festival on June 9, 2021, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
As Suri Cruise approached her 18th birthday, reports emerged that she had already started applying for college. Katie allegedly wanted her to stay in New York so they could be close to one another. Suri reportedly wanted this as well and at the time, it was alleged that she was “leaning toward” studying fashion in the Big Apple.
This only showcased how close Suri and Katie have always been as mother and daughter. During an interview, Katie was asked if the teenager had watched “Dawson’s Creek,” which the actress confirmed.
However, Katie explained that she never forced her daughter to watch or have an interest in her work. Instead, watching the iconic teen series became a bonding experience between them during the pandemic.
They spent those lockdown days laughing about the show. The actress also revealed that it was wild having a daughter who was almost the same age as she was when she began her career. Meanwhile, Suri’s 17 birthday offered another glimpse their similar style and looks.
How Did She Look On Her 17th Birthday?
Katie won full custody of Suri after her separation from Tom, which is one of the many reasons why they have grown close and have similar fashion tastes. They have also been compared in terms of appearance many times.
However, in March 2023, Suri was photographed with her mother in New York, and the photos divided fans. Many thought the teenager looked just like her mom, which has always been the more common opinion.
On the other hand, some netizens could see Suri’s resemblance to Tom. One even called her the actor’s “clone.” Another social media user stated, “That is the female version of Tom Cruise…Wow no denying that she is his kid. Shes [sic] a pretty young lady.“
A picture of Suri on Mother’s Day in 2023 had other people convinced that she was more like Tom than Katie. One user wrote, “Sorry everyone but Suri looks just like her dad! Look at her NOSE, & eyes…it’s unmistakably Tom. (IJS)“
Fans have had many other opportunities to compare Suri’s looks with her parents, including when she attended the time-honored tradition of prom.
Her Outfit At Prom in 2024
The young woman turned 18 in April 2024 and was seen on a coffee outing with her mother. A few months later, in June, she celebrated a milestone with a classic high school rite of passage: her senior prom.
The event took place at the luxurious Ascent Lounge, where she made a stylish entrance. Her date was fellow LaGuardia High School alumni and aspiring musician, Toby Cohen, who has shared many of his performances on YouTube and TikTok.
While he opted for a navy suit for the evening, Suri dazzled in a maroon and white printed dress. The outfit also featured a bustier top that highlighted her slim waist and a knee-length skirt.
She completed her ensemble with elegant gold strappy heels while wearing her hair in loose, flowing waves. Following this event, the now-adult Suri embarked on a new chapter in her life: university.
Her Dorm At College
Suri has settled into her freshman year at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She began classes in late August, leaving behind her mom’s New York apartment for a more typical college experience. According to a source, “Suri wants the full college experience, so she is giving the dorm rooms a try and will have a roommate.”
According to the Daily Mail, her dorm hall, possibly Donner or Scobell House, offers the basics: a bed, desk, and drawers. Some halls even have air conditioning, but not all.
Katie Holmes and daughter, Suri, seen taking bags into college dorm, dated August 20, 2024 | Source: Youtube/Page Six
Carnegie Mellon also has plenty of dining options for students. On campus, Suri can enjoy coffee and pastries at Au Bon Pain, pasta at Ciao Bella, or grab a bagel and pizza from The Edge Café. Food trucks and Grubhub also add variety.
For wellness and fitness, she can head to the Highmark Center for Health, Wellness, and Athletics. This facility combines medical services, counseling, and gym spaces to support students’ physical and mental health.
While her exact major is unconfirmed, sources suggest Suri may be interested in studying acting, dance, or even fashion, following in her parents’ footsteps in the entertainment industry. Carnegie Mellon offers a strong program in these areas.
