Tom Cruise’s Protective Side: Behind the Scenes of Gina Gershon’s First Love Scene 2024

Gina Gershon recently shared her memorable experience filming her first on-screen love scene with Tom Cruise in the 1988 film Cocktail. Appearing on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Gershon revealed that Cruise’s protective nature was evident throughout the filming, even when an on-set mishap resulted in her accidentally kneeing him in the face.

Tom Cruise’s Gentlemanly Conduct

Gina Gershon, who was still new to Hollywood at the time, described Tom Cruise as a true gentleman who went out of his way to make her feel comfortable during their scenes together. For Gershon, filming her first love scene was a nerve-wracking experience, and her ticklish nature made it even more challenging.

“He was a gentleman,” Gershon said of Cruise. “It starts off under the covers, and I told him I was very ticklish. I was like, ‘No, no, don’t ever do that.’ In one take, I think he wanted a reaction, and he grabbed my stomach, and I kneed him right in the nose. I was like, ‘Oh my god! I just broke Tom Cruise’s nose.’ He was like, ‘No, you told me to. It’s my fault.’ He was so protective over me.”

This anecdote highlights Cruise’s professionalism and his ability to maintain a supportive atmosphere on set, which is a testament to his long-standing reputation as a respectful and considerate co-star.

Mimi Rogers’ Presence During Filming

Adding to the complexity of filming her first love scene, Gina Gershon revealed that Tom Cruise’s then-wife, actress Mimi Rogers, was often present on set during the production of Cocktail. Cruise and Rogers had recently married, which could have added an additional layer of tension to the intimate scenes between Cruise and Gershon. However, Gershon emphasized that the presence of Cruise’s wife did not create any discomfort during filming.

“He had just gotten married,” Gershon recalled, referring to Cruise’s recent nuptials with Rogers. “But we did kiss as much as we could. Every scene it was like, ‘Should we kiss in the scene?’ ‘Oh yeah, I think we should kiss.’ It was my first love scene ever.”

Despite what could have been an awkward situation, Gershon noted that Cruise remained a true gentleman throughout the filming process. His supportive nature helped Gershon navigate the challenges of her first on-screen intimate experience, which could have been overwhelming for a newcomer to the industry.

The Success of Cocktail

Cocktail, directed by Roger Donaldson, starred Tom Cruise as an ambitious young bartender who opens a bar in Jamaica and falls in love with an artist, played by Elisabeth Shue. While the film received mixed to negative reviews from critics, it was a commercial success, grossing $171 million worldwide. At the time, Tom Cruise’s star power was on the rise, following the major success of Risky Business and Top Gun.

For Gina Gershon, Cocktail was a significant step in her Hollywood career. Though still a relative newcomer, her role in the film allowed her to showcase her talents alongside an actor whose fame was skyrocketing. The movie’s success, despite its critical reception, added to the growing momentum in Cruise’s career, which would see him becoming one of Hollywood’s biggest stars in the following years.

Gina Gershon’s Hollywood Journey

Reflecting on her career, Gina Gershon has been open about the challenges she faced as an actress in Hollywood, particularly regarding the roles she chose to take on. In a recent interview on the It Happened in Hollywood podcast, Gershon shared her experience with the film Bound, where she faced pressure from her agents to turn down the role because it centered on a lesbian relationship.

“It was a great script and I could tell they were incredible directors, but my agents were like, ‘We will not let you do this movie. You are ruining your career. You will never work again,’” Gershon recounted. Despite the warnings, Gershon believed in the script and the vision of the Wachowskis, the directors behind the film. “I just said, ‘Oh, well, I guess if you can’t represent me, I’ll go somewhere else. No hard feelings.’ It’s really a movie about trust.”

The decision to take on the role in Bound ultimately proved to be a pivotal moment in Gershon’s career, as the film became an iconic part of her filmography and showcased her willingness to take on challenging and unconventional roles.

Tom Cruise’s Enduring Stardom

Tom Cruise’s career has only continued to soar since his role in Cocktail. Known for his dedication to his craft and his intense work ethic, Cruise has remained one of Hollywood’s most enduring stars. His recent appearances in films such as Top Gun: Maverick and the Mission: Impossible series have further cemented his status as a cinematic icon.

Gina Gershon’s recollections of working with Cruise offer a glimpse into the actor’s character behind the scenes. Her humorous story of nearly breaking his nose during their love scene in Cocktail adds a humanizing element to Cruise’s public image, showing that even the biggest stars can have a mishap or two on set.

As Gershon continues to promote her latest film, Borderlands, her stories from the past remain a captivating part of her Hollywood legacy. Whether she’s discussing her experiences working with Tom Cruise or reflecting on her bold career choices, Gershon remains a compelling figure in the industry, unafraid to share the highs and lows of her journey.

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