Inside Tom Cruise and Salma Hayek’s Years-Long Friendship, from Ask the Dust to the Eras Tour

Tom Cruise and Salma Hayek are old pals, their friendship spanning nearly two decades of Hollywood glamour and camaraderie.

To celebrate the Top Gun star’s 62nd birthday on Wednesday, July 3, Hayek posted a heartwarming shot of the two of them dressed to the nines at Victoria Beckham’s birthday party earlier this year. The photo captures a moment of genuine affection and camaraderie, emblematic of their long-standing friendship.

The seeds of this bond were planted back in 2006 when they worked together on the film Ask the Dust. This movie, featuring Hayek, 57, alongside Hollywood heavyweights Colin Farrell, Donald Sutherland, and Idina Menzel, was produced by Cruise and released amidst his major roles in War of the Worlds and Mission: Impossible III. Their collaboration on this project laid the foundation for a friendship that has stood the test of time.

Since then, Cruise and Hayek have maintained a close relationship, often seen enjoying dinner together over the years. One memorable evening in February 2015 saw the duo dining in London with Cruise’s ex, Penélope Cruz. The night made headlines, not just for the star-studded company, but because Cruise stepped out of the restaurant sporting a bright-red lipstick stain on his cheek — a playful remnant of the evening’s fun. It’s worth noting that Hayek and Cruz also share a history, having starred together in the 2006 film Bandidas.

Fast forward to July 2022, and Cruise was once again spotted dining with Hayek, this time accompanied by her husband, François-Henri Pinault. The trio enjoyed their meal while taking the time to engage with fans, with Hayek capturing the moment on Instagram with the caption, “When you take your friend Tom out to dinner.” This encounter was not just a casual meal but a reflection of the deep personal and professional connections in their lives. Pinault’s investment company, Artémis, later acquired a majority stake in Creative Artists, the talent agency representing Cruise, in September 2023 for a reported $7 billion, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The friendship saw another public moment in June 2023 when Cruise and Hayek attended Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour during a London show. They were spotted in the VIP tent at Wembley Stadium, mingling with other celebrities and enjoying the global superstar’s performance.

In celebration of Cruise’s birthday, Hayek shared a touching message on social media, writing, “Happy birthday dear @tomcruise ????????????,” alongside a photo of the pair posted to her Instagram Stories on Wednesday. This gesture highlights the genuine affection and enduring friendship between the two stars, a bond that continues to shine brightly in the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood.