The Outsiders started Rob Lowe and Tom Cruise’s careers, but Rob Lowe’s memory of Tom Cruise while shooting The Outsiders is particularly humorous. Based on the iconic S.E Hinton novel of the same name, the story, set in the 1960s, chronicles the lives of two rival groups, the Greasers and the Socs, representing different socioeconomic backgrounds. Rob Lowe and Tom Cruise were among the young actors who brought this intense narrative to life. Lowe portrayed Sodapop Curtis, the charismatic middle brother of the Curtis family, and Tom Cruise played the role of Steve Randle, a tough and loyal member of the Greasers.
The movie was pivotal in launching the careers of its young cast members, including Lowe and Cruise. As The Outsiders actors embarked on their journey in Hollywood, they carved out incredible filmographies for themselves. Lowe became known for his roles in St. Elmo’s Fire, Parks and Recreation, and The West Wing, showcasing his versatility across genres. Cruise, on the other hand, soared to international fame with blockbuster hits like Top Gun, Mission: Impossible, and Jerry Maguire. Their journey from The Outsiders to global stardom is a testament to their talent and dedication, but Rob Lowe’s The Outsiders memories suggest Cruise has always been his eccentric self.
The Outsiders: 15 Big Differences Between The Movie & The Book
The 1983 movie The Outsiders, based on the 1967 book, is a faithful adaptation overall. But, as with most movie versions, there are big differences.
Rob Lowe Said Tom Cruise Wasn’t Happy To Share A Hotel Room With Him
Lowe’s experience with Cruise extended beyond the set, recalling their first stay at The Plaza Hotel: “First time I ever stayed at The Plaza Hotel. We check in and Tom finds out that we’re sharing a room, and just goes ballistic.” This isn’t exactly atypical of Cruise either, as he’s been known to behave over the top from time to time, such as his rant on the set of Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning when the crew wasn’t following strict COVID-19 rules. However, before The Outsiders, Cruise was far from a household name, which makes it amusing that he’s always had that hot-headed flair even when he was an unknown.
Lowe added that it was this mentality that helped Cruise become a movie star. The actor said, “To me, what’s great about the story is, there’s certain people who have always been who they are… I remember going, ‘Wow, this guy is the real deal.’ But at the end, you can’t argue with the results, he’s had his eye on the ball since day one.” This perspective from Lowe offers an objective and insightful look into the early career traits of Tom Cruise that have propelled him to immense success.
Rob Lowe’s reflections on working with Tom Cruise during The Outsiders also shed light on Cruise’s intense ambition and competitive spirit (via ET Online). The West Wing actor revealed, “Tom was ambitious, never met anybody more ambitious, and I am ambitious,” emphasizing the competitive environment on set. He noted how even with a smaller role, Cruise’s determination was palpable. Lowe also recounted a unique aspect of their preparation for the film, where director Francis Ford Coppola envisioned the cast as gymnasts:
Lowe’s TBT Photo Shows The Outsiders Cast Was Full Of Future A-List Actors
In a nostalgic throwback, Rob Lowe took to Instagram to share a photo highlighting the remarkable cast of The Outsiders (via Entertainment Weekly). The post, featuring a hotel cast list, not only recalled the early days of these actors but also underlined how many of them went on to become A-list celebrities. This photo included The Outsiders actors like Patrick Swayze, Matt Dillon, Emilio Estevez, Diane Lane, and Ralph Macchio, alongside Lowe and Cruise, each of whom would later carve out their own unique path in Hollywood.
The Instagram post served as a reminder of the extraordinary talent pool present in The Outsiders. Patrick Swayze gained fame with Dirty Dancing, Matt Dillon with There’s Something About Mary, Emilio Estevez with The Mighty Ducks, Diane Lane with Streets of Fire, and Ralph Macchio became a household name with The Karate Kid. These actors, along with Lowe and Cruise, have since been recognized for their diverse and impactful contributions to the film industry, demonstrating the enduring legacy of The Outsiders as a launching pad for their astonishing careers.
Where to Watch The Outsiders
