JUST IN: BFI Honors Tom Cruise as an ‘Honorary Brit’ for His 40-Year Legacy in British Cinema, From Filming at Pinewood Studios to Enjoying Pub Life and Royal Events with the Beckhams and Prince William

Tom Cruise Named ‘Honorary Brit’ After 40 Years of Filming, Pub Visits, and Royal Friendships in the UK

London, April 27, 2025 – Hollywood icon Tom Cruise has officially been declared an “honorary Brit” as the British Film Institute (BFI) prepares to honor him with a prestigious fellowship, recognizing his remarkable four-decade contribution to the UK’s film industry. The 62-year-old American actor, known for blockbuster hits like Mission: Impossible and Top Gun, has not only left an indelible mark on British cinema but has also immersed himself in the country’s culture—mastering cockney rhyming slang, frequenting quaint country pubs, and forging a close friendship with Prince William.

Cruise’s love affair with the UK began in the 1980s when he first filmed Legend (1985) at Pinewood Studios. Since then, he has returned repeatedly, shooting major projects like Interview with the Vampire (1994), Eyes Wide Shut (1999), Edge of Tomorrow (2014), and multiple installments of the Mission: Impossible franchise across iconic British locations, including London, Birmingham, and the Lake District. His commitment to the UK film industry has brought significant economic growth, creating jobs and showcasing British talent on a global stage. The BFI fellowship, set to be awarded in May 2025, will celebrate these achievements alongside a month-long retrospective of 27 of Cruise’s films at BFI Southbank and IMAX.

“I’m truly honored,” Cruise said in a statement. “I’ve been making films in the UK for over 40 years and have no plans to stop. The UK is home to incredibly talented professionals—actors, directors, writers, and crews—as well as some of the most stunning locations in the world.” His passion for British cinema extends beyond production; Cruise has long advocated for the cinematic experience, encouraging audiences to see films on the big screen, a stance that has helped generate hundreds of millions in box office revenue worldwide.

A True Brit at Heart: Cockney Slang and Pub Life

Beyond his professional ties, Cruise has embraced British culture with open arms, earning the affectionate “honorary Brit” title from fans and peers alike. Sir Kenneth Branagh, who starred alongside Cruise in the 2008 film Valkyrie, revealed the actor’s surprising knack for cockney rhyming slang—a traditional East London dialect where phrases like “brown bread” mean “dead” and “china plate” mean “mate.” In Cruise’s case, his name has been playfully adapted to mean “booze,” a fitting nod to his love for a good pint.

“I’ve been to the pub with him a few times,” Branagh told The Times. “He’s an honorary Brit now, with a handy line in cockney rhyming slang. He finds a quiet corner, enjoys the atmosphere, and is always gracious when he gets spotted. He’s a natural giggler and just enjoys what he does so much—that’s infectious.” Cruise’s pub outings reflect his genuine appreciation for British traditions, a sentiment echoed by a source who previously worked with him. “He enjoys a good cuppa and loves the fact he can be himself here,” the source told MailOnline. “The biggest thing is he’s developed a proper circle of friends. He’s the happiest I’ve ever seen him.”

Cruise’s connection to the UK is also personal. His daughter, Isabella, 32, a make-up artist, lives in Croydon with her British husband, Max Parker. The actor himself is believed to own a property in the upscale Biggin Hill area of London, further cementing his ties to the country he first moved to in 2020 for back-to-back Mission: Impossible shoots.

Royal Connections: From Prince William to the Late Queen

Cruise’s integration into British high society is perhaps most evident in his friendships with the royal family. Over the years, he has been spotted at numerous royal events, from the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee to King Charles III’s Coronation. His bond with Prince William, in particular, has garnered attention, with the two sharing a passion for aviation. Both are licensed pilots, and their conversations often revolve around flying experiences, as noted during a 2024 London Air Ambulance Charity gala where they twinned in tuxedos. Prince William even gave Cruise a shoutout in his speech, playfully asking him