Tom Cruise, 62, Skydives Into 2024 Paris Olympics Closing Ceremony

Actor Tom Cruise made a spectacular entrance at the 2024 Paris Olympics Closing Ceremony on Sunday, showcasing his signature stunt work while helping to pass the torch to Los Angeles, host of the 2028 Games.

The 62-year-old actor, known for performing his stunts in the Mission: Impossible franchise, rappelled into the Stade de France to thunderous applause. Accompanied by Grammy-winning artist H.E.R. on guitar, Cruise descended from the stadium’s heights, embodying the daring spirit that has defined his career.

In a symbolic gesture, Cruise received the Olympic flag from gymnast Simone Biles, a standout athlete of the Paris Games. The ceremony then transitioned to pre-recorded clips of Cruise’s thrilling adventures in Paris and Los Angeles.

Viewers watched Cruise sped through Parisian streets on a motorcycle before boarding an aircraft. In classic Cruise fashion, the actor parachuted from the plane, with the Red Hot Chili Peppers providing a fitting soundtrack for the Los Angeles native’s aerial acrobatics.

The action scene ended with Cruise running through the Hollywood Hills and climbing the famous Hollywood sign. Using a stunning visual effect, he changed the “O”s in the sign into Olympic rings and then handed the flag to a group of American athletes.

Cyclist Kate Courtney, sprinter Michael Johnson and skateboarder Jagger Eaton relayed the flag across Los Angeles, eventually delivering it to Venice Beach. There, a star-studded musical lineup awaited, featuring live performances by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Billie Eilish and rap legend Snoop Dogg.

Back in Paris, Cruise, wearing his usual leather jacket and jeans, spent time with Olympic athletes on the stadium floor. The Top Gun: Maverick star, currently filming Mission: Impossible 8, took selfies and chatted with competitors, showing his excitement the whole time.

NBC commentators praised the event, saying, “That’s how it’s done. That’s how you do it right there.” Another added, “Remember, Paris gave you a truly Parisian experience. It really felt like this amazing city.”

Cruise has recently been romantically linked to the much-younger Spanish singer, Victoria Canal, 25.