Tom Cruise’s Daughter, Suri, Drops Dad’s Surname For High School Graduation

Suri Cruise, daughter of Hollywood stars Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, marked a significant milestone last week as she graduated from high school in New York City. The 18-year-old’s graduation ceremony, held on June 21 at the United Palace Theatre, drew attention to the achievement and an unexpected detail: the absence of her father’s famous surname.

The teen was listed among her classmates as “Suri Noelle,” eschewing the Cruise name that has been synonymous with blockbuster films for decades. The decision to use an alternate surname raises questions about Suri’s relationship with her father, who was notably absent from the celebration.

While Tom Cruise’s presence was missed at the ceremony, he was spotted across the Atlantic attending Taylor Swift’s Eras tour in London. The actor is currently in the British capital filming the latest Mission: Impossible franchise installment.

Despite her father’s absence, Suri appeared in high spirits as she celebrated with her mother. The graduate beamed alongside Holmes outside the venue, dressed in a bright red cap and gown adorned with a stole indicating her involvement in vocals and music programs. Her ensemble was completed with a white spaghetti-strap dress and kitten heels, while her mother opted for a beige outfit accented with blue satin sandals and pearl jewelry.

Suri attended prom with her new boyfriend, Toby Cohen. The two have been spotted around Manhattan in loving embraces.  Suir announced on TikTok that she will attend Carnegie Mellon University in the fall.

The graduation marks a new chapter for Suri, who has primarily been raised out of the public eye by her mother since Holmes filed for divorce from Cruise in 2012. The split, which occurred when Suri was just six years old, sparked widespread speculation about Cruise’s involvement in his daughter’s life.

In a 2013 defamation lawsuit against Bauer Publishing, Cruise vehemently denied claims that he had abandoned Suri, stating, “I have in no way cut Suri out of my life — whether physically, emotionally, financially or otherwise.” He asserted that he maintained regular phone contact with his daughter and kept abreast of her social and academic life.

As Suri steps into adulthood, her decision to use an alternate surname at such a public event may signal her desire to forge her identity, separate from her famous lineage. While the reasons behind this choice remain private, it adds another layer to the ongoing narrative surrounding one of Hollywood’s most scrutinized families.