In the 1990s, Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman adopted a daughter and a son before shocking the world with their split. But where are the former couple’s children now, and what do they look like?
Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, renowned actors and once an iconic Hollywood couple, were married for over a decade. Unable to have a biological child, the pair turned to adoption, welcoming a daughter, Isabella, and later a son, Connor, into their lives.
Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise in Los Angeles, circa 1990. | Source: Getty Images
Take a closer look at Tom and Nicole’s journey to parenthood and see how their adopted children have transformed over the years, including what they look like today and the lives they’ve built.
Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise photographed in 1990. | Source: Getty Images
The Beginnings of a Hollywood Love Story
Nicole and Tom first met on the set of “Days of Thunder” in 1989, igniting a connection that quickly turned into one of Hollywood’s most talked-about romances.
They married in December 1990, and Nicole later shared in an interview that they were “happily married” during those early years. Reflecting on their bond, Tom said, “It was that special connection when you recognize your soul mate. Nicole is a person who understands.”
Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise, circa 1990. | Source: Getty Images
From the beginning of their marriage, the actress longed to start a family. In an interview, she revealed she had wanted children since she was 17, and her desire only grew. “From the minute Tom and I were married, I wanted to have babies,” she said.
Sadly, the “Big Little Lies” star faced a traumatic ectopic pregnancy early on, which eventually led them to adopt. In 1992, they adopted their daughter, Isabella, and three years later, they welcomed their son, Connor.
Despite their life together appearing happy, their marriage came to an abrupt end in 2001 when Tom filed for divorce, leaving Nicole stunned, according to reports.
Her representatives shared that she had not anticipated the split, saying, “This divorce was not her decision. Tom made the move. Nicole is in a state of shock.”
Nicole Kidman at the premiere of “The Others” on August 7, 2001, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Although Tom’s press agent claimed that the decision was mutual and it was “an amicable separation,” Nicole later admitted that Tom had announced his decision suddenly, just weeks after they renewed their vows.
Rumors about the role of Scientology in their split then surfaced. In 2013, Lawrence Wright’s book, “Going Clear,” suggested that Scientology might have influenced Tom’s choice and affected his relationship with Nicole.
Nicole Kidman at the premiere of “The Railway Man” during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, in Toronto, Canada. | Source: Getty Images
When asked, the actress did not address the claims directly, stating, “I’ve chosen not to speak publicly about Scientology. I have two children who are Scientologists — Connor and Isabella — and I utterly respect their beliefs.”
In 2018, Nicole spoke about her adult children’s decision to follow Scientology, “They are adults. They are able to make their own decisions. They have made choices to be Scientologists, and as a mother, it’s my job to love them.”
The actress emphasized that no matter what, “The child has love and the child has to know there is available love, and I’m open here.”
The Hollywood star further explained, “If that is taken away from a child, to sever that in any child, in any relationship, in any family — I believe it’s wrong. So that’s our job as a parent, to always offer unconditional love.”
Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise spotted with their children in 1996. | Source: Getty Images
Isabella Kidman Cruise
Tom and Nicole adopted Isabella just after her birth on December 22, in Miami. From the moment she entered their lives, Isabella brought immense joy — and a bit of nervousness — especially for first-time father Tom.
Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman with their daughter in Central Park, New York, in 1994. | Source: Getty Images
In a 1994 interview, when asked about the first time he changed Isabella’s diaper, the action star admitted, “I was scared to death. Scared to death!” Chuckling at the memory, Tom confessed he had no idea what he was doing.
Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman photographed with their daughter in New York in 1994. | Source: Getty Images
Reflecting on those early days, the actor shared how becoming a father transformed his perspective on family. “Seeing Nicole with Isabella, I see a whole other side to her,” he said.
Nicole Kidman photographed with Isabella in 1994. | Source: Getty Images
Tom often paused to watch his then-wife and their daughter playing together, sometimes listening in from a distance when Nicole forgot to turn off the baby monitor.
“Those are the little moments in life when you stop and think, I want to make sure I’ll remember this forever,” he noted. With a mix of awe and pride, he softly whispered, “I’m a daddy.”
Tom Cruise with his children, Isabella and Connor Kidman Cruise, at the premiere of “Valkyrie” on December 18, 2008, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Isabella, now 32, has grown into a creative spirit, carving her own path away from the Hollywood spotlight. Embracing her artistic side, she launched a T-shirt line called BKC (Bella Kidman Cruise), showcasing her unique flair and independence.
Reflecting on her British roots, Nicole explained in 2019, “Bella lives just outside London. You know, she really feels more English. We lived there for ‘Eyes Wide Shut,’ ‘Mission Impossible,’ and ‘The Portrait of a Lady.'”
In 2015, Isabella married her boyfriend of less than a year, British IT consultant Max Parker. The couple had a low-key, intimate wedding at London’s Dorchester Hotel, inviting only a small circle of close friends.
Isabella Kidman Cruise at a private viewing of “Decadence,” the exhibition by American photographer Tyler Shields, on February 3, 2016, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images
According to reports, to keep the ceremony as private as possible, Isabella and Parker chose not to invite her famous parents, and even her younger brother was reportedly absent.
Despite this, Isabella and her parents did not have hard feelings. The “Mission: Impossible” star allegedly fully supported his daughter’s choice, covering the costs for both the wedding and the celebration.
Isabella has largely stayed out of the public eye, but in 2021, she posted a rare selfie on Instagram, sparking admiration from social media users who praised her beauty.
“Model 🔥❤️just beautiful!” one person commented. Another added, “Ur beautiful [sic].” Another social media user typed, “Love your hair, Bella. You look beautiful!”
Connor Kidman Cruise
Tom and Nicole adopted Connor shortly after his birth in 1995 in Florida, completing their family with a son who would follow a unique path of his own.
Now 29, Connor has spent much of his life away from the limelight, pursuing his passions and carving out his own identity. He explored several creative avenues growing up.
Connor Kidman Cruise photographed in New York in 2006. | Source: Getty Images
In 2013, he released his debut single, “Closer To Heaven,” showcasing his love for music. His famous mother later shared in a 2019 interview that her son was “into music” and living in Miami at the time.
Before launching his music career, Connor dabbled in acting, appearing in “Seven Pounds” alongside Will Smith in 2008 and “Red Dawn” with Chris Hemsworth in 2013.
Connor Kidman Cruise at the Emirates marquee during Stakes Day at Flemington Racecourse on November 9, 2013, in Melbourne, Australia. | Source: Getty Images
Beyond his professional endeavors, Connor developed a love for deep-sea fishing, a hobby he linked to his childhood travels with his parents. “We used to go fishing a lot when I was a little kid,” he revealed in 2016, fondly recalling family outings that sparked his lifelong passion for the sport.
By 2018, a source close to Tom and Nicole’s son shared insight into his daily life, saying, “Connor has a pretty simple life in Clearwater. He lives in his own home, in a Scientology community. His life is deep-sea fishing. He has a lot of friends and seems very well-liked.”
Nicole has consistently spoken warmly about her children, expressing pride in their character. “They are generous, kind, and hardworking, and these are traits that I love to see in my children,” she said, underscoring her admiration for the qualities they’ve developed over the years.
In 2019, Connor posted a rare photo of himself on Instagram, capturing the attention of fans who praised his good looks.“Very handsome 👍,” one person wrote. Another user shared the same sentiment, simply commenting, “Handsome.” Another social media user asked, “Are u really Tom Cruise n Kidman kid???? [sic].”
Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise’s adopted children are all grown up now. Isabella has built a life in London with her fashion line, while Connor briefly followed in his parents’ footsteps with acting before dedicating himself to music. Throughout it all, Nicole has loved and supported them, expressing pride in the values they carry forward.