Tom Cruise was born in Syracuse in the city of New York where he spent his early days of childhood.

His paternal ancestors include the Germans and also English class of people. His great-grand parents were William Reibert and Charlotte Louise Voelker. His great great grand father Dylan Henry Mapother was a Welsh, who migrated in the year 1850 to Kentucky from Wales. Mary Cruise was his great great grand mother who actually married twice.

From his maternal side his ancestors include half Irish and half German.

Tom has not had a completely relaxing childhood time. There were misunderstandings between his parents quite often and eventually when Tom was only twelve years of age, his mother decide to separate from his father. She left her husband together with her two children, Tom and his sister Lee Anne. He then went on experiencing various different cities like Ontario, Kentucky, Louisville, and Ottawa.

His academic life had also been disturbing because of the change of his address every time. He altogether attended a total of eight primary schools, and three high schools. His graduation was completed in the year 1980 in New Jersey, from Glen Ridge High School.

Tom has had a psychological problem throughout his childhood which he has confirmed at many places even in the celebrity magazines. His father is reportedly known to be very harsh on him. He has stated his father as a "bully" in various places and also "a merchant of chaos". He had lost all trust on his father even when he was living at the same house with him. Perhaps this was the reason why Tom's mother decided to separate from her husband.

Tom has said in various places:

"I knew from being around my father that not everyone means me well"

He had major life complications because of his father's presence. He had to change fifteen schools in his twelve years of life, where many children complete their entire schooling year from the same institute. The psychological problem which he had acquired due to his father's harshness also had an affect on his personality and Tom also faced the bullying of the students at school and in public places.

Acting to Tom came after he was fatefully injured during a wrestling match in his school team. His knee was considerably hurt and that made him turn away from the huge interest in this sport. It was during this time that Tom actually auditioned for his high school production flick called "Guys and Dolls". He was successful in the auditions and was very well acclaimed in his role. This further enhanced his interest in the acting career and that is how he made it his mission. Amongst his family members the only actor is his cousin William Mapother, who is famous for the role of Ethan Rom on Lost.