Date: 7th January 2004

Cruise delights thousands of fans


He had promised to sign autographs for every fan who wanted one, and Tom Cruise stayed true to his word at the premiere of his new movie.

The Hollywood superstar came to London for the British premiere of new blockbuster The Last Samurai.

And he delighted 5,000 fans in Leicester Square by treating them to a marathon signing session.

He arrived just before 6pm with Spanish girlfriend Penélope Cruz. Cruz, dressed in a red Valentino gown with plunging neckline, disappeared into the cinema after 15 minutes.

But Cruise remained outside for two hours - chatting, posing for pictures and making his usual phone calls to fans' mothers.

Celebrities including Bill Wyman and Nell McAndrew were kept waiting in the cinema while he met fans, many of whom had queued since this morning for a chance to speak to him.

By the time he had spoken to journalists lining the red carpet, Cruise had been outside for a total of two-and-a-quarter hours.

The actor had told fans they could each ask him two questions as he worked his way through the crowd.

He said: "I've had people asking me places I've been, people asking me to speak to their friends and relatives - and a few marriage proposals. I don't know how long I've been out here because I'm not timing myself and I've no idea how many hands I've shaken, but it's been really fun."

Cruise has been nominated for a Golden Globe for his role in The Last Samurai and is strongly tipped to earn an Oscar nomination.

Source: Press Release


 

 

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