Back then: Cruise's parents - his dad an engineer and his mum a special education teacher - ended their marriage during his early adolescent years. From that time, Cruise, along with his siblings, was raised by his mother, who reportedly held down as many as four jobs at once to keep the family clothed and fed. Adding to Cruise's troubles was his struggle with dyslexia, which caused him difficulty in the classroom.

Now: Though Cruise's recent behaviour may have been a little odd, the movie star has little trouble grabbing huge headlines and loads of money. Next, the Oscar-nominated actor will return to the silver screen in the Robert Redford-directed drama 'Lions for Lambs'.