Friday Jun 17, 2005 7:05am EST Friday Jun 17, 2005 7:35am EST (updated) By Nancy Wilson and Stephen M. Silverman CREDIT: SARA DE BOER/RETNA
After a brief and very public romance, Tom Cruise has proposed to girlfriend Katie Holmes, he announced at a Paris press conference Friday morning, with Holmes – flashing a large diamond ring on her left hand – at his side.
'Yes, I proposed to her. ... It was early this morning at the Eiffel Tower, so I haven't slept at all,' said Cruise.
'Today is a magnificent day for me, I'm engaged to a magnificent woman,' he added.
Asked why he chose the famed Paris landmark, Cruise answered: 'I've never been to the Eiffel Tower. It's Paris, it's a beautiful city, it's very romantic.'
The press conference at Le Train Bleu at the Gare De Lyon train station was actually for Cruise's upcoming movie, War of the Worlds. It opens in the U.S. on June 29. Holmes's new movie, Batman Begins, opened Wednesday.
Wearing a black denim jacket over a black T-shirt, Cruise arrived at about 10:22 a.m. Paris time, with Holmes, sporting a black top, behind him.
In the course of the conference, Cruise and Holmes never touched but repeatedly made happy faces. (Cruise's sister and publicist, Lee Anne Devette, sat with them.) Holmes's ring, which Cruise said he bought 'a while ago,' had a tear-shaped diamond.
Asked by PEOPLE privately if they plan to have children, Holmes said, 'Yes,' as both she and Cruise broke into smiles. (Holmes, however, did not speak during the press conference.)
As for setting a wedding date, 'We have to discuss that,' he said. 'We're taking it one step at time.'
When told by reporters that he seemed like a changed man, Cruise replied: 'It's definitely love and France. I've never felt like this before. She's an extraordinary woman and I love her very much. My family is doing well and I'm just very happy. Then you come to Paris ... But it's definitely Katie.'
Cruise, 42, and Holmes, 26 – who left the Paris press conference to board a train for Marseilles, for another War of the Worlds premiere – first announced their relationship in April, with both of them declaring their love at press conferences and in TV appearances.
In May, Cruise's behavior on Oprah Winfrey's sofa – jumping up and down – prompted the host to declare, 'The boy is GONE.'
'I'm in love! I'm in love,' Cruise yelled, throwing his hands in the air. 'I can't be cool. I can't be laid-back. It's something that has happened, and I feel I want to celebrate it. I want to celebrate her. She's a very special woman.'
He and Holmes began dating after Cruise split from actress Penelope Cruz, and Holmes and actor Chris Klein called off their long-standing engagement. Cruise was previously married to actresses Mimi Rogers (1987-90) and Nicole Kidman (1990-2001), with whom he adopted two children.
As the new relationship developed, Holmes started to profess an interest in her boyfriend's religion, the Church of Scientology. This week, PEOPLE reports that wherever Holmes goes, Jessica Rodriguez – an employee of the controversial church – is never far behind.
Though a source close to Holmes says that Rodriguez is traveling as a friend and assistant and not as a religious adviser, the blossoming friendship was perceived to indicate that Holmes was getting more serious about Cruise and more deeply involved in Scientology.
SomethingBlu
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Posted by ckgmwedding
Wow! What spectacular press coverage JUST before both of their movies release- great publicist at work!
His sister, no less! She made sure the story that they were 'dating' leaked immediately! It had been days, or hours, since they had met by that point.
nicknmb
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He's old enough to be her father!
DMcK
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I don't know if it's fake or not, but there is just something creepy about them. He was really cute and charming early in his career, even through 'Jerry Maguire' and 'Mission Impossible' but somewhere around 'Eyes Wide Shut,' he went off the deep end.
curliegirl
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Re: Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes Engaged!
I guess I'm playing devil's advocate, and yes I agree that he's weird, BUT
1-Does Tom Cruise need any publicity? Have you guys seen the Forbes list? He obviously DOES NOT need any $$$. She might, but if she's marrying Tom Cruise who cares?
2-Someone posted about 'convincing' her they were really in love....hhhmmmmm, I know I don't need to convince anyone of my love to my fiance, and just because they are in the public eye ALL DAY, why should they have to?
3- As we all now, paparazzi and all the tabloid types put MAJOR spins on everything to create a buzz, so why do we feed into it about this? I guess it's cuz we're in similar situations, getting married and all.
4-As far as the age thing, what's the big deal? My FI is 8 years older than me, and no, it's not that much compared to them, but why is it a big deal for them, but not say....a lesser known couple? Can't think of any right now, but it happens all the time.
Don't mean to step on toes, just taking the lesser road...as usual!
LilyOfValley
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Re: Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes Engaged!
Posted by curliegirl
I guess I'm playing devil's advocate, and yes I agree that he's weird, BUT
1-Does Tom Cruise need any publicity? Have you guys seen the Forbes list? He obviously DOES NOT need any $$$. She might, but if she's marrying Tom Cruise who cares?
2-Someone posted about 'convincing' her they were really in love....hhhmmmmm, I know I don't need to convince anyone of my love to my fiance, and just because they are in the public eye ALL DAY, why should they have to?
3- As we all now, paparazzi and all the tabloid types put MAJOR spins on everything to create a buzz, so why do we feed into it about this? I guess it's cuz we're in similar situations, getting married and all.
4-As far as the age thing, what's the big deal? My FI is 8 years older than me, and no, it's not that much compared to them, but why is it a big deal for them, but not say....a lesser known couple? Can't think of any right now, but it happens all the time.
Don't mean to step on toes, just taking the lesser road...as usual!
I agree with you! I just love gossip lol.
LilyOfValley
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Re: Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes Engaged!
Posted by LilyOfValley
Posted by curliegirl
I guess I'm playing devil's advocate, and yes I agree that he's weird, BUT
1-Does Tom Cruise need any publicity? Have you guys seen the Forbes list? He obviously DOES NOT need any $$$. She might, but if she's marrying Tom Cruise who cares?
2-Someone posted about 'convincing' her they were really in love....hhhmmmmm, I know I don't need to convince anyone of my love to my fiance, and just because they are in the public eye ALL DAY, why should they have to?
3- As we all now, paparazzi and all the tabloid types put MAJOR spins on everything to create a buzz, so why do we feed into it about this? I guess it's cuz we're in similar situations, getting married and all.
4-As far as the age thing, what's the big deal? My FI is 8 years older than me, and no, it's not that much compared to them, but why is it a big deal for them, but not say....a lesser known couple? Can't think of any right now, but it happens all the time.
Don't mean to step on toes, just taking the lesser road...as usual!
I agree with you! I just love gossip and he's weird lol.
SweetCin704
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Re: Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes Engaged!
Posted by blueyes678
I do believe 'To each his own...' but something about them just doesn't seem right.
I agree fully....I can just see before Labor Day Ashton Kutcher coming out & saying WE PUNKED y'all!!!!!!!!!!!
It just seems 'off.'
LilyOfValley
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Re: Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes Engaged!
.oops
Athee07
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too quick!!
hmm8191
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Posted by cindyandkevin
But honestly, my FI and I had only been dating 4 months when he proposed and he's 16 years older than me. Not that I want to compare us to them, but I just want to say that it's possible!!! We really ARE in love, and neither of us have major motion pictures coming out any time soon!!
I don't think anyone thinks it can't happen. My own parents met and were married within 6 mths. But have you seen the way these people behave on TV? They are both so bizarre. I missed Oprah but I did see Katie on Letterman and she was totally wacko. She told this bizarre story about swimming with dolphins and she seems like she was high or something. I'm sure you and FH are WAY more in love than those two publicity hounds. And just to add another piece of my two cents I agree Tom's gay!
june262004
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Posted by dleeny
they'll be divorced in no time
They wont even make it to the alter.
ChrissynRicky
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Re: Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes Engaged!
I just have way too much time on my hands right now....
I just have way too much time on my hands right now....
So do I..I need to get off this website today!!!
M&LSept1606
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Re: Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes Engaged!
Posted by curliegirl
Posted by cindyandkevin
I knew it was only a matter of time, it had been rumored for awhile!! In their case I don't think it's gonna work cause they're celebrities and it's hard enough to have a relationship in the public eye w/out the odds stacked against you.
But honestly, my FI and I had only been dating 4 months when he proposed and he's 16 years older than me. Not that I want to compare us to them, but I just want to say that it's possible!!! We really ARE in love, and neither of us have major motion pictures coming out any time soon!!
Finally, someone who doesn't think it's crazy to fall in love right away and marry an older man!!!!!
As brides ourselves, shouldn't we be happy that two people found each other and want to spend the rest of their lives together???
So, because they are rich and famous we should dismiss their love and commitment?
I am not supporting their hastiness, but I don't think it's right to trash them.
I am very surprised to read these posts!
ME TOO. I'm happy and I think they are cute. 16 years makes no difference. They are both adults.
soontobemrsd325
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ckgmwedding
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Posted by lillian771
I agree that the whole thing is staged. I heard that the relationship was 'arranged' by the church of Scientology. Since neither of them can come up w/ a story of how they met, I have to believe it.
I don't mind the quick engagement or the age gap, if they could only convince me that they really are in love! He's gay anyway...
Finally someone who understands the man is gay!
Goldi1021
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Posted by lillian771
I agree that the whole thing is staged. I heard that the relationship was 'arranged' by the church of Scientology. Since neither of them can come up w/ a story of how they met, I have to believe it.
I don't mind the quick engagement or the age gap, if they could only convince me that they really are in love! He's gay anyway...
A gay friend of mine informed me that the Church of Scientology arranged the marriage of Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley in order to 'cure' them of their 'sexual issues'. It is a long standing rumor that Lisa Marie is a lesbian. And Michael? A-duh. Hmmmmmm something sounds a lil familiar here.
Mrs. dleeny
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Posted by hmm8191
I feel like their whole relationship is a slight to people who truely are in love. I find them to be so offensive.
I agree. and the same can be said for 99% of all Hollywood 'marriages'
SomethingBlu
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Posted by Goldi1021
A gay friend of mine informed me that the Church of Scientology arranged the marriage of Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley in order to 'cure' them of their 'sexual issues'. It is a long standing rumor that Lisa Marie is a lesbian. And Michael? A-duh. Hmmmmmm something sounds a lil familiar here.
VERY interesting!
Mrs. dleeny
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Re: Tom Cruise & Katie Holmes Engaged!
Posted by ckgmwedding
Wow! What spectacular press coverage JUST before both of their movies release- great publicist at work!
Tom Cruise is a gay as the day is long- this is such a crock of hooey!!!!
