Gina Gershon recently opened up about her memorable experience filming a love scene with Tom Cruise in the 1988 movie “Cocktail.” During an appearance on “Watch What Happens Live,” Gershon recounted how her excitement quickly turned to anxiety when she almost broke Cruise’s nose while filming their first love scene together.
At just 25 years old, Gershon was eager to star alongside Cruise, who was already a well-established actor known for hits like “Risky Business” and “The Color of Money.” However, the young actress’s nerves got the best of her during a particularly ticklish moment under the covers. Gershon shared, “He was even a gentleman. At one point he starts off under the covers and I told him I was very ticklish. I said, ‘No, no, don’t ever do that,’ and in one take, I think he wanted a reaction and he grabbed my stomach — and I kneed him right in the nose.”
The incident left Gershon mortified, fearing she had injured one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. “I was like, ’Oh my god, I just broke Tom Cruise’s nose!” she exclaimed. Despite the mishap, Cruise remained calm and reassured Gershon that it was his fault, further demonstrating his professionalism and protective nature on set.
Though “Cocktail” faced harsh criticism from reviewers and audiences at the time, it has since gained a cult following. Cruise’s role in the film was a stepping stone in his illustrious career, leading to his iconic status as one of the most prominent action stars of his generation. The fact that Cruise nearly broke his nose during a simulated love scene, rather than in one of the many death-defying stunts he’s known for in the “Mission: Impossible” series, adds an amusing twist to his legacy.
Gershon also hinted at the palpable chemistry between her and Cruise during filming, although she remained coy when asked if they had “hooked up” off-screen. “Do you think I would actually answer that?” she responded with a smile. However, she did reveal that their on-screen chemistry extended to frequent kissing, saying, “Every scene it was like, ‘Should we kiss in this scene? Oh yeah, I think we should kiss in this scene.’”
Gershon’s anecdote offers a charming glimpse into the making of “Cocktail” and highlights the behind-the-scenes dynamics between two young actors navigating Hollywood’s pressures. As the film continues to enjoy its cult status, this story adds another layer to the enduring appeal of both Gershon and Cruise in the world of cinema.
