The number has to do with Scientology, of course.
Tom Cruise is one of the greatest stars Hollywood has ever seen. While he has made a lasting impression as an actor, he was not successful in doing the same in his personal life. However, some claim his failed marriages are closely linked to his religion of Scientology.
But there is one surprising factor that is common to all his failed marriages - the age of his wives when they got divorced. According to Daily News, Tom Cruise's marriages came to an end when the women he was with reached the age of 33. The number is reportedly very significant to his religious beliefs. Firstly, the controversial religious organization formed by the Hubbard Association of Scientologists was first found in Phoenix, Arizona, on the 33rd parallel. Secondly, the number 33 is called the Master Teacher. It represents altruism and is known to increase the positive energy in mankind, according to numerology. The concept also resembles the Scientology philosophy to "enable Man to improve his lot through understanding," according to Daily News.
Though these conclusions cannot be confirmed, Cruise's marriages have a pattern associated with his faith. Cruise joined the Church of Scientology in the 1980s. In 1981, the actor married 31-year-old actress Mimi Rogers. However, just two years later, the actor filed for a divorce. At the time, the couple released a joint statement saying, "While there have been very positive aspects to our marriage, there were some issues which could not be resolved even after working on them for a period of time," according to CheatSheet.
Soon, the Top Gun actor met actress Nicole Kidman. The couple tied the knot in December 1990. Though the actress was raised Catholic, Kidman converted into Cruise's religion. The couple adopted two children, Isabella and Connor, and lived 11 years together before calling quits on their relationship. Again, Cruise filed for divorce citing "irreconcilable differences.” While the reasons for their split were not clear, many claimed it was due to Crusie’s beliefs in Scientology. Kidman was 33 at the time of their break up.
Following the fallout in their marriage, Kidman was heartbroken and left the Church of Scientology. Over the years the former couple's relationship became strained.
It was so bad that Cruise banned his ex-wife from attending their son's wedding. According to an Insider, "First, Tom would never even consider inviting Nicole to Connor’s wedding because she’s considered a 'suppressive person' by the church — and, second, he doesn’t want her there. Tom turned his back on Nicole a long time ago and he’s never looked back," according to Radar Online. "Tom is behind this and what he wants is as good as law. Tom made the call and Connor followed," added the source.
According to the Church of Scientology, members should not be associated with those labeled a "suppressive person" according to Evening Standard.
After his divorce from Kidman, Cruise met the Batman Begins actress, Katie Holmes in 2005. Their romance gained a lot of media attention and the actress said it was a dream come true to be with Cruise. "I think every little girl dreams about (her wedding). I used to think I was going to marry Tom Cruise," said the Dawson's Creek actress at the time, according to Hollywood Reporter.
Their whirlwind romance materialized into marriage and Holmes joined Cruise's religion. The following year, the couple welcomed their daughter, Suri. However, this marriage too ended shortly. Unlike other relationships, it was Holmes instead of Cruise who came forward to file for a divorce in 2012, when she was 33-34 years old. Even before splitting, Holmes had left Scientology.
On filing the divorce, she stated that the matter was private and also claimed she was doing it for her daughter. According to Daily News, the considerate mother did not want her daughter to be dragged into her father's belief system. Though the representatives of the actor stated he was devastated by the split, he did not care to involve in the life of his daughter after the divorce. Holmes became a single mother and took full responsibility for their daughter. On the other hand, she voiced her displeasure in her former husband's lack of involvement in Suri's life.
References:
https://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tom-cruise-33-problem-split-3-wives-hit-age-number-meaning-scientology-article-1.1105588
https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/how-old-is-tom-cruise-and-how-many-times-has-he-been-married.html/
https://radaronline.com/exclusives/2019/03/tom-cruise-bans-nicole-kidman-from-son-connors-scientology-wedding/
https://www.standard.co.uk/insider/alist/connor-cruise-nicole-kidman-tom-wedding-scientology-suppressive-person-a4103571.html
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/tom-cruise-katie-holmes-timeline-divorce-343591
