Gina Gershon Opens Up About Nearly Breaking Tom Cruise's Nose on 'Cocktail' Set
In a recent candid interview, actress Gina Gershon shared a startling behind-the-scenes story from the 1988 film 'Cocktail', where she co-starred with Tom Cruise. The 'Brooklyn 99' star revealed that during an intimate love scene, she accidentally kicked Cruise in the face, coming dangerously close to breaking his nose. This incident, which occurred decades ago, remains a vivid memory for Gershon, highlighting the unpredictable nature of filmmaking.
The Tickling Incident That Led to the Accident
Gershon explained the context of the scene during her appearance on 'Page Six Radio'. She described how she and Cruise were filming an intimate moment, and in an effort to make the scene more authentic and fun, they discussed personal triggers. Gershon disclosed that she has an involuntary reaction to being tickled, stemming from childhood experiences with her older brother. She warned Cruise about this, but the situation took an unexpected turn.
"He's like 'Oh that's a great idea.' We're just trying to make the scene work in a fun way," Gershon recalled. "And then by accident, he kind of tickled me once. I said, 'Don't do that.' I said, 'Seriously don't do that cause I had a big brother who tickled me. I really go insane.' And I think maybe he thought, 'Oh, this will be a great reaction.'"
Despite her clear warning, Cruise's accidental tickle triggered Gershon's reflexive response. She instinctively kicked out, striking him directly in the face. The actress playfully recounted the aftermath, noting that even though she was at fault, Cruise was the one who apologized profusely.
Tom Cruise's Gracious Response to the Mishap
Gershon emphasized Cruise's professionalism and kindness in the wake of the incident. She described how, despite being in obvious pain, he immediately took responsibility and tried to comfort her. "He was like, 'No, no, no. My fault. My bad. You warned me,'" Gershon said. "He owned up. He goes, 'You told me not to tickle.' And he was trying to make me feel OK. But I could tell the poor guy was in pain."
This anecdote sheds light on Cruise's reputation for dedication and collegiality on set, even in challenging moments. Gershon called working with him a "dream" and an "opportunity of a lifetime," though she humorously noted that their recollections of the film might differ slightly due to this memorable event.
Background on the Film 'Cocktail'
'Cocktail', released in 1988, is a romantic drama that follows Brian Flanagan, played by Tom Cruise, a bartender in Jamaica who is challenged by his mentor to pursue a wealthy woman. The plot thickens when his girlfriend witnesses his actions and leaves him, feeling betrayed. Gina Gershon played the role of Coral, a supporting character in the film. Despite mixed reviews upon release, the movie has become a cult classic over the years, remembered for its soundtrack and Cruise's charismatic performance.
The film's legacy continues to be discussed in entertainment circles, with stories like Gershon's adding to its lore. Such behind-the-scenes revelations offer fans a glimpse into the dynamics of Hollywood productions from that era, showcasing both the camaraderie and the occasional mishaps that occur during filming.
