Suri Cruise discretely changing her name to drop her father’s last name is only one of the many things she can do since she turned 18. Among others, the daughter of famous celebrities Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes can also legally talk about her estranged relationship with her father.
Tom Cruise and Suri Cruise on July 17, 2012 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Suri Cruise, the daughter of Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise, marked her transition into adulthood by making a significant change to her name. Recently turned 18, Suri decided to drop her father’s surname.
This bold decision was revealed during her performance in the musical “Head Over Heels” in New York. In the production, she reportedly played Princess Philoclea, a character originated by Alexandra Socha in the Broadway adaptation.
In the high school play’s casting sheet, she was credited as Suri Noelle. This name change reflects her choice to adopt her mother’s middle name; Katie Holmes’ full name is Kate Noelle Holmes.
Suri Cruise and Katie Holmes on September 08, 2020 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Following news of her decision, Suri was photographed unbothered strolling New York City. Wearing a pink top and white pants, she walked with earphones to drown out the noise.
The name change is also a notable departure from the name listed on her original birth certificate. The document confirmed that she was born Suri Cruise, inheriting the surname of her famous father.
Tom Cruise and Suri Cruise are seen on the streets of Manhattan in New York City, on December 3, 2008. | Source: Getty Images
Filed with the Los Angeles County Register-Recorder/County Clerk on May 8, 2006, the certificate itself has several peculiarities. Notably, Suri was born on April 18, yet the document wasn’t filed until 20 days later, on May 8.
Tom and Suri Cruise visit a Central Park West playground on September 7, 2010 in New York City | Source: Getty Images
This delay was unusual as St. John’s Hospital typically files birth certificates within ten days of birth. According to a hospital, the lag occurred due to the absence of a parent or designated representative to sign the certificate. Interestingly, the certificate was signed by a person described as a “friend.” However, the signature remains illegible.
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes with their daughter Suri at the restaurant “Nino” near Plaza di Spagna, in Rome, Italy on November 16, 2006 | Source: Getty Images
Another unusual occurrence is, Anne Heffernan, RNC, the “Attendant or Certifier’s” signature. Anne was not present in the delivery room, nor did she see the baby.
Suri Cruise at the Bonpoint children’s store in West Village on August 17, 2008, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
However, hospital representatives clarified that although it is standard for the attending doctor to sign, it is not mandatory. Heffernan was authorized to sign in the doctor’s absence.
Suri Cruise at a basketball game at Madison Square Garden on December 16, 2017, in New York City | Source: Getty Images
Now that Suri Noelle has turned 18, her legal adulthood grants her more than just the ability to change her name. It also empowers her to freely express her views about personal matters, including her relationship with her father and his Scientology beliefs.
Tony Ortega, who has researched Scientology for decades, shared, “Suri would have been too young to sign any agreement, but she will now be free to talk if she wants to, and it’s going to be really interesting if she has something to say.”
Tony also explained that part of why Katie left when she did when Suri was six, was because she would have witnessed what Tom’s other kids, Isabella and Connor, went through because of Scientology.
Connor Cruise, Tom Cruise, and Isabella Cruise at United Artists Pictures and MGM premiere of ‘Valkyrie’ in Los Angeles, California, on December 18, 2008. | Source: Getty Images
However, only time can tell if Suri is willing to open up about her personal life to the public. Born to famous A-list parents, she is aware of what people already know about her connection with her father.
Suri Cruise is seen arriving at her hotel in New York, on April 28, 2018. | Source: Getty Images
Over the past years, Suri’s estranged relationship with Tom has been no secret. Up until her coming of age, the father and daughter remained distant, with Tom filming “Mission Impossible 8” thousands of miles away from Suri, who celebrated her birthday in the US.
Suri Cruise and Tom Cruise visit Charles River Basin in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on October 10, 2009. | Source: Getty Images
We previously reported about Tom’s sighting in London and Suri’s celebration in New York. The 61-year-old actor, pictured in the pilot seat of a helicopter, one of his favorite modes of transport, flashed a big smile. Tom’s appearance, however, sparked several responses from netizens.
“OMG. My All Time Favorite Mr Tom Cruise looking kinda grandpa Already ,” a Facebook user noted. “Wow! I didn’t recognize him…,” remarked another. “This pic doesn’t look like him…,” someone else agreed. Similarly, another wrote, “Boy, he looks different.” Some people also took note of another part of Tom’s appearance, “That color hair makes him look old.”
Tom Cruise attends the US premiere of “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” on July 10, 2023, in New York, New York. | Source: Getty Images
