The world of Hollywood is often glamorized, but the realities of filmmaking can be far from glamorous. This was certainly the case for Rob Lowe and Tom Cruise during their time on the set of the iconic 1983 film, The Outsiders. In a recent interview, Lowe shared a captivating anecdote about a sparring match with Cruise that ended in an unexpected knockout.
A Clash of Young Titans
While filming The Outsiders, the young and energetic Lowe and Cruise found themselves with an abundance of youthful energy and nowhere to channel it. The confines of a hotel room during downtime proved to be the perfect breeding ground for a high-octane activity: boxing.
“He’s [Cruise] so competitive that we used to box in the hallway of the hotel we were staying at during Outsiders,” Lowe recalled. The two actors, filled with testosterone and the exuberance of youth, would don headgear and mouthguards before engaging in full-contact sparring sessions.
Lowe described Cruise as “jacked” and incredibly competitive, while he himself was less focused on physical fitness at the time. This disparity in physical conditioning would ultimately lead to a surprising outcome.
A Knockout Encounter
In a shocking turn of events, Lowe managed to land a powerful blow that sent Cruise reeling. “I hit him real clean and I rang his bell,” Lowe explained. “And the next thing I knew I woke up and I was coming to on the floor. He like completely knocked me out.”
Despite the intense nature of the incident, Lowe attributed Cruise’s counterattack to defensive instincts rather than aggression. The actor believes that Cruise’s eyes “went black” after being struck, triggering a reflexive response.
The Enduring Bond
While the sparring match might have been a memorable and somewhat dangerous experience, it’s clear that the bond between Lowe and Cruise forged during the making of The Outsiders has endured. The film, a coming-of-age classic, continues to resonate with audiences, and the actors’ performances remain iconic.
Lowe’s candid recollection of their on-set antics offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of young actors navigating the pressures of fame and the challenges of finding outlets for their energy.
