Thirty-eight years ago, in late August 1987, American actor Tom Cruise arrived in the Soviet Union with his then-wife, Mimi Rogers.
The couple was hosted by Igor Kokarev, a film scholar and founder of the American-Soviet Film Initiative. Recently, rare photos from Kokarev’s archive and his recollections surfaced online, offering a glimpse into the trip.
Cruise was already internationally famous for «Top Gun,» and locals in Moscow recognized him.
At Mosfilm studios, he posed for playful photos in a fake mustache and beard.
Meals were often at Kokarev’s home, featuring Ukrainian borscht, Russian cutlets, balyk and Siberian pelmeni.
Kokarev remembered Cruise as an engaging conversationalist, someone it was easy to forget was a Hollywood star. Tom was curious about life outside the capital. After exploring the metro and crowded trolleybuses, he asked, «Can we see a real Russian village?»
They set off in a Zhiguli, first reaching Nikolina Gora, then turning toward Zvenigorod before stopping in an open field.
«Can we stop here?» Cruise asked, spotting wooden houses. They knocked at a gate, where an elderly woman answered. Kokarev explained, as best he could, who their guest was and what he hoped to see.
«Come in, dear guests! Would you like some tea?» she said warmly, showing no hesitation.
They spent about half an hour in her home. Tom filmed much of the visit, clearly delighted by the simplicity and hospitality he found.
