Jerry McGuire’s Jonathan Lipnicki Reveals Tom Cruise ‘Has Been Incredible’ to Him Throughout Career

Jonathan Lipnicki, who fans know for his role as the adorable Ray Boyd in Jerry Maguire, recently opened up about his relationship with Tom Cruise. Even though it’s been almost 30 years since the two starred in the film, Lipnicki revealed that they’re still close.

“It’s this energy I’ve never felt before, it’s his presence, it’s his drive and his kindness and understanding,” Lipnicki, 35, said, describing Cruise during the Monday, February 23, episode of Pod Meets World. “I’m always gonna look up to that guy. You know, and he has been incredible to me.”

Lipnicki went on to say when he was in his 20s, he even got to visit Cruise, 63, at his house, and the Mission: Impossible actor gave him some advice.

“All his advice was about hard work and being kind to others and, you know, showing up early and staying late, ” Lipnicki told podcast hosts Danielle Fishel, Will Friedle and Rider Strong. “And I think it’s the work ethic. I think it’s just the drive to always bring the best product to the audience.”

The Stuart Little star added that he felt like Cruise isn’t a person who “underestimates his audience.”

“He respects the people who watch his movies. And so he’s going to put his life on the line several times to do that,” Lipnicki continued.

While the Like Mike actor said that he and Cruise haven’t talked “in a little bit,” whenever he’s reached out, Cruise has responded.

“Great response time on that guy. He responds real quickly.”