In a breathtaking display of Hollywood flair, Tom Cruise made an unforgettable entrance at the Paris 2024 Olympic closing ceremony, leaving spectators in awe as he descended from the roof of the Stade de France. The Mission: Impossible star, dressed in his signature leather jacket and gloves, thrilled the audience with a dramatic wire descent, perfectly timed with a live guitar performance by H.E.R.
As part of the ceremonial handover to Los Angeles, the host city for the 2028 Olympics, Cruise starred in a pre-recorded film that showcased his journey from Paris to the iconic Hollywood sign. The video culminated with Cruise unfurling the Olympic flag, symbolizing the transition from this year’s host city to the next. The ceremony was a fitting “au revoir” to Paris, which had delivered a spectacular and memorable Olympic Games.
International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach delivered a poignant closing speech, praising the athletes for their outstanding performances. “You showed us what greatness we humans are capable of,” Bach said. He highlighted the unity and respect displayed in the Olympic Village, even among athletes from nations divided by war and conflict. “You created a culture of peace,” he continued, thanking the athletes for inspiring billions around the world and fostering hope for a better future.
The closing ceremony also featured a lively performance by H.E.R., who rocked the stadium with her electric guitar before leading into the national anthem of the United States. Cruise then took the Olympic flag from American gymnast Simone Biles, adding to the excitement as he zipped away on a motorbike, leaving the crowd cheering.
A pre-recorded segment of Cruise’s journey to Los Angeles was set to the music of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, who later performed their hit “Can’t Stop” live from a sun-drenched beach in LA. The star-studded lineup also included performances by Billie Eilish and Snoop Dogg, with the latter bringing his unique LA vibe to the festivities. Snoop, who was a frequent presence at the Games, celebrated the USA’s triumph as they topped the medals table after a thrilling win in the women’s basketball final.
The stadium atmosphere was electric as Cruise was mobbed by athletes upon landing. Known for his daring stunts, Cruise has previously wowed audiences by scaling the Burj Khalifa and hanging off the side of an airplane. His Olympic feat was a fitting addition to his long list of impressive stunts.
Artistic Director Thomas Jolly added a cinematic touch to the evening with a striking performance in which dancers assembled the Olympic rings in a darkened stadium. The night concluded with a high-energy performance by French band Phoenix, who played two of their hits as athletes joined them on stage, much to the chagrin of the stadium announcer.
Cruise’s involvement in the closing ceremony was one of Paris’s worst-kept secrets, with rumors circulating long before he was spotted at the stadium. Throughout the Games, the 62-year-old actor was seen supporting the US team, attending events like the swimming relay and Simone Biles’ gymnastics performances. Speaking to Reuters, Cruise expressed his admiration for the athletes, saying, “It’s awesome. Great stories, great athletes. It’s incredible what they do.”
The Paris 2024 Olympics have been lauded as “sensational,” and the closing ceremony, with Cruise at its center, was a fitting conclusion to a Games that brought the world together in celebration of human excellence. Now, all eyes turn to Los Angeles, where the Olympic spirit will continue in 2028.