NJ High School Graduate Makes World’s Most Watched Movie

New Jersey regularly receives a lot of negative commentary for various reasons. Some is earned. Some of it is completely undeserved.

There are many firsts and many big ideas that have a direct New Jersey angle to them.

Consider this. The movie: “Top Gun: Maverick” is the # 1 most watched movie in the world for 2022.

According to Box Office Mojo, Top Gun: Maverick ended the year with a worldwide box office total of $1.48 billion, making it the top movie of 2022 and one of the highest grossing movies of all-time.

Top Gun: Maverick was made by and stars Tom Cruise in the lead role.

What you may not know is that Tom Cruise is a graduate of Glen Ridge High School in Glen Ridge, New Jersey.

Last year, we wrote an article about Cruise, including his real name:

Thomas C. Maypother, IV

His middle name is Cruise, which is his Mother’s maiden name.

If you missed our previous coverage, here is a link:

Read More: World’s Most Famous Actor Graduated High School in New Jersey

I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say, the Tom Cruise is the most famous actor in the world.

The fact that Cruise is a graduate of a New Jersey high school is a fun fact and it serves as another example of a memorable person or event with a direct New Jersey connection.

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Cruise films have grossed more than $4 billion in North America and more than $11 billion worldwide.

This makes Tom Cruise one of the highest-grossing box office stars of all time.

Cruise's parents are from Louisville, Kentucky. He is of English, German, and Irish ancestry.

Cruise has three sisters: Lee Anne, Marian, and Cass. A cousin, William Mapother, is also an actor and has worked with Cruise in five movies.

SOURCE: Tom Cruise Wikipedia & Box Office MoJo.