Playing Ron Kovic

In the realm of Tom Cruise’s illustrious career, one film stands out as a testament to his transformative prowess: the 1989 masterpiece Born on the Fourth of July. In this gripping drama, Cruise embodies the role of Ron Kovic, a Vietnam War veteran turned impassioned peace activist.

What sets Cruise’s portrayal apart is not just his on-screen talent but his off-screen dedication to the craft. After his character, Kovic, becomes paralyzed, Cruise doesn’t simply step out of the wheelchair when the cameras stop rolling. Instead, he remained seated, fully immersing himself in the experience to grasp the daily struggles faced by Kovic. And when Kovic himself honored Cruise with a Bronze Star, it spoke volumes about the profound impact of Cruise’s performance.