Demi Moore has revealed that Tom Cruise appeared embarrassed by her pregnancy during the preproduction of the 1992 film ‘A Few Good Men’. She shared this memory during a Q&A at the New Yorker Festival on October 25, 2025, reflecting on the challenges she faced as a pregnant actress in Hollywood at the time.
Moore, now 62, was nearly eight months pregnant with her second daughter, Scout Willis, when she began reading lines with Cruise, 63, and director Rob Reiner. She recalled that Cruise seemed uncomfortable, stating, ‘I think Tom was quite embarrassed. I actually felt okay about it. I was moving around, though, right? But I could tell he felt that it was a bit awkward.’ This perception of awkwardness arose during rehearsals for the film, where Moore played Lt. Cmdr. JoAnne Galloway and Cruise starred as Lt. Daniel Kaffee in a story about two Marines accused of murder.
The actress explained that in the early 1990s, it was uncommon for Hollywood peers to have children due to industry pressures that often forced a choice between career and family. Moore challenged this norm, believing women could balance both roles, but admitted she put immense pressure on herself to prove it. She said, ‘I look back at that time now, and I go, ‘What the f*** was I thinking?’ And what was I even trying to prove? But it wasn’t as supported as it is today.’
To demonstrate her commitment, Moore engaged in rigorous physical activities before giving birth. She revealed she did a two-and-a-half-hour hike the day her water broke, a 24-mile bike ride, and was dancing at a reggae club, which she believes contributed to Scout being born two and a half weeks early. This overachievement was driven by her desire to get in shape for her role, as she would be wearing a military uniform in the film.
Moore contrasted her experience with the current entertainment industry, where pregnant actors receive more support and understanding. She expressed relief that younger generations of actresses won’t face the same struggles, as societal attitudes have evolved to be more inclusive. Her candid reflection highlights the progress in gender equality and work-life balance in Hollywood over the past decades.
The revelation adds a personal touch to ‘A Few Good Men’, a film celebrated for its intense courtroom drama and iconic performances, including Jack Nicholson’s famous line, ‘You can’t handle the truth.’ Moore’s account offers insight into the behind-the-scenes dynamics and the personal sacrifices she made during production.
Overall, Moore’s story underscores the importance of supporting women in the workforce and illustrates how far the industry has come in embracing diversity and family life. Her openness about past challenges serves as an inspiration for ongoing efforts to foster a more equitable environment in entertainment.