When people think of the 2000s, obviously, a lot comes to mind. Looking past the questionable fashion choices and our obsession with everything pink, everyone was really obsessed with the “It” couples of the decade: Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling, and, perhaps most of all, Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise (AKA TomKat), who married 16 years ago on November 18, 2006.
Let’s face it; whether you loved them or hated them, everyone was paying attention. Their whirlwind romance started in 2005, and within two months, they were ready to tie the knot. Then came love, marriage, and a baby carriage — just not in that order. Soon after they announced their engagement, they also announced they were expecting their daughter Suri Cruise.
They seemed like a simple, happy family, from their Italian fairytale wedding to their many smiling red-carpet appearances. But some people got a weird vibe, especially after Cruise’s Scientology activities went viral, and some worried Holmes was trapped in the marriage.
Then, after nearly six years of marriage, Holmes filed for divorce in 2012 — and everyone had so many questions. What was 2000s royalty became another celebrity divorce that broke our hearts.
Learn more about their turbulent relationship and divorce timeline, and see some photos of the pair together below.
A version of this article was originally published on Nov 2021.
More from SheKnows
Best of SheKnows
Love in Italy
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes got together in 2005 and made their love public while they were touring Italy.
Wedding Bells
When Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes revealed their relationship, everyone thought it was a fairytale. When Holmes first got into the Hollywood scene in the early 2000s, she told Seventeen magazine in a now-deleted interview whom she saw herself marrying. Per Vogue, “I think every little girl dreams about (her wedding). I used to think I was going to marry Tom Cruise.”
Packing On ThePDA
Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise weren’t afraid to pack on the PDA, wherever they were.
Engagement Ring
Katie Holmes was proudly showing off the $1.5 million engagement ring Tom Cruise gave her after less than two months together.
The War of theWorlds
Newly engaged couple Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes were all smiles at the premiere ofThe War of the Worldsin 2005.
Baby on Board
Tom Cruise was over-the-top with his love and excitement for every milestone he had with Katie Holmes. The media lost it when they announced they were expecting a baby.
Sports Fanatics
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes were very in love throughout their marriage, and one of their go-to activities together was to go to sports games.
Perfect Day
On Nov 18, 2006, Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise had a star-studded wedding in a castle in Italy.
The Big Day
Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise wore Giorgio Armani ensembles, and everyone was obsessed with the iconic wedding.
Suri’s Origin
The happy family frequently went to sports games, even when Suri Cruise was an infant. Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes named their baby girl “Suri” because it means both “princess” and “red rose.”
Mother-Daughter Duo From DayOne
Suri Cruise has always been a momma’s girl and you couldn’t find a photo of Katie Holmes not holding onto Suri.
Scientology Family
Soon after getting together, Katie Holmes converted to Scientology for Tom Cruise.
NYC Marathon
Back in 2007, Katie Holmes finished the NYC Marathon. Tom and Suri Cruise were right there to show their support.
Red Carpet Wonders
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes always brought their A-game with red carpet fashion.
Baby No. 2?
Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise were open to having more children in the future, according to Marie Claire.
Happy Family
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes brought their daughter Suri wherever they went.
Word Travelers
Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise went everywhere around the world together, frequently going to places like Japan, Germany, and Italy.
Helping Hand
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes always showed up to a friend’s important day. In 2009, they showed their support for friend and former co-star Cameron Diaz, who was getting a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
1022JNA TY066
Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes, enter the Cort Theater to view the ‘Fences’ performance on Broadway out and about for CELEBRITY CANDIDS – TUESDAY, , New York, NY June 22, 2010. Photo By: Ray Tamarra/Everett Collection
Alone Time
Despite both being in multiple projects in 2010, Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise frequently set aside time for one another.
Joined At TheHip
Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise were always side-by-side during film premieres.
“Very Special” Relationship
Tom Cruise raved about Katie Holmes whenever he could, even close to the end of their marriage. In a 2012 interview with Playboy, he said, “I’m just happy, and I have been since the moment I met her. What we have is very special.”
Happy Red CarpetCouple
Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise seemed happy as can be at the 2011 Golden Globes, even though they split only a year later.
Smiling at theOscars
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes went to the 2012 Vanity Fair Oscar party, which was one of their last appearances together before Holmes filed for divorce. Holmes filed due to fear of Tom Cruise abducting their child into the Church of Scientology.
Tom & Suri
After filing for divorce, Katie Holmes won the custody battle for Suri against Tom Cruise.
Katie & SuriForever
Since their divorce in 2012, Katie Holmes and Suri Cruise have been one of the cutest mother-daughter duos we’ve ever seen
