Now, as Oprah wraps up her final shows in its 25th Year Surprise Spectacular, The Mission Impossible star, 48, appeared a final time to celebrate the career of the legendary TV star.
Tom Hanks, 54, introduced his surprise appearance.
As pictures of Cruise's first interview with Oprah appeared on the big screen she told Cruise, 'You looked like you were ten at the time.'
'I know,' said Cruise.
'And what was up with my hair?' joked the 57-year-old talk show host and multi-millionaire.
Since 1988 Cruise has been on The Oprah Winfrey Show 12 times.
'Each time I came to Chicago I knew I was visiting a loving friend,' he said.
'You always had the power. That is the message that you brought to all of us.'