Forbes magazine chose the Mission: Impossible actor for his enourmous fortune and constant media buzz surrounding his private life.
Tom Cruise was paid $67 million for his performance in the film The War of the Worlds. His romance with actress Katie Holmes kept the media focused on the young couple, particularly when their daughter, Suri, was born in April.
Cruise also topped the same list by the magazine in 2001. Other celebrities on the list of influence included Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John, supermodel Kate Moss and footballer David Beckham.