How Tom Cruise Helped Hayley Atwell Tame Her Anxiety — One Unexpected Trick
How Tom Cruise Helped Hayley Atwell Tame Her Anxiety — One Unexpected Trick
Hayley Atwell, known for her compelling roles as Peggy Carter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and her recent work alongside Tom Cruise in the Mission: Impossible franchise, has opened up about a simple yet powerful piece of advice that Cruise shared with her to manage social anxiety.
During an appearance on the Reign With Josh Smith podcast, Atwell revealed how Cruise encouraged her to confront her fears head-on—a method she describes as transformative in both her personal and professional life.
The Advice: Keep Looking at What Scares You
Tom Cruise’s guidance was straightforward: “If you’re scared of something, keep looking at it. Try not to close your eyes or turn away, just keep looking at it.” Rather than avoiding moments or people that trigger anxiety, Cruise suggested that identifying and naming the root cause can lessen its power.
For example, if Atwell felt uneasy because someone in the room reminded her of a past bully or a negative experience, she was encouraged to acknowledge that—whether it was jealousy, loneliness, or intimidation—rather than letting the anxiety fester unchecked. This approach empowers a person to address the feeling directly, perhaps by initiating a conversation or simply saying “Hi,” which in turn diminishes the anxiety’s hold.
Another way Cruise phrased it was to “try doing the opposite,” a principle that aligns with confronting rather than retreating from fear. This has been echoed in media outlets like the NZ Herald, reinforcing the broader strategy of facing anxieties instead of avoiding them.
A Personal and Professional Game-Changer
Atwell described how this mindset helped her reframe anxiety from a vague “monster under the bed” to something more tangible and manageable. The technique has been particularly helpful on the high-pressure sets of blockbuster films, where social anxiety can easily escalate.
The support and mentorship from Cruise, well-known for his commitment to his craft and leadership on set, have played a significant role in helping Atwell navigate both the challenges of filming and everyday social situations with greater confidence.
Consistent Media Coverage Highlights the Impact
Various entertainment news outlets, including CBR, Variety, and NZ Herald, have covered Atwell’s story, consistently emphasizing the practical nature of Cruise’s advice and the genuine effect it’s had on her well-being. Variety highlighted Cruise’s nurturing presence behind the scenes, complementing the advice’s importance in creating a supportive environment.
In a world where social anxiety is a common struggle, especially under the bright lights of Hollywood, Tom Cruise’s simple yet effective advice to Hayley Atwell offers a powerful reminder: sometimes, the best way to overcome fear is to face it head-on—and keep looking directly at what scares you.
