Cruise Changes Publicist After 14 Years

In March 2004, Tom Cruise's long-time publicist, Pat Kingsley, resigned after a tenure of 14 years. Kingsley had been instrumental in shaping Cruise's public image and managing his career during a period of significant box office success. Following her departure, Cruise appointed his sister, Lee Anne DeVette, as his new publicist. DeVette, a Scientologist, took on the role amid growing scrutiny of Cruise's personal beliefs and his relationship with actress Katie Holmes. This change in public relations strategy was perceived as an effort to mitigate the negative publicity surrounding Cruise's outspoken views on Scientology and the media's focus on his personal life. DeVette's tenure lasted until November 2005, when she was succeeded by Paul Bloch from the publicity firm Rogers and Cowan, indicating a further shift in how Cruise's public persona would be managed.