‘Risky Business’ turns 42: A look back at Tom Cruise’s cinematic breakthrough

Tom Cruise’s breakout film Risky Business celebrates its 42nd anniversary this year, marking over four decades since the teen comedy unexpectedly became a pop culture phenomenon. Released in 1983, the film was a low-budget venture that combined sharp social commentary, youthful rebellion, and synth-heavy music, ultimately launching Cruise into stardom.

At the heart of Risky Business’ success was its blend of suburban angst and provocative storytelling, including Cruise’s now-iconic dance scene in his underwear. In the film, Cruise plays Joel Goodson, an ambitious high school senior in suburban Chicago who is working hard to get into Princeton. When his parents leave town, Joel’s friend Miles (played by Curtis Armstrong) encourages him to take some risks, setting off a chain of increasingly wild events involving escorts, high-stakes business ventures, and a shady character named Guido (Joe Pantoliano).

However, before the story escalates, the film delivers its most memorable moment: Joel’s carefree solo dance to Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock & Roll.”

The scene, which sees Cruise sliding across the living room floor in socks, a dress shirt, and briefs, became an instant classic. In a 2017 interview with Australian television, Cruise revealed that the choreography was mostly improvised. “I just ad-libbed that,” he said, explaining how he adjusted the scene’s setup to ensure the perfect slide into center frame. He even admitted to dusting the floor and using strategically placed tape to get the movement just right.

Director Paul Brickman recalled that Cruise had initially proposed using a trampoline to land center stage, but the final version proved far more effective. The Bob Seger track, originally released in 1979, saw renewed popularity after the film’s release, re-entering the Billboard charts.

Interestingly, several now-famous actors—including Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Sean Penn, Gary Sinise, and John Cusack—auditioned for the role of Joel. Still, it was Cruise’s charisma and improvisation that helped define both the character and the film’s enduring legacy.