In a moment that still ranks among MTV Movie Awardsâ most memorable comedy sketches, Ben Stiller once took the stage pretending to be Tom Cruiseâs stunt doubleâand the result was pure comedic brilliance.
During the 2000 MTV Movie Awards, audiences were treated to a spoof video titled "Mission: Improbable," featuring Stiller as "Tom Crooze," an overly enthusiastic yet hopelessly misguided stunt double for Cruise in Mission: Impossible II. Sporting Cruiseâs signature shades, leather jacket, and slicked-back hair, Stiller delivered an over-the-top impersonation, claiming to handle all of Cruiseâs âdangerousâ stuntsâfrom intense staring contests to impressively unnecessary leaps and poses.
The sketch also featured the real Tom Cruise, playing along brilliantly as the straight man to Stillerâs absurd antics. Cruise humorously endured Stillerâs exaggerated impression, even tolerating his constant attempts to replicate Cruiseâs trademark laugh, charisma, and ultra-cool persona.
Audiences loved the skit, cementing it as one of MTVâs funniest award-show moments ever and highlighting Ben Stillerâs knack for affectionate celebrity parody. The segment became so iconic that fans still revisit the video decades later, laughing at Stillerâs hilarious portrayal and Cruiseâs good-natured participation.
Nearly 25 years on, Stillerâs Tom Cruise spoof remains an unforgettable comedy milestone, a testament to the magic that happens when Hollywoodâs biggest stars arenât afraid to laugh at themselves.
