In a moment that still ranks among MTV Movie Awards’ most memorable comedy sketches, Ben Stiller once took the stage pretending to be Tom Cruise’s stunt double—and 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 Cruise’s signature shades, leather jacket, and slicked-back hair, Stiller delivered an over-the-top impersonation, claiming to handle all of Cruise’s “dangerous” stunts—from 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 Stiller’s absurd antics. Cruise humorously endured Stiller’s exaggerated impression, even tolerating his constant attempts to replicate Cruise’s trademark laugh, charisma, and ultra-cool persona.
Audiences loved the skit, cementing it as one of MTV’s funniest award-show moments ever and highlighting Ben Stiller’s knack for affectionate celebrity parody. The segment became so iconic that fans still revisit the video decades later, laughing at Stiller’s hilarious portrayal and Cruise’s good-natured participation.
Nearly 25 years on, Stiller’s Tom Cruise spoof remains an unforgettable comedy milestone, a testament to the magic that happens when Hollywood’s biggest stars aren’t afraid to laugh at themselves.
