LOS ANGELES - Hollywood heartthrob Tom Cruise has a new girlfriend, his publicist revealed Thursday, as he bounces back from romances with stars Nicole Kidman and Penelope Cruz.
The 42-year-old star of "Top Gun," "Risky Business", and "Mission Impossible" is going out with American actress Katie Holmes, 26, the star`s aides said.
"Tom and Katie are dating," Cruise`s representative told AFP. "They have been a dating for a few weeks, but right now, I don`t have any more information about them," the publicist said.
The surprising new match between one of Hollywood`s top names and the virtually unknown actress was uncovered when the pair was spotted Wednesday in Italy where Cruise is to be honoured at country`s top film awards.
It was unclear how or where Cruise met the raven-haired actress who has just finished filming the latest "Batman" movie with Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Liam Neeson, Morgan Freeman and Japanese actor Ken Watanabe, who co-starred with Cruise in 2003`s "The Last Samurai."
Holmes is best known for her role on the US television teen drama "Dawson`s Creek" and until recently dated USactor Chris Klein, who starred in the comedy "American Pie."
Cruise`s three-year romance with Spanish actress Cruz ended in January, while his 10-year marriage to Australian stunner Kidman, 37, collapsed in early 2001.
Cruise and Kidnam adopted two children together and remain friends.
Since her divorce from Cruise, Kidman -- who was a virtually unknown actress when she met the US star on the set of 1990`s "Days of Thunder" -- has become one of Hollywood`s most powerful actress after winning the 2003 best actress Oscar for "The Hours."
Cruise is one of Hollywood`s top box office draws after starring in a wide range, and has made studios billions with hits from "Jerry Maguire" "Born on the Fourth of July," "Rain Man" and "Magnolia."
He is in Italy to receive a David di Donatello Award.
04/28/2005 19:30 GMT