Actor gives cat a boat trip (3,6)

I believe the answer is:

tom cruise

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

But I can't explain it at all! Could you help me understand?

(Another definition for tom cruise that I've seen is " Top film star".)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app