Tom Cruise is a real-life hero - report

Movie star Tom Cruise turned real-life hero after he reportedly swooped into action to tend to a man hurt in an horrific accident on the set of his new film Oblivion.

A British crew member was admitted to hospital after he was crushed by a large weight on the set of the sci-fi thriller last month in Louisiana.

There were fears the injured man, known only as David, could be paralysed, but caring Cruise reportedly ordered his private pilot to take him to a specialist spinal injury clinic in Baton Rouge.

A source tells Britain's Daily Mirror, "Tom stayed cool and swept straight into action. He didn't take a back seat at all and made sure his Gulfstream V jet was ready to go in case it was needed. It was quick thinking. David could have suffered permanent spinal injury, so it might have been vital he was flown to hospital.

"Tom was great. He gave so much support to David and his family. It was a terrible accident but Tom had no obligation to put himself out like that. It really meant a lot to the rest of the people on the set."

Cruise also paid a visit to David while he was in intensive care for four days.

It's not the first time Cruise has been praised for his offscreen heroics - he has saved fans from being crushed at premieres and he once comforted a hit-and-run victim and paid the hospital bills after witnessing the incident.

Cruise says spending time with his family on the set of Rock of Ages was a welcome contrast to playing his "wild" character.

The actor plays rock god Stacee Jaxx in the musical movie, alongside Alec Baldwin, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Russell Brand. Tom says having daughter Suri, six, and wife Katie Holmes on set was a welcome distraction at times.

"It was really fun and wild to play Stacee and the wardrobe team did an incredible job. But I enjoy having me family with me at all times, even when I'm making a film. On the shoot I would hear Suri singing and joining in. Other people on set brought th! eir chil dren so it was a lovely atmosphere. You wake up in the morning and everyone just heads to the set together," he explained to British magazine Closer.

"Suri's at an age now when she understands that it's a film set and she knows that Mom and Dad both act. That being said, I think she assumes everybody's Moms and Dads act and that this is just normal for everyone!"

Tom is one of Hollywood's hottest talents. The 49-year-old star remains modest about his huge success in the movie industry.

"Well... it's fun! To be honest, I get to live the dream," he smiled, when asked what it's like to be Tom Cruise.

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