Hollywood's Biggest Stars on New Projects, Personal Lives

Dec. 4, 2008— -- Tom Cruise is the first to admit that the past few years have been difficult for him.

"You know, with the press, there is truth and then perception," Cruise said during an interview with Barbara Walters to air on "The 10 Most Fascinating People of 2008." Cruise, Tina Fey and Will Smith each sat down with Walters for the 16th edition of the special.

Tom Cruise: 'There's Things I Could Have Handled Better'

For a while, it seemed as though it was Tom Cruise against the world. He challenged "Today" show" anchor Matt Lauer on prescription drug use, became the world's most outspoken Scientologist, lost a studio deal and took over another studio.

And, in 2005, there was the infamous couch-jumping incident. In a moment of carefree exuberance, Cruise proclaimed his affection for then-fiancee Katie Holmes during an interview on "The Oprah Winfrey Show." As he bounced up and down on Winfrey's couch, she laughed, surprised. Viewers were also taken aback, reacting with cynicism and snarkiness. The phrase "jump the couch" soon became part of America's lexicon, its meaning akin to "going off the deep end."

Cruise had known Holmes for less than a year, but he told Walters in 2005 that he "just knew" she was the one for him. "I really just knew. It was an explosion," Cruise said at the time. "And she is just magic. And I really think that all men should celebrate their women. ... They should all jump on couches for them. ... When you find that woman, you should absolutely be unabashed about it. That's how I feel about it."

In 2008, Cruise presents a far more measured version of his earlier self. "There's things that I could have handled better," the 46-year-old admitted with a laugh.

Some public relations experts have said that Cruise needed to repair his reputation in Hollywood, a town where image is everything. It remains to be seen whether his latest film will help serve that purpose.