Cruise heads to desert compound to learn religion

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise went to a desert compound in Southern California in the late 1980s and early 1990s to steep himself in the teachings of Scientology, according to a report in the Los Angeles Times.

The actor got round-the-clock attention - including a special staff to make his meals and do his laundry - at the 500-acre compound near Hemet, about 90 miles east of Los Angeles, the paper says, citing present and former Scientologists.

Cruise had a personal supervisor to oversee his studies in a private course room, according to ex-Scientologists.

Cruise's wife, Nicole Kidman, accompanied him to the compound. The two divorced in 2001, and Cruise is engaged to Katie Holmes.

The 43-year-old actor refused a request for an interview, the newspaper said.

- AGENCIES