Katie Holmes' New Man After Divorce From Tom Cruise

Since finalizing her quickie divorce from Tom Cruise on Aug. 20, Katie Holmes has a new lease on life — and a new man on her arm!

The 33-year-old actress has been spending time out in New York City with actor Jeremy Strong, 33, with whom she co-starred in a low-key performance of the play One Day When We Were Young at the Williamstown Theatre Festival in Massachusetts last month.

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“They’ve been friends for years,” an insider reveals. “Other than her parents, Jeremy was the only person who knew Katie was moving to New York — and the first person she saw when she arrived.”

OK! GALLERY: KATIE HOLMES TAKES SURI FOR A WALK IN THE RAIN IN NYC

And Jeremy’s mother, Maureen Strong, tells Star exclusively, “He told me, ‘Mom, she’s one of the nicest people I’ve ever met; so authentic and down-to-earth. She’s the real deal.’ ” They’re so close, adds Maureen, that Jeremy “even went to her and Tom’s house for Christmas.”