Tom Hardy is 49 years old: how did a once-hardcore drug addict become a Hollywood star?

Tom Hardy is 49 years old: how a once severe drug addict became a Hollywood star

Today, British actor Tom Hardy celebrates his 49th birthday. Hollywood loves "bad boys." In this sense, the recognized "bad boy" Tom Hardy can hope for eternal recognition. His roles as the villain Heathcliff in "Wuthering Heights" and the creature Venom in the Spider-Man universe did not achieve success for nothing.

Tom Hardy's parents — artist Anne and writer Edward — probably had no idea what their attempts to raise their only son in a creative environment would lead to. On one hand, it was because of this environment that Tom showed his acting talent early on. He graduated from Reed's and Tower House schools, studied at the Richmond Drama School, and was admitted to the Drama Centre London. On the other hand, even in his teenage years, he became addicted to alcohol and drugs.

Tom was truly walking on the edge of a knife: he ended up at the police station several times for car theft, carrying an unauthorized weapon, or banned substances, but by some miracle escaped prison time. It was as if Hardy was striving to hit rock bottom just to find a point of support. And this support was found during the hardest period of his life, when Tom literally came face-to-face with death. He speaks about this openly and bluntly, as if trying to redeem himself with a heavy confession:

"Some people go to India at 25, but I was lying on Old Compton Street, covered in blood under the influence of cocaine."

He underwent a dependency treatment course at a rehabilitation center and gradually began to return to life. He does not hide his past; in interviews, he speaks openly about even the ugliest aspects of his biography.

Work also undoubtedly had a therapeutic effect, which is why Tom dedicated himself entirely to his job. After several roles in military dramas, he starred alongside Mexican actor Gael García Bernal in the independent film "Dot the i." Following this role, he was offered a part in the film "Simon: An English Legionnaire," for which Hardy temporarily moved to North Africa.

That same year, he played his first prominent role — the character of the Reman Praetor Shinzon, a clone of Enterprise Captain Jean-Luc Picard, in the film "Star Trek: Nemesis." Tom realized that a handsome appearance and talent alone are not enough for a career in cinema; for this, one must work to death, sharpening physical and mental capabilities.

He decided to prove to both those around him and himself that he could achieve success. Hardy became one of those actors who works passionately on every role. He was ready to endure endless takes until that single, perfect shot was achieved.

"I wanted my father to be proud of me, and I threw myself into acting because I couldn't do anything else. It was in acting that I found the discipline I wanted to follow, which I loved to submit to every day," Tom said.

In 2003, Hardy completely freed himself from his addictions and achieved significant success on stage. He was awarded the London Evening Standard Theatre Award and the following year was nominated for the Laurence Olivier Award for Most Promising Newcomer for his performance in the play "In Arabia, We'd All Be Kings."

He starred in the film "The Virgin Queen" and played a role in Guy Ritchie's comedy "RocknRolla." But real fame came to him through his role in the film "Bronson." In this film, Hardy portrayed the prisoner Charles Bronson, who spent most of his life in solitary confinement and was considered one of the most dangerous criminals.

"I used to drink and take banned substances. In the mornings, I would be surprised that I woke up. Every day was the same — I would apologize to my loved ones for my behavior, and even though I understood what I had done, I would continue again," Tom Hardy recalls.

To get into character better, Hardy visited the real Bronson in prison several times, even though for security reasons the criminal was not even allowed into the visitation room. Also, for the role, Tom had to gain 19 kilograms of muscle mass. The recognition of critics was his reward.

After "Bronson," Hardy played even more brilliant roles that won the hearts of the audience: "Wuthering Heights," "Inception," "Warrior," "The Dark Knight Rises," "Mad Max: Fury Road," "Venom." Tom prepared for each film with the same great passion as before. In particular, before filming "Warrior," Hardy underwent a special program under a trainer, according to which training started at 7 AM and ended at night. He practiced boxing, choreography, and several types of martial arts.

Due to his bad habits, he also made many mistakes in his personal life. In 1999, the actor married Sarah Ward, but their marriage did not last long. After this relationship, Tom's romance with Rachael Speed began, and he had a son with her named Louis Hardy. Although he and Rachael separated, Hardy says that fatherhood completely changed him, forcing him to reconsider his outlook on life.

If previously he dreamed of his father being proud of him, now he wants to win the recognition of his son.

Tom notes that his son Louis is a blessing sent to remind him that it is time to give up selfishness. Tom tries to spend as much time as possible with his son:

"I love my job, but I like being a dad more. If it is possible to do the job faster and earn more money, I will be able to go on trips for shorter periods or take my family with me."

In 2009, during the filming of "Wuthering Heights," he met actress Charlotte Riley. Soon, the romantic relationship between their characters transferred into real life. The couple got engaged, married, and had two children.