Tom Hardy is a talented actor who has made a significant impact on the film industry with his incredible and immersive portrayals. With his intense presence, transformative physicality, and remarkable range, he has become one of the most sought-after actors in the industry. From his breakout role in Bronson to his portrayal of iconic characters in The Dark Knight Rises and Mad Max: Fury Road, Hardy has demonstrated his exceptional talent and garnered critical acclaim along the way.
Behind his current success and acclaim, lies a journey filled with challenges and struggles. Hardy’s path to stardom was surely not a straightforward one. The Mad Max: Fury Road star, reminiscing about his rock-bottom phase of life, shared that he feels like he has risen out of his life’s darkest phase where he struggled with severe drug addiction.
Tom Hardy’s Battle With Drug Addiction
The Dark Knight Rises star revealed the depths of his addiction, admitting that at one point, he would have done anything to obtain drugs, even if it meant selling his mother. Hardy’s addiction had taken such a hold on his life that he found himself on a dangerous path, teetering on the brink of losing everything. The superstar admits himself as lucky to reach his current status from such a dark background.
“I would have sold my mother for a rock of crack. I was a shameful suburban statistic. I was told very clearly, ‘You go down that road, Tom, you won’t come back. That’s it. All you need to know.’ That message stayed with me clearly for the rest of my days. I am f–king lucky to be here.”
Tom Hardy On The Typical Standards Of Tough Guy In Hollywood
Beyond his battles with addiction, Tom Hardy has also found himself typecast as Hollywood’s hard man, thanks to his roles that demanded physicality and aggression. Adding on, the Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy star stated that he didn’t get much recognition from audiences as well as the industry until he gained some muscle. However, the actor himself insists that this persona does not define him. In fact, Hardy expresses his frustration with the industry’s tendency to box actors into certain roles
“People didn’t sit up and take any notice of me until I started putting on weight, kicking people, and being aggressive. The trouble with Hollywood is that they want you to be something, then they think you’re who they wanted you to be. I’m not a fighter. I’m a petite little bourgeois boy from London.”
Tom Hardy’s journey, marked by his triumph over drug addiction, serves as a powerful source of motivation to others. The Venom star’s story reminds us all that our past struggles do not define us, but rather, they shape us into the individuals we become.
Source: Yahoo! New Zealand
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