Top 10 Moments That Made Us Love Tom Hiddleston

Some critics think playing characters in superhero projects limits an actor’s opportunities to stretch. Fortunately, the character of Loki has gone on a character arc that gives Hiddleston a lot to play with - and he knows just how to enjoy it. Who could resist Loki drinking a bit too much and singing an Asgardian folk song? Especially when he takes a moment to sing it tenderly to Sylvie, showing us that he is clearly on his way to falling in love with her. Hiddleston plays it just right, giving away a little, but not the whole game.

Most people wouldn’t think of the British-born Tom Hiddleston as a natural to portray the Alabama-born country music legend Hank Williams. Fortunately, the makers of the William biopic “I Saw the Light” did. Hiddleston gives an amazing performance throughout the film, and his performance of “Lovesick Blues” is a definite highlight. Sure, we appreciate it for showcasing Tom’s surprising mastery of Williams’ vocal stylings, which he accomplishes while still maintaining a degree of his natural vocal tone. But what makes us love it, is the way Hiddleston gives himself over totally to the performance in the way that Hank would’ve. And his reaction when he finishes, a mixture of surprise and satisfaction, is irresistible.

Clearly, an actor portraying a legendary comic book character is going to have a very receptive audience at a comic convention. But Hiddleston totally dominated the stage when he made a surprise appearance in character as Loki during Comic-Con in 2013. The entire time he was onstage, Hiddleston stayed in character as Loki - but was so charismatic that anyone watching him couldn’t resist him. Whether appearing out of the dark, soaking in the adulation, or calling out a fan with one imperious gesture, Hiddleston as Loki demonstrated what true stage presence is all about.

Even when getting dressed, Hiddleston can’t help but ooze effortless charm. Here, the actor is getting ready for a GQ photo shoot and his off-handed chat with the person assisting him makes you think they are old friends. And it’s fascinating the way that, with just a few random sentences, he demonstrates a keen and precise knowledge of various accents from around the UK. He flows effortlessly from one accent to the next. From some other actors, this might come across as showing off; from Hiddleston, it just seems natural.

As anyone with a brother or sister can attest, sibling relationships can be complicated. And this is especially true in royal families. And also especially true among gods. Loki and Thor go through a lot in the MCU, and their feelings for each other, though complex, often tend toward the antagonistic. But much gets resolved in “Thor: Ragnarok,” with the result that these two brothers eventually reach a beautiful reconciliation. It’s a short scene, but vital, and Hiddleston - and Chris Hemsworth - play their parts with such skill that it lands perfectly.

A power-hungry god with a clear narcissistic streak is perhaps not the best choice to interview a group of young children. But with Hiddleston in charge, turning Loki loose among kids is an inspired idea. To promote “Thor: The Dark World,” several promos were created for Comedy Central which show Loki getting opinions from the youth of today on burning questions like whether Loki is better than Thor, and who is the most powerful superhero. Hiddleston’s reactions are dead on - and priceless. And we have to say, some of these kids come close to upstaging him - and that’s quite an accomplishment!

In 2013, Hiddleston appeared at Nerd HQ and did a lengthy Q&A session with an audience of very lucky fans. His warmth and generosity were evident throughout, whatever the subject he was asked to talk about. But Hiddleston is perhaps most impressive when he’s asked a simple question about acting, and he talks straight from the heart. Sure, his words are superficially about being a better actor, but he shows how they apply to being a better human being as well. We’re sure the audience members left this presentation uplifted, and with a bit to think about.

It’s implied that Loki has had numerous affairs in his life, but it seems that he’s never really fallen hard for anyone - until he meets Sylvie. Granted, Sylvie is a female version of himself, so that does play to Loki’s narcissism. But even so, watching Hiddleston come to the realization that he actually feels such tender emotions for another person is a joy to behold. And the fact that he seemingly is killed before he can tell her all he wants to say makes the moment even more affecting. If we hadn’t been on Team Hiddleston before, this would have clinched for us.

Hiddleston is, as noted, a sensational mimic, and he is seemingly capable of imitating just about anyone… and he does so on numerous talk show appearances, even imitating characters in the MCU. Beyond his Marvel colleagues like Chris Evans, Samuel L. Jackson, and Taika Waititi, he also does spot-on impressions of actors as disparate as Owen Wilson, Alan Rickman, and Orson Welles. But perhaps his most impressive impersonation is doing both Al Pacino and Robert De Niro in their classic scene from “Heat.” And for those who think he’s limited to humans, check out his turn as a velociraptor.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Visiting Pompeii Before It Blows, “Loki” (2021-)
His Sheer Delight Is Infectious

Making His Hair Flip, “Loki” (2021-)
The Flips Make Us Flip

Crying on Command, “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” (2003-)
He Makes Getting Teary-Eyed Fun

Smashing Josh Horowitz’s Phone, “MTV After Hours with Josh Horowitz” (2015-)
And Yet Another Meme Is Born

Giving a Loki Lecture to Owen Wilson
He Clearly Knows a Lot on the Subject

But let’s be honest, most of all, it’s about the moves. Hiddleston’s tall, slender frame gives him an advantage when it comes to dancing, but the guy clearly has so much more going on. First, there’s simply the fact that his hips can do whatever he wants them to. But then add in how those legs and feet move, and Hiddleston is clearly a force on the dancefloor. And as he demonstrated onscreen, Hiddelston can also handle more formal styles of dancing. The erotic charge when he’s waltzing may be less overt, but with Hiddleston, it’s still clearly there.