Top 5 Things You Didn't Know About Tom Hiddleston

Of course, Tom is well known for playing an integral part in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As Loki, he has proven a persistent and particularly prickly thorn in the side of each and every Avenger. But when the actor was a kid, Superman was his hero, as Hiddleston reckons DC’s Man of Steel caught his imagination most of all. Even as a job-hunting adult, Loki was never his first choice of roles. Tom actually auditioned to play Thor, before director Ken Branagh suggested he star as the Asgardian’s adopted brother. There’s no hard feelings there, though. Tom lists Thor actor Chris Hemsworth as one of his favourite people to work with.

Aside from his obvious acting talents, Tom can play a tune or two – on multiple instruments – and he can more than hold his own on the dance floor. Hiddleston plays the guitar in his down time, but his favourite instrument is the piano, and he can muster music from a trumpet, too. And though his portrayal of Hank Williams in “I Saw the Light” did garner some criticism, that film gives fans the chance to check out his singing voice – with Tom performing six songs on the soundtrack. What’s definitely not in doubt is Tom’s ability to dance. Hiddleston can cut some serious, serious shapes.

Anyone who’s ever heard a Tom Hiddleston interview knows that he’s a well-spoken and intelligent chap. So, where’s he get it all from? Well, Tom was born in Westminster, raised in Wimbledon and he spent part of his childhood in Oxford. He’s the great-grandson of a Vice Admiral in the Royal Navy, and the great-great-grandson of a 1st Baronet food producer and distributor. Coming from a family of high achievers, Hiddleston might’ve felt the pressure. Instead, he went to Eton College and Cambridge University, where he bagged a Double First in Classics. And Tom had some high-profile schoolmates at Eton, too. He studied at the same time as “Fantastic Beasts” actor Eddie Redmayne and heir to the throne, Prince William.

James Bond rumours seem to forever follow Tom, with fans and critics calling for him to suit up as the super spy next. But, Hiddleston’s hopes to land the role were seemingly over in 2017, when Bond producer Barbara Broccoli reportedly described him as ‘too smug’ and ‘not tough enough’ for the part. Those criticisms hadn’t harmed his reading for a three-fold Bond audiobook released in 2014, though. And there are few finer sounds than Hiddleston’s well-rounded tones guiding us through every line of “Octopussy”. Of course, with the likes of Tom Hardy, Idris Elba and James Norton also in the running, the 007 gig is very difficult to get – even for Tom.

We’ve already seen how Hiddleston has tried his hand at many musical pursuits, but this guy’s multi-talents stretch even further, and into increasingly unexpected areas. He’s a secret chef, he can juggle, he can yodel, and he plays a mean game of table tennis. But Tom’s topmost talent has to be his impressions. With De Niro, Pacino, Graham Norton, Alan Rickman and Owen Wilson in his repertoire, the man can mimic just about anyone. And his Velociraptor at Nerd HQ has to be seen to be believed. Accept no imitations with this actor, though – he’s a real one-off.