OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
Tom Hiddleston is undeniably one of Hollywood’s finest actors, with his captivating performance as Loki in Marvel’s Avengers franchise making him a household name. However, as the recent Soccer Aid training camp revealed, there’s far more to this star than meets the eye. Whether he’s showcasing his football skills or sharing surprising personal details, it turns out Tom is a man of many hidden talents.
Here are five things you never knew about the British actor:
1. He Wasn’t Always an Arsenal Fan
While Tom Hiddleston is now a dedicated Arsenal supporter, his football allegiance wasn’t always set in stone. The actor admitted to jumping on the Liverpool bandwagon in the ’80s due to their impressive success. However, a move to London changed his football loyalties.
“I jumped on the Liverpool bandwagon in the 80s, because they were doing so well,” Tom explained. “But when I moved to London, I started supporting Arsenal.” The change in allegiance wasn’t solely about football, though. Tom’s shift in support was also influenced by his environment. “It’s because Arsenal was round the corner and all my friends and now my in-laws are all Arsenal fans, so I just found myself talking about Arsenal more than Liverpool,” he shared.
2. Supporting England Affects His Sleep Schedule
When it comes to supporting England’s national teams, Tom’s passion knows no bounds. His enthusiasm for the English football team, both the men’s and women’s sides, can be so intense that it sometimes disrupts his sleep schedule.
“I remember I was making a film somewhere, and it was the World Cup,” he recalled. “I was getting up at absurd hours in the morning just to watch the games, but I wasn’t with any Brits, and they didn’t really understand.” His dedication to England’s chances, especially in the Women’s World Cup, is unwavering. “I can’t wait! I think the winds are favorable, the likelihood of a victory is very, very strong,” he added.
3. He’s an Epic Dancer
Most fans know Tom for his stellar acting, but did you know he has some serious dance moves? The actor revealed he’s an avid dancer, often breaking out his rhythm at weddings.
“I do love a band, followed by a DJ. Dance more! Life is long, but it’s also short; you might as well dance through it,” Tom enthusiastically shared. While he’s got some impressive moves, Tom insists he’s never had formal dance training. “It’s just a misspent youth in the 90s. I made those moves up,” he confessed. Whatever the origin, it’s clear that Tom has a natural talent for feeling the music and having a good time.
4. He Got Star Struck on The Avengers Set
It’s easy to assume that a superstar like Tom Hiddleston would be immune to feeling starstruck, but he revealed a humbling experience during the filming of The Avengers. While Tom played the iconic villain Loki, he found himself in awe of his co-stars, including Robert Downey Jr., Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, and Jeremy Renner.
“I was the antagonist up against Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, Chris Hemsworth as Thor, Chris Evans as Captain America, Mark Ruffalo as The Hulk, and Jeremy Renner as Hawkeye,” Tom said. “It was intimidating, but also thrilling. It was an amazing privilege and I love those guys. We all became really close friends as a result of that film.”
5. He Loves Tennis So Much It Can Make Him Cry
Tom’s love for sports doesn’t stop at football. The actor also has a deep passion for tennis, a sport he’s grown increasingly fond of as he’s gotten older.
“I love tennis. I’ve become more impressed and invested in tennis the older I’ve got. The athleticism of those players, I find dazzling, truly dazzling,” Tom shared. One player who particularly resonates with him is Rafael Nadal. “Rafa Nadal makes me cry… the determination,” he said. He also has a soft spot for Roger Federer, admiring his “grace” and “elegance” on the court, likening him to the legendary Fred Astaire.
It seems Tom Hiddleston is not just a gifted actor but a man of many talents. Whether it’s his surprising allegiance to Arsenal, his dedication to England’s football teams, or his passion for dancing and tennis, there’s always more than meets the eye with this charming star. So next time you watch him on screen as the mischievous Loki, remember, he’s got more than just a knack for villainous schemes—he’s got moves, passion, and a surprising soft spot for sports!