Context:

Tom Hardy has opened up about his significant health challenges, including multiple knee surgeries, a herniated disc, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, and a pulled tendon in his hip, which have been exacerbated by his career in action-heavy films. Hardy candidly discussed the impact of these health issues on his life and career, expressing a sense of inevitability about their progression and reflecting on the physical demands of his work. Despite these struggles, he is exploring homeopathic treatments and considering options like stem cell therapy to manage his conditions. The actor also addressed internal pressures he has felt to prove himself, hinting at a deeper sense of self-worth and the desire for personal growth beyond the accolades of his profession. As he ages, he is mindful of the roles he chooses, noting that he is now at an earlier stage in playing 'older' characters and looking to sustain his growth as an actor beyond mere recognition.

Dive Deeper:

• Tom Hardy is dealing with serious health issues, including two knee surgeries, a herniated disc, sciatica, plantar fasciitis, and a pulled tendon, all of which he attributes to the physical demands of his career in action films such as Mad Max: Fury Road and The Dark Knight Rises.

• These health challenges have left Hardy feeling like his body is 'falling to bits,' and he acknowledges that his condition is unlikely to improve, a realization that has prompted him to reflect on the relentless nature of his career and the toll it has taken on his body.

• Hardy has sought relief through homeopathic remedies, mentioning his use of tinctures and expressing openness to considering stem cell treatments if advised, underscoring his proactive approach to managing his health.

• He admits to grappling with feelings of self-worth and the pressure to prove himself, suggesting that these internal conflicts may drive his relentless work ethic, but he also recognizes the need to 'chill out' and find balance.

• As he approaches 50, Hardy is considering the types of roles he takes, indicating a shift toward playing more mature characters and reflecting on the importance of sustaining personal and professional growth beyond the superficial rewards of fame.

• He describes himself as a 'newcomer' to older roles, specifically mentioning his interest in King Lear, and emphasizes the need to grow into these roles, seeking satisfaction in personal development rather than external validation.

• In a broader sense, Hardy's candid revelations showcase his introspective nature and the evolving perspective on his career, health, and personal life as he navigates the challenges of aging in the entertainment industry.

• Tom Hardy is sharing his health woes.

• In a new interview, the 47-year-old actor looked back at doing the press tour for Venom: The Last Dance before hitting the road again to promote The Last Dance and then immediately started filming his new show MobLand.

• Keep reading to find out more…“I got dizzy today,” Tom told Esquire. “I took a Sudafed and it’s starting to work, so I feel better, but in the interviews I was sitting there, and you know when you feel not right, but you can’t tell someone you don’t feel right? Like, ‘Listen, if I pass out…’”

• He went on to share that he’s had “two knee surgeries now” and also has a herniated disc in his back along with sciatica.

• “And I have that… is it plantar fasciitis?” Tom continued. “Where did that come from? And why? Why?! And I pulled my tendon in my hip as well. It’s like, it’s all falling to bits now, and it’s not going to get better.”

• Tom then pointed out that he’s played a lot of action-heavy movies throughout his career, including Mad Max: Fury Road, The Dark Knight Rises, and Dunkirk.

• “I’ve been running at something that I had to run at, to get an understanding that it’s not going anywhere,” Tom explained. “There’s only more, more, more. Of what? Stomach ulcers? Blood pressure? Your knees are going, your hair’s falling out, your teeth are wonky, you’re almost 50.”

• He continued, “Maybe it’s a self-worth thing, maybe it’s not finishing school, maybe it’s not being good enough. But all this ‘I’ll show, I’ll show’… Show who? No one cares! I know I can do it. Well then, chill out.”

• The Oscar-nominated actor went on to share that he’s been trying out different homeopathic treatments for his bodily ailments, including “tinctures” and even a consideration for “stem cells.”

• “I think if it comes down to the wire and it seems the sensible thing to do and I take advice,” he added.

• Tom also noted that he’s “at the bottom of the old-man ladder when it comes to characters,” which he now takes into consideration when he looks for new roles.

• “So I’m a newcomer for [King Lear]. I’m the baby, I’ve got to grow into that, but that’s kind of where we’re at now,” Tom said. “Because you either stay on this and it’s confectionery, and it will be rewarded as such, and it’s lovely. But it doesn’t sustain the part of me that wants to grow.”

• In an interview from last year, Tom shared some very rare comments about his three kids.