Tom Hardy is getting candid about his health struggles, and it’s a lot to unpack.
In a recent interview with Esquire, published on May 9, Hardy reflected on the whirlwind press tour for his Netflix film, Venom: The Last Dance, which he not only starred in but also executive produced and co-wrote. After wrapping up the promotional activities in December 2024, he jumped straight into filming for MobLand in London.
“I got dizzy today,” Hardy shared with Esquire. “I took a Sudafed, and it’s starting to work, so I feel better. But during the interviews, I was sitting there, and you know that feeling when something’s off, but you can’t just say it? Like, ‘Hey, if I pass out…’”
The Havoc star revealed that he’s been through “two knee surgeries” and is dealing with a herniated disc in his back along with sciatica. “And I have that… is it plantar fasciitis?” he added, sounding a bit bewildered. “Where did that come from? And why? Why?! I also pulled a tendon in my hip. It’s like everything is falling apart, and it’s not going to get better.”
Hardy has taken on a slew of action-packed roles throughout his career, from Mad Max: Fury Road to Peaky Blinders and The Dark Knight Rises. “I’ve been running at something that I had to run at, to get an understanding that it’s not going anywhere,” he explained about his relentless pursuit in acting.
“There’s only more, more, more,” Hardy continued. “Of what? Stomach ulcers? Blood pressure? Your knees are going, your hair’s falling out, your teeth are wonky, you’re almost 50… 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.”
In his quest for relief, Hardy has been exploring various homeopathic treatments for his ailments, including “tinctures” and even considering “stem cells.” He mentioned, “I think if it comes down to the wire and it seems the sensible thing to do, I’ll take advice.”
The Bikeriders actor acknowledged that he’s “at the bottom of the old-man ladder when it comes to characters,” which has influenced his search 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,” Hardy told Esquire. “Because you either stay on this path, and it’s all sweet and nice, and it will be rewarded as such, but it doesn’t feed the part of me that wants to grow.”
Hardy’s honesty about his health and career challenges resonates with many, especially in an industry that often glorifies relentless ambition. His reflections serve as a reminder that even the toughest actors face their own battles behind the scenes.
