Tom Hardy has enjoyed a celebrated career in film. From his recent roles in action films like Venom to collaborations with actors like Leonardo DiCaprio and overlooked roles in films such as Warrior, the English actor remains one of the more interesting thespians of his generation.
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Similarly, his talents accentuate stories found on the small screen. Television series such as Peaky Blinders and Taboo see Hardy present his versatility, offering different and intriguing characters for fans to appreciate. As much as Tom Hardy stands tall and strong as a fantastic film actor, it would not hurt to dive into the equally enthralling television roles. Hopefully, in anticipation of more forays into television.
8 Alfie Solomons, Peaky Blinders (2014-2022) Close ✕ Remove Ads
Peaky Blinders remains a beloved crime drama. Set during the aftermath of World War One, the series chronicles the various exploits of the titular gang, a mixed Irish-Romani organization. With six seasons and a film under its belt, the series not only excellently explored the inner workings of organized crime at the turn of the century, but it also chronicled the fascinating and frightening developments that would come to define the 20th century. In the second season, Tom Hardy joined the series as Alfie Solomons, a Jewish gangster based in Camden Town.
A Refreshingly Intelligent Addition To A Remarkable Series
Alfie makes quite an impression upon his arrival. Inspired by the real-life Alfred Solomon, Alfie is both writhing in internal pain and willing to inflict pain on others. Throughout his tenure, Hardy provides exemplary scenes, like Alfie's Passover Seder and his conversation with Italian gangster Luca Changretta (Adrien Brody), which contribute to the acclaim he continues to receive.
7 James Delaney, Taboo (2017) Close ✕ Remove Ads
Taboo is a mesmerizing miniseries that finds Hardy stepping into the shoes of adventurous business executive James Delaney, who is returning to the United Kingdom after spending over a decade in Africa. Upon his return, Delaney is submerged in a sea of chaos caused by the East India Company, debris from British international affairs, and criminal organizations. A series of secrets are unearthed, and callous acts of vengeance ensue, culminating in a sweet, intriguing drama.
An Exceptionally Amoral Vigilante
A collaboration between Hardy, his father, Chips Hardy, and Steven Knight, Taboo lifts from the pages of the father-son's penned collaboration and blossoms into a promising drama that revels in the brutality and darkness offered. James Delaney is a compelling character in his own right, sitting between the balance of valiant and villainous, juxtaposing his horrifying rage and questionable dalliances with his admirable efforts to preserve justice for his loved ones. With much to explore, Delaney remains an exemplary exercise in crafting a morally gray protagonist.
✕ Remove Ads 6 Bill Sikes, Oliver Twist (2007) Close
Oliver Twist is one of many English classics to be adapted numerous times. The fondly appreciated Charles Dickens story focuses on the titular orphan and his adventures in London's underground. With criminals and children running in the same circles, the story explores how the exploitation of the working class breeds a system of exploitation and abuse that targets everyone regardless of age. As Bill Sikes, Hardy offers audiences a darkly satisfying performance as the daunting criminal with a violent streak, one of many belligerent characters that would propel the story forward.
✕ Remove Ads A Masterclass In Marauding
As Sikes, Hardy was commended for providing a rich concoction of emotional range and convincing violence. The naturally turbulent story only benefits from his additional portrayal as he melds well with the rest of the nuanced characters in London's neglected neighborhoods. Watching Bill throughout his short tenure on Oliver Twist is nothing short of rewarding.
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5 Robert Dudley, The Virgin Queen (2005) Close ✕ Remove Ads
The Virgin Queen is a series that chronicles the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth I, portrayed by Anne-Marie Duff. The BBC production makes Elizabeth the protagonist and voice that chronicles her ascension to the throne, as well as her internal musings about her personal motivations. As friend and confidant Robert Dudley, Hardy joins Duff in creating a rich, complex relationship that evolves throughout the show's four episodes. With political intrigue, secret romance, and personal exploration, the duo, alongside their cast mates, transform the adolescence of the infamous queen into a fascinating drama.
A Concise Yet Captivating Drama
Dudley makes his first appearance in the first episode, making quite an impression with his clear attraction and devotion to Elizabeth. Best emphasized by Robert's lack of attention to his wife Amy (Emilia Fox), Dudley's characterization complicates the seemingly innocent nature of his love. While Elizabeth and Robert's mutual attraction may be genuine, it does not come without a cost, with the latter neglecting his spouse, especially at her lowest moments. Despite, or perhaps because of his character's infidelity, fans and critics alike found Hardy's portrayal of Dudley as uniquely charismatic and ultimately essential for the story's progression.
✕ Remove Ads 4 Freddie Jackson Jr., The Take (2009)
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The Take is a British crime drama created by Sky and follows the various exploits of one Freddie Jackson Jr. (Hardy). After being released from prison, Freddie believes that his return to his glorious crime empire will be anything but difficult. However, he soon realizes that between his opportunistic cousin Jimmy (Shaun Evans) and formidable crime lord Ozzy (Brian Cox), nothing but chaos awaits. Split into four parts, the televised adaptation of the Martina Cole novel of the same name makes the most of its limited time. With a bevy of talent and a strong understanding of the source material, The Take stands as a highlight in the history of Sky.
✕ Remove Ads A Stellar, Short Crime Confection
As Freddie, Hardy employs a familiar yet riveting display of dominance. Opting for weapons rather than words, Freddie makes great strides but also must face the consequences. As the story progresses, audiences are treated to a rather frightening protagonist by guarantee with Hardy. Furthermore, his chemistry with fantastic actress Charlotte Riley, his onscreen wife-turned-real-life soulmate, contributes a necessary tension that makes The Take an engaging watch for those who appreciate a well-made adaptation.
3 Private John Janovec, Band Of Brothers (2001) Close ✕ Remove Ads
Band Of Brothers is a 2001 miniseries inspired by the real-life documentation of author Stephen E. Ambrose's book of the same name. A dramatization of the "Easy" Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, the ten-episode ordeal overlooks the experience of soldiers from their introduction, taking place in 1942, to the conclusion of the war in Europe. Concocted by industry heavyweights such as Tom Hanks, Steven Spielberg, Erik Jendresen and John Orloff, the series earned mass acclaim for its humanizing depiction of the soldiers, their sacrifice, and their valiant effort during one of history's darkest points.
A Touching Recollection Of Tragic Times
As Private John Janovec, Hardy's role may have been relegated to a few scenes. Nevertheless, with the small amount of time received and Janovec being the earliest role in his television career, Tom Hardy puts in quite a memorable performance. Introduced in the final two episodes, Janovec's role as a novice gleams bright, largely thanks to Hardy's portrayal. Confident yet not immune to rookie mistakes, Janovec brought a refreshing charisma and consideration to the established group, seen best in the penultimate episode "Why We Fight," where the battalion liberates one of the many Nazi concentration camps and stares in shock at the depravity that lays before them.
✕ Remove Ads 2 Heathcliff, Wuthering Heights (2009) Close
Based on the Emily Bronte-penned classic, Wuthering Heights is a captivating piece that follows the various relationships between the Earnshaws and the Lintons, two families with turbulent connections. Acclaimed for its depiction of class conflicts, domestic abuse, and interrogation of Victorian ideals of morality, the story would be cemented as a profound and influential piece. In 2009, the tale was reinterpreted, once again, with Tom Hardy and Charlotte Riley portraying Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw, respectively. The two-part series, Wuthering Heights, was released at the end of August that year, attracting over 3 million viewers for both parts.
✕ Remove Ads A Wonderful Portrayal of A Classic Character
Despite a mixed reception overall, many critics agreed on Tom Hardy's exceptional portrayal of Heathcliff. Capturing the character's envy, abandonment, and entitlement, publications such as The Observer highlighted Hardy's convincing portrayal, considering him the series' strongest attribute .
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1 Jack Donnelly, Cape Wrath (2007) Close ✕ Remove Ads
Cape Wrath (also known as Meadowlands) is a British thriller that follows The Brogans, a seemingly normal family moving into a new neighborhood. However, it does not take long for the audience to learn of their status under the witness protection program. Once they meet their new neighbors, The Brogans find themselves embroiled in another life-threatening mystery. As their past slowly returns to haunt them, the family begins to descend into paranoia, making for a chilling yet engaging series.
A Slew of Secrets Behind A Beguiling Smirk
Hardy appears in the first episode as Jack Connelly, a seemingly sly handyman. Throughout his tenure in the series, Jack stirs up some trouble but soon sits at the center of the series' grand mystery. After his disappearance, the town descends into a sea of mistrust, suspense, and delusion. Not without his own share of secrets, Jack makes for quite an intriguing character. It's another underrated role by Hardy, but he makes the most of his appearances, highlighting Donnelly's crafty and slick personality, setting the foundation for an enjoyable viewing experience.
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