Tom Hiddleston On The Best Advice He Got - "You Can Do This If You Want To"

Tom Hiddleston (The Night Manager, The Avengers, High Rise) discusses writing plays as a child, the moment he realised he could be an actor, and why he will always love Disney's The Jungle Book.
The Big Questions:
- How did you get started in the industry?
- Which film/TV show/video game has most influenced you?
- What advice would you give to someone starting out?
For more inspiration in film, TV and games visit www.bafta.org/guru
Enjoyed the video? Subscribe to our channel for new videos every week: / baftaguru
Stay up to date with the latest news from BAFTA:
Twitter:
@BAFTAGuru: / baftaguru
@BAFTA: / bafta
@BAFTAGames: / baftagames
Facebook: / bafta
Instagram: / bafta
Tumblr:
Film: / bafta-film
TV: / bafta-television
Games: / bafta-games
Pinterest: / bafta
Google+ : plus.google.com/+BAFTA/posts
Sign up to receive our emails: guru.bafta.org/newsletter
And don't forget you can also subscribe to our podcasts:
iTunes: bit.ly/Vz84HI
Soundcloud: / bafta
Websites:
www.bafta.org/guru
www.bafta.org
www.bafta.org/ygd

[@eraestrera5180]

When he mentioned "my kids", my heart melted. I hope whoever this lucky lady is, she will cherish this adorable Hiddles, he is one in a million guy 😊

[@ZyliceLiddell]

🤗

[@halalgordonramsay4983]

hello, im a woman. i was immediately about to say the exact same thing when i clicked the comment and youre the first to pop up.

[@zoegurowitsch464]

Yeah he would be a great father

[@sophia-sy6mw]

FINAALLLYYUUYY

[@gloriana13]

This aged well 🥹❤️

[@missymani]

Sometimes young people can get impressed by literally anyone who can memorize half of a poem , and they go droll over a douche saying "he is sooo smart...". In this case I think Mr Hiddleston is genuinely smart and insightful, every single time I watch an interview he has something interesting to say. And he sounds so sincere, when he gives advise.

[@nayaprabowo9951]

I think Tom Hiddleston is more inspiring than insightful

[@kritanta4293]

They had us in the first half

[@arabellajesalva5414]

"I cant wait to show my kids" he will be a great dad. Please adopt me.

[@ZyliceLiddell]

I’m sure many women would want the honour of producing his offspring. 😊❤️

[@Userykp]

Arabella 🤣

[@elimarieproduction]

Seriously he is one of the best actors out there. He looks genuine and believable when he plays any character and on interviews he also looks like a genuine kind human being. I think we need more people like him in this world.

[@Femmeaesthetic]

"one day I can't wait to show my kids" about the jungle book, well now he's gonna be a dad, congrats to them.

[@IamHeatherJo]

He is just ridiculously charming.

[@symphonyyoung5739]

He is such a poet. It's beautiful.

[@sratus]

'a poet' - ha, get a fucking grip

[@alyssaconf]

He is isn’t he :)

[@AirwrekaDoesntRead]

When he said kids, I imagined him sitting by the fireplace in a large, overstuffed arm chair, one child at his feet, another on his lap. He would be reading The Jungle Book to his children, or maybe Dr, Seuss. His wife would walk in from the kitchen and snuggle next to him on the arm of the chair, one arm around his shoulders. As the kids would start to yawn he would finish reading and take his children up to their rooms. He would tuck them in nice and tight, and exit the room holding his wife's hand as she turned out the lights. Back to the sitting room would they go, where they sit in front of their TV, and pop in a movie. They would snuggle down together and fall asleep in each others arms. As the dawn breaks he would stifle a yawn and wake with blurry vision, sensing that his wife was up already. It would be 8:20, sleeping late for the tired parent. His blonde curls would be sticking in all directions and he got up and walked to the kitchen. There she would be, his beautiful wife sitting at the table, orange juice in one hand, the morning paper in the other. A nice pot of fresh coffee would be sitting on the countertop, next to a large mug that read 'best daddy ever' in toddler writing. Pouring a cup, he would kiss his wife on the top of her head before sitting down next to her. Soon the children would rumble down the stairs where they would beg for cookies for breakfast and for crayons and paper. Tom would sit there staring at his two children, a smile creeping along his face as he realized "I have everything I could ever ask for. The best job, wife, and children. I have the best life" is what he would think as the first happy screams came from the playroom.

[@LailaVieiraMartins]

Your writing's great! :)

[@AirwrekaDoesntRead]

oh thanks sweetheart. that was just a really random thing i did. i just finished an 11 page, handwritten destiel fic but its nowhere close to this. thank you though so much!

[@LailaVieiraMartins]

Have you got a tumblr page with your writing, or a blog or something?

[@Luisa8783]

OMG! You made me cry...what a nice picture... I wish him all this .. he deserves it ,he seems the sweetest man on earth and , in my wildest dreams ... I would like to be that lucky lucky woman ....

[@AirwrekaDoesntRead]

Laila Martins No I haven't, but I do believe I will create another account for my writing. I will let you know when I get it up.

[@elliebear7405]

Am I the only one who had an awww moment at 3:43

[@missabb100]

eli soledad NO BECAUSE I HAD AN AWWW MOMENT TOO! *HE IS SO FREAKING CHARMING OH MY LORD*

[@elliebear7405]

He's like my Prince Charming and I'm literally Cinderella but with out the whole getting married thing just a lonely girl who is basically a maid😔 sad life

[@missabb100]

eli soledad WAILS I KNOW

[@lurategh]

And his smile is just so genuine that I was grinning like an idiot back at him through the screen

[@annaweiner7535]

I cried

[@PaboHyunjin]

Ive never said this about anyone before but Tom Fucking Hiddleston is perfect!

[@princessbeexxxx]

He's always so full of passion and sincerity when he speaks of what he truly loves. He's so happy. Like genuinely happy. You can see it in not only his smile but his eyes. I know that sounds cheesy but seriously, I love seeing a good sincere look of happiness on people's faces.

[@michellehayton8984]

I am in love with this man, seriously! He is sweet, funny, intelligent, and profound. The thing that strikes me the most about him is his eyes, they are so full of light! I wish I could just transport myself to wherever he is at this moment!

[@sophia-sy6mw]

I BEEN WAITING TO COME BACK TO THIS VIDEO WHEN HE'S EXPECTING KIDS 😌 how times have changed and how i hope him and zawe are exceedingly happy together 🌞

[@cheetah522]

"All the advice I can think of is much better than any advice I could give. It's Shakespeare's "to thine own self be true." The more authentic and honest you are in your interaction with the world, both professionally and personally, the better you will be placed to do the kind of work which will touch others and move their hearts and minds because if you mean it, the chances are it's gonna mean something to somebody else." beautiful advice

[@Frandisia]

Tom Hiddleston is such a great man. Seriously, I think that he's very acculturated, and everyone should learn from him. He's the right person to take inspiration for a good life and a pure mind.

[@freyamccullough8326]

They will never write a role truly worthy of Tom's talent.

[@alicericciardi7976]

I'm Italian and the fact that an Italian movie inspired him makes me so proud I almost cry.

[@JasonOrangeXme]

when he says "I can't wait to show my kids", I cry!! seriously, the way he say it and the way he smiles at the same time, omg Tom.. You're gonna be a great dad, I know

[@ZyliceLiddell]

And I his wife. 😊

[@xandrameza4161]

Tom is so eloquent when he speaks. Its a shame I've never been blessed with the opportunity to meet him :(

[@kayladiaz981]

I completly passed out when he mentioned having his children ♥ I wonder who the luckt woman is going to be? I know it won't be me tho:/ and who were they 9 losers that disliked this?? how dare!

[@mona-cb9xm]

there are two types of people that quotes from poems and books when being interviwed: the first type is the show off one that memorize it just to use it on an interview and so that people would say he is smart. the second type is the one that is passionate about learning and reading and like to use what he has learnt to support his arguments and make what he's said more valid. that's Tom the honest the smart and the passionate one

[@joannagodfrey5111]

that is also what a sound education and university level education teaches you if you are willing to learn

[@nakaharaindria]

I love how graceful, thoughtful, and insightful he is. It is reflected from his gesture and also the way he talk. :)

[@mwanamke2]

amazing!..in every possible way this man is amazing.He has such sound and sage advice which can apply to anyone and everyone,not just aspiring actors/actresses.In addition I love the way,in interviews,he takes the time to really process what he wants to say so that it is meaningful; and doesnt spew out word vomit like most of the actors today,who are so enthralled by their own fame that they love to hear the sound of their own voice even when they are saying garbage.You can tell that he loves what he does,because he pours everything he has into the characters he portrays.I may never meet you in person Mr. Hiddleston,but I just want to say you have profoundly changed me and my outlook on life.I love to write but I have been putting my passion on the backburner because I havent been honest with myself on what truly gives me joy in this world.I now have renewed motivation,and I will at some point definitely base one of my fictional characters on you.

[@ilovepointesnflexes]

What a perfect human. Wow.

[@GaaraRules0]

He's so prefect that its gotten to a point where I don't think he's even human.

[@ilovepointesnflexes]

GaaraRules0 must be a god then ;)

[@GaaraRules0]

AJ Cadavedo Must be

[@MeloVt]

do men like this exist? or is he the only one?

[@nennejoh]

I'm pretty sure he's not a man, but a god. No man can be this perfect.

[@ZyliceLiddell]

Noelle 😃

[@barrettzbrowning]

Ludrixy Wal pretty sure he’s it: the only one of whatever unusual species that birthed him, as an experiment to test just how much charm, intellect, talent, good looks, and awesomely sweet soul would be possible in one personage: Rara Avis.

[@moonl0verr]

Lmao ikr. Can god get his act together and make more-

[@claudiaxander]

Speaking as a friend of an equally famous actor, who introduced me to him at an awards party, what you see in interviews is merely good acting! As in real life he was the rudest, most arrogant snob i've ever had the misfortune of crossing paths with, and my good friend agrees.

[@almadleedonghae]

Just wow!He is so smart and honest. My poor heart can't handle this

[@tynameowth]

The way Tom talks about the things he is passionate for really warms my heart :) It is quite unrare to see such a genuine honesty from people these days I really wish more people were open about their feelings and emotions and share more love. Also when he said that he loves Indiana Jones movie and that he watches them every time they came on tv i was like: could i just be his friend and have Indiana Jones marathon night and talk about the scenes and acting? I really love to talk about things i love as well but unfortunately never met somebody with the same interests, etc. I would love to just passionately talk for hours.

[@wintersongs1]

His answer to the most asked question to entertainers (advice to newcomers) is the best, most unique, most thoughtful, most authentic answer I've ever heard. It actually made me tear up for a second when he said the more honest you are, the more people will be touched; if you mean it, it'll mean something to somebody else. What a great, genuine answer.

[@gamzeemakara5403]

Well, me and Tom have something in common. I flipped when my friend said she hadn't seen the jungle book, I made her watch it. My favorite character is Baloo. I love his song 'bear necessities'.It's one of my favorite Disney mottos. (Can't spell)

[@pyreneesgal5823]

We need more people like this in the world. People with the same wisdom and ideas like Tom here.

[@MissNatsumi]

He's so amazing and nice! Regardless of who he has kids with, I hope he has them. He seems like he'd make a great dad and treasure every moment with them. Though I suspect the kids will be sick of Jungle Book by the age of 10...

[@eveo]

its always such a pleasure to hear Tom speak. If he wasn't an actor I'd say he would make a magnificent professor. This interview was short but lovely; very insightful & touching. Tom's passion for film and theater really shines through.(his little comment about showing the film to his kids was adorable. Those kids will be very lucky to have a father like him). I'd love to just pick his brain sometime! I could talk about film and television for hours & all my friends make fun of me for it

[@ragdoll1482]

He seriously is an incredible person, I adore him so much

[@MissAdamLambert888]

He will someday be an AMAZING father. I am just crying because he already is so perfect

[@domzbu]

Fantastic advice at the end, for actors and for every profession, and personally as he said. Very wise and authentic fella.

[@Rain0589]

Hey! I can use the comment box for note taking for self. “Give yourself permission to want to do it as much you think you always had. If you mean it, chances are it’s going to mean something to somebody else.” so good!

[@Luisa8783]

I'm happy that he mentioned Nanni Moretti's film La stanza del figlio ( The son's room). I'm Italian and appreciate that he has liked that film .. As a mum I couldn't see it till the end because it's about the worst nightmare of any parent : the loss of a child....so terrible....but a really good film... anyway I like this man more and more....so charming , so educated , so talented, so nice and sweet ... oh why I'm not younger and actress and English and ... stop , sigh..... :-(

[@clarejohnson7320]

foreveryoung

[@Luisa8783]

??

[@ZyliceLiddell]

Talented, handsome, kind, smart and genuine. That’s perfection everyone!

[@sallydillon4740]

He is such a sincere, passionate man and it shines thru in this interview and many others. He is so humble and genuine, never thinking he's anything much. He has inspired many a fan with his positive attitude, wonderful quotes, kindness, and sweetness. That is why he is beloved by his fans and colleagues alike. He is very intelligent but certainly not a showoff. He is a beautiful man inside and out and that is why I adore him!

[@Pr1140a]

When he said kids, he feel like same was little Loki and Thor of Asgard again. XD

[@anastasiatryingmyluckinact7695]

He is such an amazing actor! I saw his Henry V and he inspired me to learn Shakespeare's level of english :))) it is soooo beautiful! I am a native russian speaker and also speak hebrew english and spanish, but he inspired me to learn a higher english!

[@chippedvinyl335]

Idk why but I started crying because he’s so just. I can’t even think of a word

[@d.h.3602]

I love the part as Tom Hiddleston talk about his love to the #DisneyMovie #TheJungleBook As Tom said: "One day I can't wait to show it my kids" I smiled and said to myself: "Yesss he really need to be a daddy in the near future" He's a precious treasure ❤ I cross my fingers that he'll soon fell in love with a beautiful women who really deserve his wonderful soul 💑👨‍👩‍👧🤗 Great vid TY for sharing 🤗😘

[@lyzyrox]

3:42 that's the cutest!

[@caconi91978]

I don't know why he always surprises me. He is just such a kind, considerate, thoughtful - just basically awesome person! When I really think about some of things he has said, I tend to stop and question my own life. That's a good thing.

[@jolielive3]

Okay so fangirling aside...this man. THIS MAN. I just. I've known of him for quite some time and just brushed him aside. It wasn't until I got bored and began to actually LISTEN to his interviews that...I JUST CAN'T. He gives me hope for the maturity of humanity, honestly. An actor and a humanist. That's what he is. He's on my list of highly influential people. So honest. So real. No BS detected. (and my BS meter is very good im just saying)

[@IronGirlAvenger]

When he was explaining his advice about starting out actors/actresses, I realized what he explained was what I have been doing, without knowing that I had. Hearing that from my hero is truly inspiring and heart-warming. It tells me that my hard work has not been put to waste. Thank you Tom. ♥

[@xanaminx]

Suddenly have the urge to say I haven't seen The Jungle Book. . .LOL!

[@kialim6991]

Parton me, is Jungle Book about young Tarzan? I am non-western and by the look of what I searched from the internet, it is about a kid with a bunch of animals.

[@lifeofsahani]

@@kialim6991 I'm so so so late to answer this but the jungle book is about an Indian boy who was lost in the jungles when he was a baby. He was raised by the wolves. He was called Mowgli. On second thoughts, you probably know all of this because of the movie that came out in 2016.

[@user-qe7bt9dz1l]

That last piece of advice on authenticity and being honest ALL THE TIME is GOLD. I think any actor or person should implement this.

[@cathyshepard253]

This is something I've been struggling with as of late, being genuine. I'm often conflicted between two or more courses of action, and I'm even more often unsure which one "is really me". Which one is right? I feel I dramatize things unnecessarily just to play on and see how it feels; and it is this exaggeration that makes me feel more fake. It is like I am trying to force my personality into something more socially recognizable or "what people do" kind of behavior. I've been becoming more bitter recently, and letting myself fall to negative emotions more often to "test"" how it feels. But I don't want to be like that. I miss wanting to be me. Being friendly, non-judgmental, loving, and overly polite to everyone, but I stopped that. Why did I stop? I can be a light in someone's life, just like Tom has such a light in him. I can be genuine, I can be patient, and I can be mindful. I don't have to be fake. Thank you, Tom. I've been needing to hear that for a while. I hope your life is as beautiful as you are, inside and out.

[@zusuky03]

I can relate

[@angelofretribution2161]

This video, however short in duration, was absolutely breath-taking. Tom Hiddleston is not only a phenomenal actor but a true intellectual. I can only hope to find a man that shares his likeness in knowledge, honesty, brilliance and stunning features.

[@XxMadAboutPotterxX]

I don't know him in real life, but the way he acts and the image he has portrayed to his fans makes me believe that he is the closest thing to a flawless human being in this world.

[@ZyliceLiddell]

Chloe 😃🙌

[@maiakokaia]

Jesus Christ, that vocabulary of his is just lovely. And to top that off, he's so sincere and humble!

[@ratisanyamandwe1998]

Yeah, i get what you're saying. Saying he's perfect is quite unrealistic. I think he's amazing. I don't really view anyone as perfect cause it's really not possible especially when you don't actually know the person personally, but I see where he comes really close. He's more than just smart and beautiful, he's also funny and humble and his personality and heart is amazing and he himself as a man is inspiring in the things he does and that's what most fans or well... what I love about him.

[@zeev267]

He is so smart and genuine, I love him ❤ lol is it weird? I'm 19 and I find him attractive some one in the same boat as me ? Lol I feel all akward but I LOVE HIM lol

[@popinette]

You are not alon, I assure you.

[@ZyliceLiddell]

I’m 20 and I’ve had a HUGE crush on him for YEARS!

[@tiffanymcdonald7195]

He should gather his army of fangirls in a stadium and watch The Jungle Book...that would be amazing. XD

[@AliceSparrow100]

But who would sit next to him? I think this could become a war... xD

[@Jenistaify]

And then world war III breaks out :p

[@AliceSparrow100]

world war Tom Hiddleston! :O And the winner gets a place next to him XD

[@sDiatyn]

Fuck yeah i Would fly to the uk Just for that

[@augmentedch0rd]

There wouldn't be a stadium big enough 😂

[@missmiley78]

he's so smart Tom hiddleston I love how he can memorise a poem and quote from mind it's impressive I love his stories he tells in interviews the things he says they sorta stay with you for a lifetime I love him such an incredible actor he gives good advice to people who wanna start of acting I love how he mentioned Indiana Jones as a favourite I love the movies to he's mega amazing :) I don't think anyone can live without him

[@acm997]

That smile when he talks about his kids....holy hell

[@fbr0310]

He talks about kids 🥺🥺, I love him 😍

[@Lilibutter]

The Jungle book, the very first film I remember seeing with my dad. And I remember it because my dad has never been a man interested in cinema or television it was always about music for him, but he bought this movie with the only purpose of sitting down with her girls and watch a movie...so very cute.

[@BreakinBenjamin4ever]

Charming, polite, compassionate and as you mentioned 'awesome intellectually and physically'...It's hard to find even two of those qualities nowadays...so of course we lot think he's perfect :)

[@AgainstTheStandard70]

Tom likes the Indiana Jones trilogy....I wonder how Harrison Ford feels about Tom's characters?

[@KCEE151]

my gosh!!! what a beautiful man.......total perfection (:

[@khwaishgandhi6593]

his smile when he says " i cant wait to show my kids" i want to cry

[@yuusatsu]

I love his voice so much...

[@JMACXO]

He really is so sweet! And i love the way he speaks :)

[@krisss79]

Wow 👏 It's so touching and so real. He's just a fairy tail. Men like him are rare like one in a billion. A pure soul to be protected at all cost.

[@emmadodel]

he's so amazing i love the way he says things. i love him

[@superipecchio]

so human, touches others and move their hearts and minds.. special human

[@ninninin656]

Damn, I thought he just LOOKED gorgeous, but he is also genuinely nice and has great depth. Too damn PERFECT, sigh.

[@laikacons]

You guys! Fantasising about Tom’s future kids. I’m in love 😻

[@13mysticmeg]

such a beautiful interview. what he was saying in the last part. just made me realise that there is no other actor alive at the present moment who is more of a lovely human being. he's a brilliant actor, but just a lovely compassionate human..as well as being pretty damn fine in the looks department of course ;)

[@ztslovebird]

He's a Jungle Book fan? Cool.

[@LeaPaco33]

Aww when he mentioned "his kids" ah I love him! :)

[@anastasiatryingmyluckinact7695]

He is so noble! He should play kings! And he did :)

[@Diamondkity]

He's so pleasant to listen to!

[@destiny.on.the.phone.]

Drooling ... again. God I love this man!

[@CurlyTots123]

Perfect answers. He's so wonderful.

[@sakinaansari5364]

You my favourite hero Tom Hiddleston

[@ShikariCookie001]

He makes me cry

[@ZyliceLiddell]

He seems like such a nice guy to be around! 😊

[@Bellhelly]

Yes! That got me too I started to think "Marry me" Such a sweet guy.

[@livb6945]

This man is a delight

[@SinbadHiccup]

I love when he says Nanni Moretti. I just love his accent. A great interview again Tom :)

[@Chezmama1]

OMG! Can you imagine him as Stanley in Streetcar Named Desire?!? Oh how I would have loved to have seen that!

[@jmorrison08]

I want to sit down and watch The Jungle Book with Tom!!!!

[@merle309]

I agree with him and he is very wise... but I would love to discuss about it with him, because I think slightly different. Tom Hiddleston is one of the people, that I would love to discuss with. He is so wise and has got such inspiring thoughts.

[@user-iw5vt9jd9x]

Mr. Hiddleston! Thank you for sharing your experiences, and scooped up with the advice! Honesty is heart warming. Honesty can really make someone feel happy. However! It's not like I would run into someone that awesome often. Someone who has what it takes to give me the lightening struck, and that love in me suddenly floating and glows within every smile on my face! Fill me up with the inspiration to write, or stir up my mind with full imagination to dream about the things, that I shouldn't be dreaming of...! A lot of times, I would take a trip around town to feel the people's movements around. To observe the atmosphere, to feel the silence, to feel the emptiness, to appreciate the lonesome soul of one's life. I use that as my sources to write. Now, can you see how I can be so crazy in love with someone, that I love? Yup. Without seeing him, cause I think of him in every moment of the songs. I don't use much about my personal life, but a few happy songs. Yeah. Excitingly inlove! However! After today, I'm going to take it from you and apply more of the actual dramas of my life. Thx. Good day, sir! 🤒

[@CrystalBallASMR]

I have not seen the jungle book and now I will wait until Tom finds out and sits me down to watch it with him. ;-)

[@Starlight_N7]

Wow... the advice bit at the end left me speechless.

[@apurvaevsholland7940]

OMG... Why the hell is his voice so good 😍😍

[@EpicPanda2011]

How can anyone be THAT perfect :3

[@cyrilegr]

the jungle book is amazing his advice too ,this man is wonderful

[@ricardobardales8137]

He had studied classics which provided him with biggest outlook about art and the essence of human beings.

[@emagus939]

Gentle caring beaitiful Soul i am trully inspired 👋

[@fuckyouimspidergirl]

He's just perfect

[@MyNameHere101]

That's a big weeping angel in the background...

[@amyc.5212]

I just watched La Stanza del Figlio. The Italian film he mentioned in this interview. I can't put my emotions into words.

[@esmeraldaal-rebai3333]

I really love you Tom

[@catiabattistini9756]

Simply Divine 💓💓💓