You might think Tom Hopper has a hero complex. He’s played a knight (Sir Percival in “Merlin”), a viking (Asbjörn in “Northmen: A Viking Saga”), a pirate (as Billy Bones in “Black Sails”), a superhero (Luther Hargreeves in “The Umbrella Academy”) and soon a Navy SEAL (Raife Hastings in “Terminal List: Dark Wolf” based on the Jack Carr novels). But the talented Brit is as humble as he is fit.
The former Men’s Health cover star is a devoted husband to fellow actor Laura Higgins (now Hopper, whom he loves playing a competitive game of paddle tennis with) and doting father to their son, Freddie, 9, and daughter, Truly, 6. He’s also grown to be great friends with his castmates. As the fourth and final season of “The Umbrella Academy” streams on Netflix August 8, Tom tells Alexa acting alongside his TV siblings “was pure joy.”
“I had a uniquely close relationship with all of them,” says Hopper, 39. “David [Castañeda], Ritu [Arya] and I massively bonded over many a meal since we’re all huge foodies. Emmy [Raver-Lampman] and I loved a coffee and good-old gossip. [Robert] Sheehan and I would put the world to rights and end up talking about the most bonkers sh*t. Hence, why we did a podcast [The Earth Locker] together. Elliot [Page] would tell me things that would open my mind to the world around me. Justin [H. Min] and I worked out together and would just laugh about the most random stuff for hours. And Aiden [Gallagher] made me realize I was really immature at 16 years old.”
Just as his character Luther needs his family, Tom considers these items part of his survival kit.
FAVORITE BAD-ASS ACCESSORY: Belstaff Legacy Outlaw Jacket
“I love my Belstaff outlaw leather jacket. It’s been all over the world with me. But it also looks great off the bike.”
BELSTAFF
FAVORITE TIMEKEEPER: Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43
“My Breitling Navitimer is my favorite watch. I love everything about the design and its history [dating back to the 1950s].”
FAVORITE KICKS: Adidas Stan Smith Shoes
“For years, my go-to sneakers have been Adidas Stan Smiths. They’re such a solid all-around shoe.”
ADIDAS
FAVORITE SUNNIES: Persol PO0086S sunglasses
“Persols all day long. I fell in love with them when I wore them in ‘Love in the Villa’ [which filmed in Italy in 2021]. They’re all I wear now.”
PERSOL
FAVORITE MOISTURIZER: Fierce Nature Lux Face Balm
“When it comes to skin care, I love to be as natural as possible. So I use an all-natural tallow face balm and that’s it.”
FAVORITE COLOGNE: Le Labo Santal 33 eau de parfum
“I’ve worn one scent and one scent only for many years now and this [spicy, leathery, musk with cardamom, iris and violet] is it.”
FAVORITE KITCHEN COMPANION: HexClad Hybrid Perfect Pots & Pans Set
“I absolutely love cooking, and these pots and pans are a staple in my kitchen.”
HEXCLAD
FAVORITE CHOPPER: Tog Santoku multi-purpose knife
“They’re perfectly weighted knives, and they just get better with time if well looked after. Tog use Japanese steel and craftsmanship, with beautiful British design. Together they give the perfect chopping experience for a cook. I love them.”
FAVORITE WORKOUT SECRET: Whoop Hydroknit Band
“My Whoop strap has been amazing to help me track sleep and performance while working and traveling. It tells me when I need to chill and take a down day and when I’m good to push it harder. This has been particularly helpful during periods of night shoots and getting minimal sleep, but knowing when I’ve had enough to get my workouts in.”
WHOOP
FAVORITE RIDES: Triumph Rocket 3 motorcyle and Harley Low Rider S motorcycle
“I’ve been riding the Triumph Rocket 3 and the Harley Low Rider S most recently. They’re both ridiculous fun.”
FAVORITE CARRY-ALL: John Bull Karrimor SF 30 Rucksack
“My rucksack goes everywhere with me, and has been through everything with me, too. It’s virtually indestructible”.
FAVORITE BOOK OF THE MOMENT: “Terminal List” by Jack Carr
“I am currently reading all the Jack Carr books. I started reading them when I got cast in the show [“Terminal List: Dark Wolf” coming to Amazon Prime Video] and I’ve become obsessed. They’re gripping as hell. The things I’ve learned from my mentors on ‘Dark Wolf’ have been incredible. What those guys have done — and are capable of — blows my mind. It’s been nothing but an honor to work alongside them and in turn, have the privilege of bringing a Navy SEAL to life in Raife Hastings. It’s a task that I do not take lightly, as authenticity is absolutely crucial on our show. It’s a challenge that I relish and one that I’m excited for people to see when it’s completed.”
AMAZON
FAVORITE ALBUM: “Audioslave” by Audioslave
“It is my all-time favorite album by far and major nostalgia for me. When I listen to it, it takes me back to being 18 and driving around with my mates in a Ford Fiesta 1.1L.”
AMAZON
