by For an A-list celebrity like Tom Hiddleston, free time is a precious commodity. When you’re starring in blockbuster Marvel movies and acclaimed TV shows, your schedule is jam-packed with filming, press tours, and red carpet events. But during the rare moments when he’s not working, Hiddleston makes the most of his free time, pursuing his varied interests and passions.
Reading
Hiddleston is an avid reader and always makes time for a good book, even when he’s on set. He’s a fan of classic novels, reading authors like Dickens, Austen, and Shakespeare. In interviews, he’s mentioned being inspired by literary figures like Hemingway and Fitzgerald. Hiddleston also enjoys reading history and biographies, saying he loves “anything that expands my frame of reference.”
Given his busy schedule, Hiddleston takes advantage of audiobooks, which he can listen to between takes. He’s a fan of epic sci-fi and fantasy novels, like the Lord of the Rings series. When filming slower-paced TV shows like The Night Manager, he’d relax by reading poetry. Of course, Hiddleston also reads screenplays and theater scripts, both for work and pleasure. Sources say his home has bookshelves overflowing with plays, novels, and other reading material.
Theater & Film
As a RADA-trained actor, Hiddleston remains deeply passionate about theater and film. When he has spare time in London, he frequents the West End, watching the latest plays and musicals. He’s a huge supporter of the British theater community, even dressing up and passing out fliers to promote a friend’s production. Hiddleston occasionally fits in Broadway shows during visits to NYC as well.
Naturally, Hiddleston enjoys movies in his downtime. He’s a longtime fan of classic American cinema from the ’30s and ’40s. Casablanca, Gone with the Wind, and other old Hollywood films are among his favorites. He also follows new indie releases and hits the cinema when he can. Sources say Hiddleston used to host movie nights for friends at his home before his fame exploded.
Pop Culture Fan
Despite his classical theater training, Hiddleston is also a huge fan of pop culture. He loves binge-watching hit shows like The Crown, Frasier, and The Sopranos. Hiddleston listens to pop, rock, and rap music, tweeting lyrics from artists like The Rolling Stones and Jay-Z. He even filmed himself dancing to Beyonce.
Hiddleston follows Premier League soccer avidly and is a diehard fan of the Tottenham Hotspurs. He’s been spotted at matches whenever he’s in London. Hiddleston also makes time for big events like the Oscars and Emmys, when he’s not attending himself. He stays up-to-date on pop culture news and gossip as part of his dedication to the entertainment industry.
Philanthropy & Volunteering
Give his busy schedule, it’s impressive that Hiddleston still dedicates time to philanthropy. He supports organizations like UNICEF, Red Nose Day, and Comic Relief. Hiddleston has traveled to impoverished regions in Africa and India, using his celebrity to bring attention to humanitarian crises.
Locally, Hiddleston volunteers his time when he can. He’s a regular participant in the Drama Workshop run by Jigsaw Arts, mentoring children interested in acting. Hiddleston also supports equity and inclusion in the arts. He gave a sizable donation to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts to fund scholarships for students from diverse backgrounds.
Sports & Fitness
To keep up with the physical demands of blockbuster movies, Hiddleston dedicates time each day to fitness. He trains intensely before action roles, bulking up with weight training and martial arts. Even between films, Hiddleston stays active by running, cycling, or hiking around his neighborhood.
On set, he plays soccer with fellow cast and crew members whenever possible. Hiddleston also plays tennis, swims, and surfs. While filming in Australia, he learned to surf from pro Kelly Slater. Sources say Hiddleston’s very competitive and throws himself into any sport he tries. He’s always up for friendly clashes with co-stars or pick-up games in between takes.
Travel & Nature
Hiddleston loves traveling in his time off, both for work and pleasure. For many years, he spent several months each year in the US or other countries filming. He enjoys experiencing new places and cultures. Even on promotional tours, Hiddleston makes time for exploring, hiking, and trying the local cuisine.
In his most rare and precious downtime, Hiddleston retreats to nature. He’s fond of secluded tropical locations where he can swim, snorkel, and soak up the sun away from paparazzi. Recently he vacationed in Turks and Caicos. But Hiddleston also enjoys the English countryside. He purchased a remote farmhouse outside London where he can escape periodically. Sources say he loves horseback riding, gardening, and hiking the nearby trails.
Family & Friends
Like most people, Hiddleston cherishes time spent with family and close friends. His parents still live near where he grew up in England, and he visits regularly when he’s home. Hiddleston remains close with his sister Sarah and photography curator Emma, making time for dinners and weekends in the country together. He also spends time with long-time friends, many he’s known since Cambridge University.
Though single now, Hiddleston was in several long-term relationships over the years. He always made his romantic partners a priority, taking couples’ vacations when possible. Even with his busy schedule, Hiddleston works to cultivate close relationships. Sources say Sunday roasts, movie nights, and other cozy gatherings are important to him. Above all, Hiddleston prioritizes people over work, staying grounded despite his immense fame.
The Life of an Actor
Of course, Hiddleston’s choices are limited by the realities of being a sought-after film and television actor. Any free time he gets is likely to be sporadic and unpredictable. He may have a few days off between projects, but then no breaks for months during an intensive shoot. Premieres, press tours, awards shows, and fan conventions also occupy Hiddleston’s schedule.
Still, it’s clear that during his brief moments of freedom, Hiddleston pursues his passions wholeheartedly. He’s an actor and performer to his core, but also a bibliophile, cinephile, philanthropist, athlete, traveler, and nature lover. Hiddleston’s varied interests reveal a lively, curious spirit. And he’s determined to make space for the people and activities most important to him, despite the demands of fame. For Tom Hiddleston, making the most of each free moment seems to come naturally.
