Tom Hardy

Summary

In a heartfelt acceptance speech, Tom Hardy expresses his surprise and delight at receiving an honorary fellowship from the University of the Arts London. He candidly discusses his insecurities about public speaking and his passion for acting, which he considers more of a vocation than a job. Hardy shares wisdom from his father about the importance of observation and reflection in his craft, and the value of embracing failure as a learning opportunity. He acknowledges the significance of cultural institutions in enriching a nation's resources and expresses gratitude for the recognition, encouraging others to enjoy and persevere in their artistic pursuits.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Tom Hardy expresses his surprise and delight at receiving the honorary fellowship from the University of the Arts London.
• 🗣️ He admits to being uncomfortable with public speaking and feeling more at ease within his character roles.
• 💭 Hardy reflects on his past, mentioning that he was not expected to achieve such recognition, with some even thinking he might end up in prison.
• 📜 He quotes Shakespeare, drawing a parallel between the transformation of Prince Hal in 'Henry IV Part 2' and his own journey of personal growth.
• 🔨 Hardy emphasizes the importance of passion and persistence, suggesting that doing what you love can lead to success even if the path is unclear.
• 👨‍👦 His father's advice plays a significant role in his life, encouraging him to observe, reflect, and let go of anything that obstructs his focus, including self-doubt.
• 🎨 Hardy views the arts as a lifelong companion, providing solace and inspiration during times of unemployment and solitude.
• 🚀 He believes in the vocation of the arts, suggesting it's more than just a job and requires dedication and commitment.
• 🧐 The actor stresses the importance of being erudite and focused in one's work, especially in creative fields where time and resources are precious.
• 💡 Hardy acknowledges the risk of failure in creative endeavors but sees it as a valuable learning experience rather than something to be embarrassed about.
• 📝 He shares a speech written by his father, highlighting the importance of education and the cultural enrichment that institutions like the University contribute to society.
• 🙌 Hardy concludes by expressing his gratitude for the recognition and encourages others to enjoy their journey in the arts, acknowledging the challenges ahead.

Q & A

What honor is being conferred upon Tom Hardy in the script?

Tom Hardy is being awarded the honorary fellowship of the University of the Arts London.

How does Tom Hardy describe his feelings about being in the public eye?

Tom Hardy expresses feeling shocked and uncomfortable being in the public eye, preferring to disappear and be in character.

What does Tom Hardy believe about the role of the Arts in his life?

Tom Hardy sees the Arts as a companion that will always keep him company, especially during quiet times when he is alone.

What advice did Tom Hardy's father give him about pursuing what you love?

His father advised him that if you do what you love and do it well, everything should fall into place.

How does Tom Hardy view failure in the context of his profession?

Tom Hardy believes that failure is not embarrassing and is a good learning experience, stating that humiliation is your friend.

What is Tom Hardy's perspective on the importance of observation and reflection in his work?

He believes that observation and reflection are crucial, and anything that gets in the way of the 'telescope', including oneself, must go.

What does Tom Hardy consider the Arts to be in relation to his career?

Tom Hardy considers the Arts to be more of a vocation rather than just a job, emphasizing its importance in his life.

How does Tom Hardy feel about the speech made by Jonathan?

Tom Hardy highly praises Jonathan's speech, calling it truly brilliant and wishes he had written or spoken about the same points.

What does Tom Hardy's father think about his education and its role in his life?

Tom Hardy's father believes that education is an integral part of him and continues to unfold as his life goes on.

What does Tom Hardy appreciate about the recognition from the University of the Arts London?

Tom Hardy is genuinely grateful for the recognition, seeing it as another proud moment in his lifelong relationship with the university.

What message does Tom Hardy have for those in the creative department or pursuing a career in the Arts?

He encourages them to embrace the challenge, be willing to take risks, and to understand that failure is a part of the learning process.