8 Little-Known Facts About Tom Hiddleston

Renowned British actor Tom Hiddleston has earned widespread acclaim for his enduring role as Loki, the morally ambiguous sibling of Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. His portrayal of the God of Mischief has garnered such immense popularity that it led to a dedicated spin-off series, Loki, now streaming on Disney+.

While Hiddleston’s performances are captivating, his career and personal life hold many intriguing details beyond his mythological Marvel roles. Here are some fascinating insights into the actor’s journey. (Note: Minor spoilers for Loki ahead!)

1. During his college years, Tom Hiddleston was affectionately called “Piddle.”

Born on February 9, 1981, in Westminster, London, England, Tom Hiddleston is the son of physicist James Hiddleston and casting director Diana Hiddleston. Despite his father’s scientific background, Hiddleston was drawn to the arts, inspired by his mother’s involvement in live theater. During his time at Eton College, where he explored acting, his surname became the source of a less-than-flattering nickname among his peers.

“Shortly after I arrived, I was dubbed ‘Piddle,’” Hiddleston shared with Graham Norton in 2020. “The boys came up with the rhyme, 'Hiddle Piddle did a widdle in the middle of the night.’” One of those who might have teased him with this rhyme was Eddie Redmayne, a fellow student who later achieved fame as an actor, even winning the Best Actor Oscar in 2015 for his role as Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything.

2. Tom Hiddleston’s theatrical background paved the way for his role in Thor.

Hiddleston performed in various theatrical productions at both Eton College and the University of Cambridge, followed by several years dedicated to stage work. He completed his studies at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 2005. Audiences witnessed his talent in plays such as Cymbeline and Othello, among others.

It was during a theater performance that Hiddleston first crossed paths with Kenneth Branagh, a renowned actor and director who was gearing up to direct 2011’s Thor. Despite Hiddleston’s limited film experience, Branagh chose him to portray the antagonist—a role that has endured for over a decade and continues to thrive.

3. Tom Hiddleston initially aspired to play Thor.

Although Thor marked a significant breakthrough for Hiddleston, he originally aimed to portray the God of Thunder. He even underwent a screen test sporting a long, flowing wig and a muscular build. Interestingly, Thor was the sole role he auditioned for before being cast as Loki, a character Branagh believed better suited his playful and cunning demeanor. The intriguing footage of this audition can be viewed above.

4. Tom Hiddleston had no idea Loki would become a long-term role.

At the time of his casting in Thor, Hiddleston was unaware of Marvel’s grand vision for an interconnected, serialized narrative. “I was like, 'Excuse me?'” he shared with Entertainment Weekly in 2021. “Because [Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige] was already several steps ahead. It took me a moment to grasp the magnitude of it all. Landing the role of Loki was a pivotal moment in my life, one I knew would have lasting significance. The creative journey ahead promised to be thrilling.”

Initially, Loki’s arc was meant to conclude with his death in 2013’s Thor: The Dark World. However, test audiences rejected this outcome, feeling the character’s cunning and elusive nature deserved more than a quick exit. Although Loki met his end in 2018’s Avengers: Infinity War, the introduction of time travel has resurrected him for the Loki series.

5. Tom Hiddleston ran a “Loki School” to educate the cast and crew.

As production for Loki began, director Kate Herron sought insights from Hiddleston, the actor most familiar with the character. Hiddleston prepared a detailed presentation covering Loki’s cinematic journey, his defining traits, and curated film clips he deemed relevant. “I felt unexpectedly nervous, like an amateur scholar presenting a thesis on Loki,” he shared with The Verge in 2021. “I’m not sure if it was helpful to the team, but at least we were all on the same page from the start.”

6. Tom Hiddleston’s father initially doubted acting was a legitimate career.

James Hiddleston, a pragmatic thinker, struggled to comprehend his son’s passion for acting. “He was genuinely concerned I’d end up bored and unfulfilled,” Hiddleston explained to The Telegraph in 2014. “Acting was so far removed from his world that he couldn’t see it as a real profession.” Hiddleston later clarified the demanding nature of his work on Thor, detailing his grueling schedule. “He now understands that making a Thor film takes six months. I’ve described my routine—waking up at 4 a.m. and returning home at 9 p.m.—and he’s come to recognize it as genuine work.”

7. Tom Hiddleston excels at mimicking a horse.

Hiddleston, like many skilled actors, can effortlessly embody various characters. His public impressions include Owen Wilson, Chris Evans, Alan Rickman, the horse from the 2011 film War Horse, and even a Velociraptor. Check out the video above to see his impressive range of impersonations.

8. Tom Hiddleston serves as a UNICEF ambassador.

For many years, Hiddleston has acted as a UNICEF UK ambassador, bringing attention to humanitarian crises in Guinea and South Sudan. He visited Guinea in 2013 and South Sudan in 2016 and 2017. “Inequality and division exist everywhere, and it deeply concerns me,” the actor stated in a 2016 interview with Interview magazine. “I believe everyone feels the same. I wish we could treat each other with kindness. I’ve often wondered if my platform and voice come with a responsibility to advocate for what I believe in. There’s a point where you must stand up for these children—they didn’t choose this. At the same time, I’m acutely aware of my limitations. I’m not a doctor, I can’t shape foreign policy, I can’t construct schools, and I can’t create the nutritional solutions for severe malnutrition. But I can speak about it, and so can you.”