Tom Holland’s Role Models: The Stars He Quietly Admires
Tom Holland reveals the two actors he most admires for their ability to balance fame and privacy, shaping his own approach to life and work.
Since donning the Spider-Man suit for the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Tom Holland has become a fixture in the world of action cinema. With a fourth outing as the web-slinger underway, speculation is rife that this could mark his final appearance in the role. Having portrayed the character for nearly ten years and now nearing his thirties, Holland stands at a crossroads in his professional journey. The choices he makes next are likely to set the tone for the rest of his career.
He is already eyeing more ambitious projects, including a part in Christopher Nolan’s much-discussed adaptation of The Odyssey. His name is also frequently mentioned in conversations about the next James Bond. For now, though, these remain possibilities rather than certainties. Yet, the actors Holland looks up to offer a glimpse into the direction he hopes to take, both on and off the screen.
Seeking Inspiration Beyond the Spotlight
In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Holland reflected,
The types of people that I admire in my business are the types of people whose lives I would like to emulate.
He is clearly mindful of how the attention that comes with leading roles can spill over into every corner of one’s existence. Holland appears determined to be selective not only in his professional endeavours but also in his personal decisions.
This approach seems especially prudent given his engagement to Zendaya, herself a household name. Holland has managed to maintain a degree of privacy, and it is evident he intends to continue in this vein, drawing inspiration from those who have successfully navigated similar paths.
Cillian Murphy: Master of Discretion
Holland singles out Cillian Murphy as a prime example, describing him as
arguably one of the best actors in the business. You never see him anywhere, you know?
Murphy’s career is marked by a string of acclaimed performances in productions such as Peaky Blinders, Oppenheimer, and Small Things Like These. Despite his prominence and the relentless nature of press obligations, Murphy has largely avoided the glare of celebrity gossip. He is known for his unwavering commitment to his work and his reluctance to engage with the trappings of fame, a trait that has become something of a running joke in interviews and online circles. His cool detachment is unmistakable, and it is easy to see why Holland finds this approach appealing.
Daniel Craig: The Art of Staying Relevant
Holland’s admiration extends to Daniel Craig, whom he calls
the man, he’s a hero. I think he’s one of the coolest people. You never see him anywhere, but he’s one of the biggest movie stars in the world.
Craig’s tenure as James Bond made him a global icon, but in the years since, he has continued to challenge himself with diverse roles, including a notable turn as William Lee in Luca Guadagnino’s Queer. Like Holland, Craig has maintained a long-term relationship with a fellow star—Rachel Weisz—yet his private life remains largely out of the public eye.
As Holland puts it, both Craig and Murphy are
people that are able to remain relevant [and] present, do good work, and at the same time somehow manage to live a regular life.
This balance is precisely what Holland aspires to achieve as he moves forward.
Balancing Fame and Normality
Despite his own high profile, Holland’s motivations are clearly not rooted in the pursuit of celebrity. Maintaining a sense of normality is no small feat, especially in an era where social media and parasocial connections make privacy increasingly elusive. Whatever direction his career takes next, it is evident that Holland is intent on following the example set by those he most respects, striving to keep his personal world as undisturbed as possible.