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Nicholas Hoult
Nicholas Caradoc Hoult, born on December 7, 1989, is a highly acclaimed English actor with a diverse filmography that spans both big-budget mainstream productions and independent projects in the American and British film industries. Hoult’s impressive career has earned him recognition in the form of several prestigious accolades, including nominations for a British Academy Film Award, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award. In 2012, he was honored by Forbes in their esteemed 30 Under 30 list.
Hoult’s journey in the entertainment industry began at a young age when he performed in local theatre productions as a child. His on-screen debut was at the age of six in the 1996 film “Intimate Relations,” followed by appearances in various television programs. The breakthrough in his career came with the 2002 comedy-drama “About a Boy.” Subsequently, he gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Tony Stonem in the E4 teen series “Skins” (2007–2008).
As he transitioned into adult roles, Hoult’s versatility became evident in films such as the 2009 drama “A Single Man” and the fantasy epic “Clash of the Titans” (2010). Notably, he portrayed the mutant Beast/Hank McCoy in the 2011 superhero film “X-Men: First Class” and reprised the role in later installments of the franchise.
Wokingham, Berkshire, England
| Nicholas Caradoc Hoult | |
| Name | Nicholas Caradoc Hoult |
| Date of Birth | 7 December 1989 |
| Birth Place | Wokingham, Berkshire, England |
| Profession | Actor |
| Career | 1996 – Present |
| Partner | Bryana Holly |
| Relationship | 2017 – present |
| Children | 2 |
Hoult’s filmography includes diverse roles, from the title role in “Jack the Giant Slayer” (2013) to a zombie in the romantic comedy “Warm Bodies” (2013). He delivered a compelling performance in the action film “Mad Max: Fury Road” (2015) and starred in independent films. Noteworthy historical portrayals include Robert Harley in “The Favourite” (2018), J. R. R. Tolkien in “Tolkien” (2019), and Peter III in the Hulu comedy-drama series “The Great” (2020–2023). His outstanding work on the latter earned him nominations for two Golden Globe Awards and a Primetime Emmy Award.
Beyond his acting career, Hoult has lent his voice to the 2010 action role-playing game “Fable III” and participated in the 2009 West End play “New Boy.” He actively supports charitable organizations, including Teenage Cancer Trust and Christian Aid. Hoult, a philanthropist, engages in various charitable initiatives, including designing sweaters for Save the Children’s and Selfish Mother’s joint Christmas Jumper Day campaign.
In addition to his contributions to the fight against child cruelty, Hoult has been associated with Teenage Cancer Trust since 2009. He has visited patients supported by the organization and actively promoted awareness campaigns. Hoult’s philanthropic efforts extend globally, as seen in his participation in projects like Jeans for Refugees, aimed at supporting refugees worldwide.
Hoult’s commitment to philanthropy is evident in his involvement with the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC), where he serves as the Young Person Ambassador. His contributions led to his induction into the NSPCC Hall of Fame in 2010.
In his personal life, Hoult balances his time between London and Los Angeles. He is in a relationship with American model Bryana Holly, with whom he shares two children. Outside of the entertainment industry and charitable endeavors, Hoult has shown a keen interest in sports, having played basketball for the Reading Rockets during his childhood. He continues to support the team as its ambassador. Additionally, he follows Formula One racing and has attended Grand Prix events in Montreal, Singapore, and Germany.
Hoult’s philanthropic endeavors and diverse contributions both on and off the screen showcase his commitment to making a positive impact in various spheres of life.
Career
Nicholas Hoult’s journey into acting began at a tender age when his inherent talent was spotted by a theatre director during a performance featuring his brother. This pivotal moment led to a role in the theatre production “The Caucasian Chalk Circle” at just three years old. As his acting potential flourished, Hoult ventured into auditions, landing his first feature-film role in the 1996 drama “Intimate Relations” at the age of five. In his early years, Hoult appeared in various television programs such as “Casualty,” “Silent Witness,” “The Bill,” “Judge John Deed,” and “Doctors,” treating acting initially as a hobby. In a candid interview with The Daily Telegraph in March 2009, he described his early approach to acting as enjoyable but not a deep passion, likening it to playing for a football team.
Hoult’s breakout in feature films came at the age of eleven when he reluctantly auditioned for Chris and Paul Weitz’s 2002 comedy-drama “About a Boy.” Despite initial hesitation due to the lengthy casting process, he secured the role of Marcus, earning acclaim for his portrayal of a lonely schoolboy. The film’s success, grossing over $130 million worldwide, was attributed in part to Hoult’s compelling performance. Despite his early success, Hoult remained ambivalent about pursuing acting as a career. After leaving Sylvia Young Theatre School at 14, he opted for a more conventional education at Ranelagh School. In Richard E. Grant’s film “Wah-Wah” (2005), Hoult played Ralph Compton, navigating the challenges of a family in disarray during the waning years of the Swaziland Protectorate.
Hoult’s Hollywood debut came in Gore Verbinski’s “The Weather Man” (2005), where he portrayed the son of a television weather presenter, played by Nicolas Cage. Despite the film’s and his performance’s relatively low recognition, Hoult continued to hone his craft, undeterred by the commercial reception of projects like “Wah-Wah” and “The Weather Man.” Throughout his early career, Nicholas Hoult’s talent and dedication to his craft set the stage for a promising future in the entertainment industry.
2006–2010
Nicholas Hoult, a British actor, rose to prominence during his time as a student at Sixth Form College Farnborough in 2006 when he secured the lead role in the television teenage drama series “Skins.” Initially hesitant about portraying the manipulative and egocentric anti-hero Tony Stonem, he found success in the role and gained widespread attention. Despite feeling overwhelmed by the sudden fame, Hoult decided to leave school after the first series of “Skins” to focus exclusively on his acting career. Following his stint on “Skins,” Hoult briefly appeared as Stefan Fredman in the pilot episode of the British television series “Wallander” and made his West End theatre debut in the play “New Boy,” where he played the protagonist, Mark. The play’s success was largely attributed to Hoult’s popularity from “Skins,” and it had record-breaking ticket sales.
In 2009, Hoult took on the role of Kenny Potter in Tom Ford’s “A Single Man” after the original actor left the film shortly before filming began. The film, described as his first adult role, received widespread acclaim, and Hoult’s performance earned him a nomination for the BAFTA Rising Star Award in 2010. He portrayed Kenny as a complex character, not solely defined by his sexuality, showcasing his versatility as an actor. In addition to his work in film and television, Hoult lent his voice to the character Elliot in Lionhead Studios’ action role-playing game “Fable III” in 2010. Hoult’s career continued to thrive, demonstrating his ability to take on diverse roles and captivate audiences across different mediums.
2011–2016
Nicholas Hoult, known for his versatile acting, made a significant impact in various film projects. In George Miller’s long-awaited action film, “Mad Max: Fury Road,” Hoult portrayed the character Nux. Originally facing delays due to financial challenges, the film finally came to fruition in 2012. Hoult underwent a dramatic physical transformation, shaving his head and following a strict diet to authentically portray Nux, a terminally ill slave with enthusiasm and clumsiness. “Mad Max: Fury Road” received critical acclaim for its technical aspects and stunt sequences, grossing over $378 million worldwide and rejuvenating interest in the iconic franchise.
In 2013, Hoult took on the lead role in Jonathan Levine’s romantic comedy, “Warm Bodies,” playing a zombie named R. The film, based on Isaac Marion’s novel, showcased Hoult’s ability to bring life to a potentially challenging role. His performance was praised for its charm and restraint, earning positive responses from both critics and audiences. However, not all of Hoult’s projects found the same success. His 2013 fantasy adventure, “Jack the Giant Slayer,” directed by Bryan Singer, failed at the box office and received mixed reviews. Critics were critical of Hoult’s performance, citing an unconvincing imitation of Hugh Grant.
In the dystopian science-fiction film “Young Ones” (2014), directed by Jake Paltrow, Hoult played the character Flem Lever. The film, set in a future where water is scarce, received mixed responses, with some praising the scenery but criticizing the plot. Hoult’s portrayal of Flem Lever showcased his willingness to explore diverse and challenging roles. Nicholas Hoult reprised his role as Beast in Bryan Singer’s “X-Men: Days of Future Past” (2014), expressing the freedom and excitement he felt playing the character. The film became the highest-grossing in the X-Men series at the time, earning over $747 million worldwide.
In 2015, Hoult appeared in three films — the feature film adaptation of Gillian Flynn’s “Dark Places,” the dark comedy “Kill Your Friends,” and the dystopian romantic drama “Equals.” While these films faced critical failures and were among the lowest-grossing in Hoult’s career, his performance in “Equals” received relatively better reviews. Despite uncertainties about his contract with the franchise, Hoult returned for the 2016 film “X-Men: Apocalypse,” contributing to its success as the third-ranked X-Men film in worldwide box office collections, earning about $540 million. Hoult’s ability to navigate through various genres and characters showcased his versatility as an actor during this period of his career.
2017–2019
Nicholas Hoult, known for his versatile performances, faced a setback with the release of the action film “Collide” in February 2017, where he portrayed a drug dealer. Unfortunately, the movie received negative reviews and performed poorly at the box office, with reasons cited ranging from inadequate marketing to delays caused by the bankruptcy of its production company, Relativity Media. Forbes’ Scott Mendelson suggested that the film’s failure wasn’t due to Hoult’s acting but rather the industry’s dynamics, emphasizing issues like misogyny and entitlement.
Hoult’s next project, the romance drama “Newness,” received a more positive response. Premiering at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival, the film showcased Hoult’s portrayal of one half of a couple exploring an open relationship through online dating. Director Drake Doremus commended Hoult for delivering a complex and emotionally mature performance distinct from his previous roles. In 2017, Hoult delved into biographical and historical films, playing the role of American author J. D. Salinger in “Rebel in the Rye.” Despite his extensive preparation, including reading Salinger’s works and biographies, the film received a lukewarm response from critics. Carson Lund of Slant criticized Hoult’s performance, while RogerEbert.com’s Matt Fagerholm attributed the shortcomings to the script.
Continuing his diverse roles, Hoult portrayed Nikola Tesla in “The Current War,” a film depicting the rivalry between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse. Despite mixed reviews for the movie, David Ehrlich of IndieWire praised Hoult’s performance as a tribute to David Bowie’s portrayal of Tesla in “The Prestige” (2006). Hoult’s departure from biographical dramas led him to the war film “Sand Castle,” where he played an American soldier. The film, released on Netflix in 2017, received mixed reviews, showcasing a different perspective on the futility of war.
In the critically acclaimed period drama “The Favourite” (2018), Hoult took on the supporting role of Robert Harley, showcasing his adaptability across genres. He then lent his voice to Fiver in the animated television miniseries adaptation of Richard Adams’ novel “Watership Down.” In 2019, Hoult portrayed author J. R. R. Tolkien in the biopic “Tolkien” and reprised his role as Hank McCoy in the X-Men film “Dark Phoenix,” both of which received poor reviews. Nicholas Hoult’s career showcases his commitment to diverse roles, experimenting with genres and characters, even in the face of films that faced critical challenges at the box office.
2020–present
In the subsequent year, Nicholas Hoult ventured into the role of Peter III of Russia in the Hulu comedy-drama series, The Great, marking a notable chapter in his career. This portrayal garnered widespread acclaim, earning him nominations for two Golden Globe Awards and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series.
In 2021, Hoult showcased his versatility by assuming a villainous character in the thrilling film, Those Who Wish Me Dead. The following year, he graced the screen in the black comedy film, The Menu, sharing the spotlight with esteemed actors Ralph Fiennes and Anya Taylor-Joy, achieving positive reviews for his performance. Hoult then took on the titular role in the comedy-horror film Renfield, further showcasing his range as an actor. In June 2023, he received a prestigious invitation to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the actors branch, underscoring his standing in the film industry.
Looking ahead to 2024, Hoult is set to lend his voice to the character Jon Arbuckle in the animated film, The Garfield Movie. Additionally, he is poised to star in a series of diverse projects, including Nosferatu, a film written and directed by Robert Eggers, The Order, directed by Justin Kurzel, and Juror No. 2, directed by the legendary Clint Eastwood. Hoult is also involved in both producing and starring in The One, showcasing his multifaceted involvement in the filmmaking process. Notably, in November 2023, it was revealed that Hoult would take on the iconic role of Lex Luthor in Superman: Legacy, a film directed by James Gunn as part of the DC Universe. Hoult’s dynamic career trajectory and his involvement in a diverse array of projects underscore his position as a versatile and accomplished actor in the entertainment industry.
Early life
Nicholas Caradoc Hoult, born on December 7, 1989, in Wokingham, Berkshire, is a British actor with a diverse background. His parents, Glenis (née Brown), a piano teacher, and Roger Hoult, a commercial pilot, provided him with a nurturing environment alongside three siblings—an elder brother pursuing biology studies in the United States and two sisters, both accomplished actresses.
Hoult’s Welsh middle name, Caradoc, meaning “The Beloved One,” hints at his familial connections, including a notable grand-aunt, Dame Anna Neagle, a renowned stage and film actress from the 1930s and 1940s.
Raised in Sindlesham, a picturesque estate village in the borough of Wokingham, Hoult’s upbringing was marked by a close-knit family. His older siblings’ early involvement in acting and dancing influenced his own burgeoning interest in the performing arts. Reflecting on his childhood in a 2011 interview with The Guardian, Hoult fondly recalled the simplicity of being “outdoorsy normal kids,” engaging in typical activities like running around in the garden and building tree houses.
His father’s frequent work-related absences and his brother’s attendance at a distant school led Hoult to spend much of his time with his mother and sisters. This unique upbringing, surrounded by women, possibly contributed to his ability to “steer clear of some pitfalls that guys who didn’t grow up with women would fall into,” as he mentioned in an interview.
Hoult’s educational journey included early years at The Coombes Infant and Nursery School and Arborfield Church of England Junior School. Despite initially aspiring to attain advanced level certificates in English, Biology, and Psychology, his passion for acting led him to enroll in the Sylvia Young Theatre School at the age of 12. Later, at 14, he transitioned to Ranelagh School in Bracknell, Berkshire, a Church of England secondary school.
Not just limited to acting, Hoult’s early pursuits also included ballet, where he practiced alongside his sisters and even performed in productions of Swan Lake and The Nutcracker with the English National Ballet. Additionally, he displayed musical talent, playing the trombone as a child and participating in the local choir.
Nicholas Hoult’s journey from a small village in Berkshire to international acclaim showcases not only his acting prowess but also the diverse experiences that shaped him into the talented individual he is today.
Personal life
Nicholas Hoult, known for his versatile acting career, balances his time between London and Los Angeles. In a relationship with American model Bryana Holly, the couple shares a family with two children. Hoult’s interests extend beyond the realm of acting, showcasing a diverse range of passions and commitments.
During his childhood, Hoult showcased his athletic side by playing basketball for the Reading Rockets, a team in the English Basketball League. In recognition of his connection to the sport, he later assumed the role of the club’s ambassador. Hoult is also an avid follower of Formula One racing, attending Grand Prix events in Montreal, Singapore, and Germany.
Beyond his entertainment career, Nicholas Hoult is recognized for his philanthropic endeavors. Committed to supporting children’s causes, he became the first Young Person Ambassador for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC). Since 2009, he has actively contributed to the Teenage Cancer Trust, visiting patients and promoting awareness campaigns.
Hoult’s charitable efforts extend to various initiatives. He designed sweaters for Save the Children’s and Selfish Mother’s joint Christmas Jumper Day campaign, emphasizing the positive impact on children’s lives. Additionally, he donated a pair of shoes for auction by Small Steps Project, an organization aiding homeless and malnourished children. In 2010, he earned a place in the NSPCC Hall of Fame for his significant contributions to the campaign against child cruelty.
Nicholas Hoult’s commitment to humanitarian causes is global. He participated in a Christian Aid project in Nairobi, Kenya, focusing on providing clean water and sanitation. His involvement in the Rickshaw Run, driving across India to raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust and World Wide Fund for Nature, showcases his dedication to making a positive impact. Hoult is also associated with Jeans for Refugees, contributing a signed pair of jeans to support refugees worldwide, with proceeds benefiting the International Rescue Committee. Through his varied engagements, Nicholas Hoult proves to be not only a talented actor but also a compassionate advocate for meaningful social change.
Film
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Intimate Relations | Bobby |
| 2002 | About a Boy | Marcus Brewer |
| 2005 | Wah-Wah | Ralph Compton |
| 2005 | The Weather Man | Mike |
| 2006 | Kidulthood | Blake |
| 2009 | A Single Man | Kenny Potter |
| 2010 | Clash of the Titans | Eusebios |
| 2011 | X-Men: First Class | Hank McCoy / Beast |
| 2013 | Warm Bodies | R |
| 2013 | Jack the Giant Slayer | Jack |
| 2014 | Young Ones | Flem Lever |
| 2014 | X-Men: Days of Future Past | Henry “Hank” McCoy / Beast |
| 2015 | Dark Places | Lyle Wirth |
| 2015 | Mad Max: Fury Road | Nux |
| 2015 | Equals | Silas |
| 2015 | Kill Your Friends | Steven Stelfox |
| 2016 | X-Men: Apocalypse | Henry “Hank” McCoy / Beast |
| 2016 | Underdogs | Ace (voice) |
| 2016 | Collide | Casey Stein |
| 2017 | Rebel in the Rye | J. D. Salinger |
| 2017 | Newness | Martin |
| 2017 | Sand Castle | Matt Ocre |
| 2017 | The Current War | Nikola Tesla |
| 2018 | Deadpool 2 | Henry “Hank” McCoy / Beast |
| 2018 | The Favourite | Robert Harley |
| 2019 | Tolkien | J. R. R. Tolkien |
| 2019 | Dark Phoenix | Henry “Hank” McCoy / Beast |
| 2019 | True History of the Kelly Gang | Constable Fitzpatrick |
| 2020 | The Banker | Matt Steiner |
| 2021 | Those Who Wish Me Dead | Patrick Blackwell |
| 2022 | The Menu | Tyler |
| 2023 | Renfield | Renfield |
| 2024 | The Garfield Movie | Jon Arbuckle (voice) |
| 2024 | Juror No. 2 | Justin Kemp |
| 2024 | Nosferatu | Thomas Hutter |
| TBA | The Order | Robert Jay Mathews |
Television
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Casualty | Craig Morrissey |
| 1997 | Mr White Goes to Westminster | John |
| 1998 | Silent Witness | Tom Evans |
| 1999 | The Ruth Rendell Mysteries | Barry |
| 2000 | The Bill | Hugh Austin |
| 2001 | Doctors | Conor Finch |
| 2001 | Holby City | Oscar Banks |
| 2001 | Magic Grandad | Tom |
| 2001 | Waking the Dead | Max Bryson |
| 2001 | World of Pub | 11-year-old show presenter |
| 2002 | Judge John Deed | Jason Powell |
| 2002 | Murder in Mind | Andrew Wilsher |
| 2002 | Mystery Hunters | Himself |
| 2003 | Star | Bradley Fisher |
| 2004 | Keen Eddie | Edward Mills |
| 2007 | Coming Down the Mountain | David Phillips |
| 2007–2008 | Skins | Tony Stonem |
| 2008 | Wallander | Stefan Fredman |
| 2012 | Robot Chicken | Harry Potter, Captain America (voice) |
| 2018 | Watership Down | Fiver (voice) |
| 2020–2023 | The Great | Peter III / Yemelyan Pugachev |
| 2020–2021 | Crossing Swords | Patrick (voice) |
Video Games
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 2010 | Fable III |
Music videos
| Year | Title | Artist |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | The Midnight Beast | Lez Be Friends |
| 2023 | The Rolling Stones | Mess It Up |
Commercials
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Tom Ford eyewear | Model |
| 2014–2016 | Jaguar | Boffin/himself |
| 2016 | Sky Fibre – X-Men Apocalypse | Hank McCoy / Beast |
| 2020 | Emporio Armani – Together Stronger | Alice Pagani’s lover |
| 2015–present | Jaeger-LeCoultre | Ambassador |
Awards and Nominations
| Award | Year | Category | work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| British Academy Film Awards | 2010 | Rising Star Award | – | Nominated |
| Critics’ Choice Movie Awards | 2002 | Best Child Performance | About a Boy | Nominated |
| Critics’ Choice Movie Awards | 2018 | Best Acting Ensemble | The Favourite | Won |
| Critics’ Choice Television Awards | 2020 | Best Actor in a Comedy Series | The Great | Nominated |
| Golden Globe Awards | 2020 | Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy | The Great | Nominated |
| Golden Globe Awards | 2021 | Best Actor – Television Series Musical or Comedy | The Great | Nominated |
| Golden Nymph Awards | 2008 | Best Actor in a Drama Series | Skins | Nominated |
| Kids Choice Awards | 2017 | #Squad | X-Men: Apocalypse | Nominated |
| MTV Movie & TV Awards | 2021 | Best Villain | The Great | Nominated |
| Online Film & Television Association Awards | 2003 | Best Youth Performance | About a Boy | Won |
| People’s Choice Awards | 2011 | Favorite Ensemble Movie Cast | X-Men: First Class | Nominated |
| Phoenix Film Critics Society Awards | 2002 | Best Performance by a Youth in a Leading or Supporting Role | About a Boy | Won |
| Primetime Emmy Awards | 2022 | Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series | The Great | Nominated |
| Satellite Awards | 2020 | Best Actor in a Musical or Comedy Series | The Great | Nominated |
| Screen Actors Guild Awards | 2020 | Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Comedy Series | The Great | Nominated |
| Screen Actors Guild Awards | 2020 | Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series | The Great | Nominated |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2011 | Choice Movie Chemistry | X-Men: First Class | Nominated |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2013 | Choice Breakout | Warm Bodies | Won |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2013 | Choice Movie Actor – Comedy | Warm Bodies | Nominated |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2013 | Choice Movie Actor – Romance | Warm Bodies | Nominated |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2014 | Choice Movie – Male Scene Stealer | X-Men: Days of Future Past | Nominated |
| Teen Choice Awards | 2015 | Choice Movie Scene Stealer | Mad Max: Fury Road | Nominated |
| Young Artist Awards | 2002 | Leading Young Actor | About a Boy | Nominated |
| Young Hollywood Awards | 2014 | Super Superhero | X-Men: Days of Future Past | Nominated |
