Inside Tom Hardy's relationship with his three kids – and the major changes they inspired in his private life

Tom Hardy might be one of the biggest names in acting, but the MobLand star always protects his children's privacy.

The star first became a father in 2008 when he and then-girlfriend Rachael Speed welcomed Louis Thomas into the world. Following his marriage to actress Charlotte Riley, the star became a father again, welcoming a second child in 2015 and his third child in 2019.

While Louis has a form of public identity, Tom and Charlotte have decided to keep their children's identities out of the public eye, including their names and gender.

In the past, Tom has had his own battles with addiction, but it was the arrival of his first son who inspired him to take on his demons and start his sobriety journey.

© WPA Pool

After welcoming Louis in 2008, the star shared: "It's the best thing I could have wished for."

"I was very self-indulgent for a long time and I was only thinking about my own stupid stuff and myself. Having a child lifts you out of that selfish behaviour. I take great pride in being a father and make sure I'm there for him and helping him as he makes his way in the world."

© Mike Marsland

Following the arrival of his second child, Tom told the Daily Mail: "There was no longer very much time for me to think about myself anymore, because there is somebody now on the planet who really needs me to get my act together and focus on something that is more important than me."

Speaking to Esquire in 2021, the Mad Max actor even admitted that his children made him want to work in the acting profession less. He explained: "I think there's less reason to work, ultimately, because the life-drive is to be with the kids and to be fit and healthy and eat well and stuff."

© Dave Benett

Special bond with Louis

Tom's desire to be the best dad for his children even transcends into his professional career, and he revealed that son Louis gave him plenty of advice for his role as Eddie Brock in the Venom series.

The father-of-three told Entertainment Tonight: "He told me what I was doing wrong, and I was doing more things wrong than I was doing right because children are deeply honest. He was my little spirit guide in that aspect."

© Mike Marsland/WireImage

The teenager was even seen supporting his father at the premiere of Venom: The Last Dance, and looked almost identical to his action star dad.