Tom Felton Bio
Thomas Andrew Felton (born 22 September 1987) is an English actor best known for portraying Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter film series. He began his career in commercials and made his film debut with The Borrowers in 1997. Felton’s role as Malfoy brought him worldwide recognition, leading to various projects, including roles in films like Rise of the Planet of the Apes and indie projects. He is also a talented musician with several original songs. Beyond acting, Felton has published a memoir detailing his experiences growing up within the Harry Potter franchise.
Early Life and Background
Thomas Andrew Felton was born on 22 September 1987 in Epsom, Surrey, England, as the youngest of four sons to Peter Felton and Sharon Anstey. Raised in an Anglican household, Felton’s parents divorced when he was a teenager. He attended West Horsley’s Cranmore School until age 13 and then went on to Howard of Effingham School for secondary education. His schedules were arranged so that he could attend school while filming the early Harry Potter films. Although the first film was successful and earned him positive reviews for his performance, his fame and portrayal of an antagonist subjected him to name-calling at school. Felton developed an interest in singing during his childhood and joined school choirs, even earning a place in the Guildford Cathedral Choir.
Path to Hollywood
Felton began acting in commercials for companies such as Commercial Union and Barclaycard. He landed his first feature film role in 1997, playing Peagreen Clock in Peter Hewitt’s The Borrowers. In 1999, he voiced James in the television series Bugs and portrayed Louis T. Leonowens in the film Anna and the King, starring opposite Jodie Foster. Felton’s early work laid the foundation for his future success in the film industry, leading to his iconic role in the Harry Potter series.
Tom Felton Career
Early Career (1997–2000)
Felton’s career began with commercials and his first notable film role in The Borrowers. He continued to gain recognition with roles in Second Sight and Anna and the King. His early work established him as a promising young actor in the industry.
Breakthrough (2001–2011)
Felton’s breakthrough came when he was cast as Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter film series, starting with Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone in 2001. The film was a critical and commercial success, and Felton’s performance was praised, with one critic calling him the personification of upper-class insolence. He reprised his role in the subsequent films, including Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and others, culminating in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2 in 2011. His performances earned him two consecutive MTV Movie Awards for Best Villain in 2010 and 2011.
Notable Works and Milestones
Felton’s signature work remains his portrayal of Draco Malfoy, which brought him global recognition. In addition to the Harry Potter series, he appeared in the sci-fi film Rise of the Planet of the Apes in 2011 and has participated in various indie projects.
Tom Felton Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Tom Felton has received several nominations, particularly for his role in the Harry Potter series, where he was recognized for his performances at various award shows.
Tom Felton Awards Won
Tom Felton has won multiple awards, including two MTV Movie Awards for Best Villain for his role in the Harry Potter series.
Tom Felton Family
Tom Felton was in a long-term relationship with stunt assistant Jade Olivia Gordon from 2008 until early 2016. Gordon played Felton’s character’s wife in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Part 2.
Personal Life
Felton has a passion for animals, having owned a Labrador Retriever named Timber until her death in 2014. He later adopted another black Labrador named Willow and a yellow lab named Forrest. Felton fell ill during a celebrity golf exhibition in September 2021, but he attributed the incident to jet lag and exhaustion. He identifies as agnostic.
