History of Tom Hollander in Timeline

Thomas Anthony Hollander is a celebrated British actor known for his work in theatre, film, and television. His performances have garnered him prestigious accolades, including a BAFTA award and two Screen Actors Guild Awards.

1938: Escape from Czechoslovakia

Tom Hollander's father and grandparents escaped the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia in 1938.

August 1967: Tom Hollander's Family Background and Upbringing

Born in August 1967, Tom Hollander grew up in Oxford, England. He was raised in an academic and musical family. His father, of Czech Jewish origin and later converted to Catholicism, was a school science department head, while his mother was English. His grandfather, Hans Hollander, was a musicologist known for his work on composer Janáček.

August 1967: Birth of Tom Hollander

Thomas Anthony Hollander was born in August 1967 in Bristol, England.

1981: Early Acting Debut and Schooling

At the age of 14 in 1981, Tom Hollander landed the lead role in a BBC adaptation of Leon Garfield's "John Diamond." Prior to this, he participated in the National Youth Theatre and the National Youth Music Theatre. He also attended the Dragon School and Abingdon School in Oxfordshire, where he was a chief chorister.

1981: Television Debut in "John Diamond"

Tom Hollander's first television appearance was in 1981 at the age of 14 in the television film "John Diamond." This marked the beginning of his acting career.

1992: Ian Charleson Award Win for "The Way of the World"

Tom Hollander won the prestigious Ian Charleson Award in 1992 for his portrayal of Witwoud in "The Way of the World" at the Lyric Hammersmith Theatre. This marked a significant achievement in his theatrical career.

1993: Television Roles in "Harry" and "Absolutely Fabulous"

From 1993 to 1995, Tom Hollander played the character of Jonathan in the BBC drama series "Harry." He also made an appearance as Paolo Ferruzzi in the British sitcom "Absolutely Fabulous" in 1996.

1995: Conclusion of "Harry"

Tom Hollander's run as Jonathan in the BBC drama series "Harry" concluded in 1995.

1996: Broadway Debut and Notable Roles

Tom Hollander made his Broadway debut in 1996, portraying Lord Alfred Douglas in David Hare's "The Judas Kiss" opposite Liam Neeson as Oscar Wilde. The same year, he also appeared in the film "Some Mother's Son" about the 1981 Irish hunger strike and the sports drama "True Blue.

1996: Film Debut and Early Film Roles

Tom Hollander made his film debut in 1996, appearing in films like "Some Mother's Son" and "True Blue." This marked the beginning of his film career.

1997: Commendation for "The Government Inspector"

In 1997, Tom Hollander received a commendation for his performance as Khlestakov in "The Government Inspector" at the Almeida Theatre, further solidifying his reputation as a talented stage actor.

1998: Roles in Romantic Comedy and Comedy Drama

In 1998, Tom Hollander appeared in the British romantic comedy "Martha, Meet Frank, Daniel and Laurence" and the comedy-drama "Bedrooms and Hallways," showcasing his versatility as an actor.

1998: Broadway Debut in "The Judas Kiss"

Tom Hollander made his Broadway debut in 1998, playing the role of Lord Alfred Douglas in David Hare's play "The Judas Kiss." This marked a significant step in his career, expanding his stage presence to American audiences.

1999: Role in "Wives and Daughters" and "The Clandestine Marriage"

Tom Hollander appeared in the BBC miniseries "Wives and Daughters" and the comedy film "The Clandestine Marriage" in 1999, further expanding his acting repertoire.

2000: Residence in Notting Hill

Hollander has resided in the same Notting Hill flat since 2000.

2001: Roles in "Gosford Park" and "Enigma"

Tom Hollander appeared in Robert Altman's murder mystery "Gosford Park" and the thriller "Enigma" directed by Michael Apted in 2001.

2001: Portrayal of King George V in "The Lost Prince"

Tom Hollander portrayed King George V in the BBC film "The Lost Prince" in 2001.

2001: Appearance in "Gosford Park"

Tom Hollander was part of the ensemble cast of Robert Altman's acclaimed film "Gosford Park" in 2001.

2003: Portrayals of King George V and Guy Burgess

In 2003, Tom Hollander took on the role of King George V in the BBC One film "The Lost Prince" and portrayed Guy Burgess in the BBC Two miniseries "Cambridge Spies," demonstrating his ability to embody historical figures.

2004: Voice Acting and Radio Work

In 2004, Tom Hollander showcased his voice acting talent in various BBC Radio productions, including "Volpone" and "Bleak Expectations." His distinctive voice and acting range made him a sought-after voice actor.

2005: Acclaim for "Pride & Prejudice"

Tom Hollander received critical acclaim and awards for his portrayal of Mr. Collins in Joe Wright's adaptation of Jane Austen's "Pride & Prejudice" in 2005. His performance earned him recognition for his comedic timing and character acting skills.

2006: Charity Run for Childline Crisis Hotline

Hollander participated in a charity run to raise funds for the Childline Crisis Hotline in 2006.

2007: Charity Run for Teenage Cancer Trust

In 2007, he participated in a charity run for the Teenage Cancer Trust.

2007: Role in "Elizabeth: The Golden Age"

Tom Hollander appeared in the historical drama "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" in 2007.

2007: Stage Return in "Landscape with Weapon" and Film Roles

Tom Hollander returned to the stage in 2007 in the premiere of Joe Penhall's play "Landscape with Weapon" at the Royal National Theatre. The same year, he also appeared in films like "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" and "Elizabeth: The Golden Age."

2008: Roles in "John Adams" and "Valkyrie"

In 2008, Tom Hollander portrayed King George III in the HBO miniseries "John Adams" and appeared as Colonel Heinz Brandt in the film "Valkyrie."

2008: Role in "Valkyrie"

Tom Hollander appeared in the World War II thriller "Valkyrie" in 2008.

2008: Writing and Continued Voice Acting

Tom Hollander began writing a diary-style column for "The Spectator" and lifestyle articles for "The Times" in 2008. His writing was well-received by readers. He also continued his voice acting work.

2008: Portrayal of King George III in "John Adams"

Tom Hollander portrayed King George III in the HBO miniseries "John Adams" in 2008.

2009: Role in "The Soloist" and Collaboration with Joe Wright

Tom Hollander played a symphonic cellist in Joe Wright's film "The Soloist" in 2009. This marked his second collaboration with Wright, following their successful pairing in "Pride & Prejudice" (2005).

2009: Role in "In the Loop"

Tom Hollander starred in the political satire film "In the Loop" in 2009.

2010: Co-Creation and Starring in "Rev.", Stage Performance in "A Flea in Her Ear"

In 2010, Tom Hollander co-created and starred in the TV series "Rev.", a comedy about a vicar in an inner-city parish. He also returned to the stage in a dual role in "A Flea in Her Ear" at the Old Vic.

2010: Engagement to Fran Hickman

Tom Hollander became engaged to interior designer Fran Hickman in 2010.

2010: Starring Role and Co-Writer in "Rev."

Tom Hollander starred in and co-wrote the BBC sitcom "Rev." which aired from 2010 to 2014. His work on the show demonstrated his comedic talents and writing abilities.

2011: BAFTA Win for "Rev."

In 2011, "Rev." won a BAFTA for Best Situation Comedy, along with other awards and recognition.

2011: Roles in "Hanna" and "In the Loop"

Tom Hollander appeared in Joe Wright's action thriller "Hanna" and Armando Iannucci's political satire "In the Loop" in 2011. He continued to collaborate with acclaimed directors and showcase his range in diverse genres.

2011: Role in "Hanna"

Tom Hollander appeared in the action thriller "Hanna" in 2011.

2013: Roles in "About Time" and "The Invisible Woman"

Tom Hollander appeared in the romantic comedy "About Time" and the biographical drama "The Invisible Woman" in 2013.

August 2014: Public Stance Against Scottish Independence

Hollander was one of 200 public figures who signed a letter to The Guardian opposing Scottish independence in August 2014.

2014: Conclusion of "Rev."

The BBC sitcom "Rev.," starring and co-written by Tom Hollander, concluded in 2014.

2015: Playing Patrick Moore in "Far Side of the Moore"

Hollander played Patrick Moore in the BBC radio play "Far Side of the Moore" in 2015.

2015: Role in "Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation"

Tom Hollander appeared in the action spy film "Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation" in 2015.

January 2016: Honorary Fellowship at Selwyn College, Cambridge

He was named an Honorary Fellow of Selwyn College, Cambridge in January 2016.

May 2016: Portraying Geoff Cathcart in "School Drama"

In May 2016, he portrayed Geoff Cathcart in the BBC Radio 4 play "School Drama".

November 2016: Starring in "Travesties" at the Menier Chocolate Factory

From September to November 2016, Tom Hollander starred as Henry Carr in Tom Stoppard's "Travesties" at the Menier Chocolate Factory.

November 2016: Narrating "Revolution: New Art for a New World"

Hollander provided narration for the documentary "Revolution: New Art for a New World", released in November 2016.

2016: Roles in "The Night Manager" and "Taboo", BAFTA Win

In 2016, he appeared in the miniseries "The Night Manager" and the series "Taboo". His performance in "The Night Manager" earned him a BAFTA for Best Supporting Actor.

2016: Role in "Doctor Thorne"

Tom Hollander appeared in the television miniseries "Doctor Thorne" in 2016.

February 2017: "Travesties" Transfer and Olivier Award Nomination

In February 2017, "Travesties" transferred to the Apollo Theatre and was nominated for five Olivier Awards, including Best Actor for Hollander.

April 2017: Reprising Role in "Far Side of the Moore"

Hollander reprised his role as Patrick Moore in the BBC radio play "Far Side of the Moore" in April 2017.

December 2017: Issues with Bryan Singer on "Bohemian Rhapsody"

Hollander reportedly left the film "Bohemian Rhapsody" in December 2017 due to issues with director Bryan Singer, but was later convinced to return.

April 2018: Broadway Debut and Tony Award Nomination for "Travesties"

Hollander reprised his role in "Travesties" for its Broadway debut in April 2018, receiving a Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Play.

November 2018: Release of "Bohemian Rhapsody"

Tom Hollander appeared as Jim Beach in the biopic "Bohemian Rhapsody", released in November 2018.

2018: Role in "Bohemian Rhapsody"

Tom Hollander appeared in the biographical musical drama "Bohemian Rhapsody" in 2018.

2020: Voicing Alfred Pennyworth in "Harley Quinn"

Beginning in 2020, he voiced Alfred Pennyworth in the animated series "Harley Quinn".

2020: BBC Radio 3 Documentary on Family History

Hollander, his sister Julia, and their father Tony presented a BBC Radio 3 documentary about their family's escape from Czechoslovakia in 1938.

2020: Role in "Harley Quinn"

Tom Hollander began voicing a role in the animated series "Harley Quinn" in 2020.

2021: Portraying Multiple Roles in "The King's Man"

In 2021, he portrayed George V, Wilhelm II, and Nicholas II in the film "The King's Man".

2022: Voice Role in "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse", Starring in "The Ipcress File" and "The White Lotus"

He voiced The Mole in the animated short "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse", which won an Academy Award. He also starred in the series "The Ipcress File" and the second season of "The White Lotus".