Tom Hiddleston Shares Rare Thoughts on Fatherhood in New Interview
The actor discussed the importance of staying fit for his children and called fatherhood a "privilege."
Tom Hiddleston has spoken about the profound impact of fatherhood, describing it as a "privilege" and a "life-altering experience" in a new interview with Men's Health UK.
The actor, 45, who shares two children with fiancée Zawe Ashton, 42, detailed his motivation for maintaining his physical health, emphasizing his desire to be active and present for his children as they grow.
"I want to be fit and strong for my children," Hiddleston stated. "I’m so aware that they are watching me and I’m a model for them. It’s such a privilege to be someone’s father. And I mean that humbly."
He elaborated on the desire to share physical activities with his children, saying, "It’s such an honour to live up to what that means. And both my children, to introduce them to the joy of movement and the joy of their bodies…I want to keep up with them. I want to play with them."
Hiddleston also mentioned wanting to be able to "carry them and run with them, play football with them. To swim and chase and throw them up in the air." He added that this is now his primary motivation for staying healthy.
The interview accompanies a photoshoot for the magazine's October issue, where Hiddleston displayed his physique. He also discussed running as a meditative practice and a space for problem-solving.
Hiddleston and Ashton, who began their relationship in 2019, are known for keeping their family life private and have not publicly shared the names or genders of their children. They welcomed their first child in October 2022 and a second in November 2025.
Hiddleston previously described becoming a parent as "life-altering" when confirming the arrival of their second child in December. The couple met in 2019 while starring in the play "Betrayal" and made their red carpet debut in September 2021. They became engaged in March 2022.