Tom Hopper: "I have a pair of CK underpants that I can't throw away"

We all have that favoured item of clothing that we can't quite bring ourselves to throw away. 

Whether it's the moth-eaten sweater or the coat missing a button, the emotional attachment lingers long after the sartorial benefits have worn away. 

Tom Hopper is no different. While we wouldn't like to speculate on the condition of his favourite pair of Calvin Klein underpants, the Umbrella Academy star has had them "for a long time. But," continues Hopper, "they are hands down the comfiest pair of underwear on the planet and CK stopped making this particular cut... I can’t bring myself to say goodbye." 

At least wife Laura knows what to buy Hopper for his next birthday. And it should be cheaper than a Breitling watch. 

(Yes, Laura sounds great.)

Life

What upcoming project(s) are you most excited about?

Umbrella Academy Season 2 of course! I’m also super excited about the launch of Robert Sheehan's and my new podcast The Earth Locker which launches soon. It’s all talking about how we can all become better Earthlings.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment?

There’ve been some amazing moments in my career.

I set certain personal goals for myself very early on in my career that I wanted to achieve at some point, but I’ve been fortunate enough to tick a couple off.

I think two that stand out are being on a Men’s Health cover and getting to number 1 on the IMDB star-meter. 

If you could change one thing about your career, what would it be?

Nothing. I believe the journey moulds who we are today and I wouldn’t change a thing. 

What do you hope to achieve that you haven’t yet?

People's health is a big problem in our society. I would love to make an impact on the world for the better.

I’m hugely passionate about health and the health of others. I would love to inspire millions of people to take back control of their own health to live fuller, and illness free lives.

If I can achieve that in my life I’d be a very happy man. 

Outside of your family, who is / was your biggest inspiration?

I would have to say Arnold Schwarzenegger. His story and how he got started in the film industry were my inspiration for starting to lift weights to put on muscle and to be able to brand myself in the industry in order to stand out. 

Tell us something nobody knows about you…

I’m obsessed with and know EVERYTHING about the sitcom Friends.

Style

What’s your favourite item of clothing – and what does it mean to you?

I have a pair CK underpants which I’ve had for a long time, but they are hands down the comfiest pair of underwear on the planet and CK stopped making this particular cut... I can’t bring myself to say goodbye...forever. 

Favourite accessory – watch / jewellery / etc – and why is it special to you?

My wedding ring for sure. But also my Breitling watch.

I’d obsessed about this watch for so long. Every time I walked passed the shop, I’d look at the picture of it on David Beckham's wrist, and I’d say to my wife Laura how much I loved it, and one day, if I can justify it, I’d get it.

But on my next birthday, Laura opened up a box, and the watch was inside. She’s a gem.

What items do you take on holiday and why?

Very little. I travel light. But always my training gear, I have to still workout when I’m away, it helps me relax even more on the holiday. 

Is there an item you threw away – or lost – that you really miss?

I lost my wedding ring recently... Yep...seriously.

I’m hoping I’m going to have that moment at some point where I open a drawer and it will be staring at me.

That one hurt.

What’s next on your shopping list?

A sauna.

What would you buy if money was no object?

A horse for my son Freddie, and I guess somewhere to keep it.

Freddie is nonverbal autistic, and he has the most incredible connection with horses. His energy is amazing when he’s around them.

Plus....I’d probably go for a ride occasionally. I LOVE horse riding.

The Umbrella Academy season 2 launches on Netflix 31 July