Tom Burke: From Stage to Screen, a Rising Star’s Hollywood Infiltration
Tom Burke, the undeniably talented British actor, is experiencing a surge in his career that seems poised to propel him into the Hollywood stratosphere. With a string of impressive performances in recent years, opposite the likes of Florence Pugh in "The Wonder" and Anya Taylor-Joy in the highly anticipated "Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga," coupled with prominent roles in television series such as TNT’s "The Lazarus Project" and HBO’s "C.B. Strike: The Ink Black Heart," Burke’s presence has become increasingly pervasive.
However, it is his captivating and scene-stealing portrayal in the erotic thriller "Black Bag," currently gracing theaters, that has the potential to catapult him onto the fast track to superstardom. In the film, Burke embodies Freddie Smalls, an MI6 lothario who finds himself embroiled in a treacherous game of deception alongside Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett’s characters, a married pair of spies.
"Freddie seemed very spicy, and that’s always interesting," Burke remarks during an early morning conversation from the United Kingdom, where he is currently sharing the stage with Blanchett in Anton Chekhov’s renowned play, "The Seagull." The London native, sporting a distinctive beard, admits that he has never before encountered such a whirlwind of activity, juggling press interviews during the day and captivating performances at night.
"It’s quite a heavy year, but luckily, I’m having a great time," Burke confides. To find a moment of respite before the day’s demands begin, he says, "I tend to do Wordle, but then someone told me that you shouldn’t look at your phone for an hour after you wake up. So now I’m just waiting to do Wordle."
Burke, at the age of 43, provides a glimpse into his already impressive career. In Steven Soderbergh’s "Black Bag," the narrative centers around George, played by Fassbender, who is tasked with uncovering a traitor within his intelligence agency. The suspects include Burke’s Freddie and Blanchett’s enigmatic Kathryn, George’s wife. The film unfolds with the dramatic tension of an Edward Albee play and the intricate plotting of a John le Carré novel. George assembles a small gathering of double agents for a seemingly convivial dinner, where he subtly attempts to expose the culprit.
"I loved the way the central relationship between George and Kathryn was written," Burke expresses. "It’s a very extreme lens on something quite universal within relationships," delving into the delicate balance of trust and faith that exists between a couple who have been together for an extended period.
Burke admits that he believes himself to be a reasonably adept liar, though he confesses to being intrigued by the possibility of taking a polygraph test to definitively assess his skills. "But I wouldn’t really want to do it on the spot. I’d like to have one at home so I could play around with it and interrogate myself," he jokes.
Acting runs in Burke’s blood, as he is part of a distinguished family of English actors. His parents, David Burke and Anna Calder-Marshall, are celebrated Shakespearean performers in the U.K., and his godfather was the late, beloved Alan Rickman, known for his iconic portrayal of Severus Snape in the "Harry Potter" film series. In an interesting parallel, Rickman played the same role as Burke in a 1981 production of "The Seagull."
Burke reflects that he often senses his godfather’s presence in the theater with him. "It might be sentimental of me, but I often imagine actors who have passed sitting in the upper circle," he shares. He also mentions that there have been discussions about bringing the sold-out production to the United States after its London run concludes next month.
"That would be lovely," he says with enthusiasm. "I really love New York. My shoulders drop about two inches every time I get off the plane, and then they go right back up as soon as I get back to London."
Burke’s breakthrough in the U.S. came with his role in the 2019 film "The Souvenir," for which he received numerous nominations from critics’ groups for his portrayal of the flawed and complex boyfriend to Honor Swinton Byrne, the daughter of Tilda Swinton. The romantic drama, executive produced by Martin Scorsese, served as a springboard for Burke, leading to roles in Oscar-nominated films such as "Mank," starring Gary Oldman, and "Living," featuring Bill Nighy, as well as a brief appearance in the Netflix series "The Crown."
In recent years, Burke has noticed an increase in the number of strangers who recognize him and, more surprisingly, know his name. He has also become a subject of internet affection, being dubbed a "sex symbol" and "heartthrob" by online fans. While acknowledging the potential benefits of such attention, Burke maintains a grounded perspective. For any actor, "it’s good to be aware of what that currency is for you," Burke says. "But I don’t tend to think about it. It’s not something I’ve yoked my career on."
Looking ahead, Burke is set to co-star alongside Michelle Yeoh and Hunter Schafer in the Prime Video series "Blade Runner 2099," a television continuation of the renowned science fiction franchise.
When asked about his aspirations for future roles, Burke expresses his desire to join either the James Bond franchise or the upcoming "Harry Potter" television series, should the opportunity arise. "But I suppose if I’m being honest, the other one that’s really up there for me is ‘Back to the Future,’" Burke admits. Despite director Robert Zemeckis’s repeated denials of a fourth film, Burke remains hopeful that he might one day be able to inhabit that iconic universe.
"Those movies are just so good," Burke says with genuine admiration. "I watched them growing up, and whenever they’re on, I just can’t turn the telly off. They’re kind of perfect."
Tom Burke’s journey is a testament to his dedication, talent, and a willingness to embrace diverse roles. From his stage origins to his current trajectory in film and television, he is undoubtedly a rising star poised to make a significant impact on the entertainment landscape.
