10 Minutes with Tom York

Being huge fans of the hugely popular BBC One drama Poldark, we couldn’t wait to sit with Tom York. The English actor, known for his roles as Sam Carne in Poldark, Hero in Olympus  as well as appearing in Death in Paradise and many other hit TV shows, gives us a glimpse into his life. 

What is the most interesting thing you’ve seen/read this week? 

This week I was very fortunate to have two french actresses staying with me.They showed me clips from Thomas Jolly’s incredible 18 hour production of Henry VI that was performed at the festival d’avignon in 2014. The scale, ambition and power of the production were really inspiring. They also introduced me to the music of the Belgian artist Stromae, who I cannot believe I had never heard of until now. If you don’t know who he is, check out the music video for his song 'Formidable'. Phenomenal!

What’s the most useless talent you have?

Who has hyper-mobile thumbs? This guy! But i wouldn't call them useless. Thumb war?!

What would be a good theme song for your life and why?

This is such a hard question. But picking just one I’d say.. 

‘The Great gig In The Sky’ - Pink Floyd 

My brother introduced me to this song and I’ve been obsessed with it ever since. It starts off strange, determined and existential like me as a teenager, then it has a moment where it’s suspended, like something’s about to happen/begin, like how I felt as a young man. Then suddenly it bursts into life and is full and bold and epic! Kind of how life feels at the moment.. 

Do you speak any other languages? Are you good at accents?

I wish I spoke another language! I had the opportunity growing up in Holland, but lacked any talent in that department. 

Accents I am quite good at, if I have a few days to prepare one, I reckon I can do a pretty good job.

What is your favourite place in the world ? 

There is a tiny cabin in a wood down in Cornwall that I used to prepare myself before filming Poldark. It has no electricity or running water, just a wood burning stove, a desk, chair and bed. It is completely secluded, and is set in the most idyllic spot. The trickle of the  stream, the smell of burning wood and the lush foliage all around. I can just be with myself. Recharge and write. I absolutely love it.

3 things you can’t live without when you travel and why? 

A notebook

Whenever I’m traveling I get new perspectives on old ideas, or projects that I’m working on. I love to write down the ideas as they come.

A fountain pen

There is just something about writing with a fountain pen that feels romantic, or at least for me it helps the words tumble out onto the page.

Hair products

If my hair looks rubbish, I feel pretty rubbish too! So i never leave traveling without (minimum) my favourite hair wax. :)

What is the one thing that you wish you could do to look after the environment? 

The big thing that I wish I could do, is help preserve the rainforests. Be a part of the process that will maintain and repair the lungs of the planet for future generations.

The small thing I wish I could do, is stop using single use plastic. I’ve reduced it, but buying groceries is still quite tricky.

Best advice you’ve been given?

Go willingly into what scares you. Treasure is always hiding in the places we’re most scared to look.

If you weren’t scared what would you do?

I’d go free diving with Whales. It is a real dream of mine! There is something so magical and terrifying about them. They’re just so massive, It must be incredibly humbling.

What do you do to cope with stressful situations?

I gently fill my lungs as fully as I can. Then I lean into whatever I have to do.

Go to fashion look? 

I recently bought an Alexander McQueen Jacket, and I’m actually in love with it. It’s like wearing a piece of art, and it goes with everything. I’m a real fan of Alexander McQueen, and so to finally own a piece of theirs, means I wear it whenever I have the chance!

Photography by Bartek Szmigulski