British actor Ben Hardy, born Ben Jones, rose to prominence through his role as Peter Beale in the BBC soap opera EastEnders. A native of Dorset, Hardy originally envisioned a career in sports, but shifted his focus to acting following a series of rugby injuries. After earning a degree from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, he began his career on stage in The Judas Kiss. Since transitioning to film, he has demonstrated significant range, appearing as Angel in X-Men: Apocalypse, Roger Taylor in Bohemian Rhapsody, and John Polidori in Mary Shelley. He is currently in a relationship with actress Katriona Perrett.
Early Life and Education
Born on January 2, 1991, in Bournemouth, Ben Hardy (born Ben Jones) grew up in Sherborne, Dorset. During his time at Sherborne Abbey Primary and The Gryphon School, he was primarily a dedicated rugby player. However, a series of injuries at age 15 forced him to abandon his athletic ambitions. At a friend’s suggestion, he joined a local drama club, sparking a new passion for performance. This interest grew during his teen years, highlighted by his role as Sergeant Francis Troy in a school film adaptation of Far From the Madding Crowd. He eventually committed to the craft professionally, earning a BA (Hons) in Acting from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama.
Career Milestones of Ben Hardy
Stage and Television Roots
Hardy’s professional career began in the London theater scene with The Physicist and a notable role in David Hare’s The Judas Kiss. The latter required a daring, fully nude performance that Hardy admitted was nerve-wracking, but the play’s success led to a prestigious West End transfer in 2013.
His breakthrough came later that year when he joined the cast of the legendary BBC soap opera EastEnders. Taking over the role of Peter Beale, Hardy became a fan favorite, earning nominations for Best Newcomer and Sexiest Male at the British Soap Awards. He remained with the show until early 2015, when he departed to pursue film opportunities in Hollywood.
Film Success and Versatility
Hardy made a high-profile cinematic debut as the mutant Archangel in the 2016 blockbuster X-Men: Apocalypse. This role served as a springboard for a diverse filmography, including:
Mary Shelley (2017): Playing writer John William Polidori in a period drama.
Only the Brave (2017): Portraying real-life fallen firefighter Wade Parker in a tribute to the Granite Mountain Hotshots.
Bohemian Rhapsody (2018): Playing Queen drummer Roger Taylor, a performance that earned him a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Cast.
Hardy also returned to British television for the lead role of Walter Hartright in the BBC’s 2018 adaptation of the mystery classic The Woman in White.
Personal Life of Ben Hardy
Now based in West London, Hardy lives with his long-term partner, actress Katriona Perrett. Outside of his acting career, he is a dedicated fitness enthusiast and enjoys creative outlets such as photography and music production.
Net worth of Ben Hardy
The estimated net worth of Ben Hardy is about $5 million.