Fans are so excited for The Sandman, a fantasy drama series premiering August 5 on Netflix. The ten-episode show is based on Neil Gaiman‘s comic book series which tells the story of Dream, a member of the seven Endless who are the most powerful beings in the DC Universe. The main role in The Sandman has gone to 36-year-old British actor Tom Sturridge. He apparently beat out hundreds of other actors to secure the part. Here’s everything you need to know about Tom.
Tom is playing Dream in ‘The Sandman.’
Tom was officially announced to be playing Dream (also known as ‘Morpheus’) in January 2021. At that point, filming for season one had already begun. Tom reportedly beat out hundreds of other actors, including Liam Hemsworth and Stranger Things star Dacre Montgomery for the role. His character Dream/Morpheus is the king of dreams and ruler of the Dreaming. Dream’s siblings will be played by Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Mason Alexander Park, and Donna Preston. Game of Thrones alums Gwendoline Christie and Charles Dance will star as Lucifer and Sir Roderick Burgess, respectively.
He is British.
Tom was born in Lambeth, London. He attended The Harrodian School in South West London and then attended Winchester College. Robert Pattinson and Will Poulter were also students at Harrodian.
He’s been on Broadway.
Tom has starred in several theater productions including Punk Rock, Wastwater, Orphans, The Trial, American Buffalo, 1984, and Sea Wall/A Life. He received nominations for the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for his performances in Orphans and Sea Wall/A Life. He starred alongside Jake Gyllenhaal in the latter play.
He has famous family members.
Tom’s father is director Charles Sturridge, 71. Charles has been nominated for three Emmy Awards. Tom’s mother is actress Phoebe Nicholls, 64. Phoebe’s best known films include The Elephant Man, The Scapegoat, and Transformers: The Last Knight. Tom’s sister is actress Matilda Sturridge. His grandfather was British actor Anthony Nicholls and his great-grandfather was World War I photographer Horace Nicholls.
Tom is a dad.
Tom shares 10-year-old daughter Marlowe with his ex-girlfriend, actress Sienna Miller, 40. The pair started dating in 2011 and welcomed their daughter on July 7, 2012. They broke up in 2015. Tom was seen making out with British blogger Alexa Chung, 38, at Wimbledon in July 2022 while sitting right behind Sienna and her new boyfriend, Oli Green. Tom and Alexa have yet to confirm if they’re indeed dating.