Divine is excited to welcome Tommy Hatto to our Interview Lounge today. Tommy is an actor, model, dancer and health and fitness guru, and secret spy (Do I see a future James Bond role perhaps?) 😊 We managed to catch up with him to ask him about his latest film, and the book he’s busy writing.
Some silly questions first to break the ice
Do you have a cherished childhood teddy-bear, or stuffed animal still?
I actually do have a Teddy bear that I still have. I took it to LA with me when I moved there, for the first ever time, to remind me of England. Guess you could say it’s a good luck charm.
What’s your favourite pizza topping?
I have a confession. I’m not a huge pizza lover. But if I was going to eat pizza, you can’t go wrong with pepperoni.
What is your most essential appliance?
My most essential appliance is my blender. I love juicing. It’s a great and quick way to get all those nutrients, and I love creating and experimenting with juices and smoothies.
If you could breed two animals together to defy the laws of nature what new animal would you create?
It’ll have to be my 2 favourite animals – a shark and tiger. That would look so weird, right? Would it be furry or have gills?
How do you prefer your eggs?
I normally eat omelettes for breakfast as I can get more eggs in. I’ll eat them scrambled, poached, boiled, drink them raw like Arnie!
Now to the serious ones…
How you came to be involved in acting is like everyone’s fairy tale dream of ‘being discovered’. (Link for anyone who wants to listen to Tommy tell you how that happened!) He was noticed by Dustin Hoffman, no less … Now you’re in a film with Samuel L. Jackson this year. Tell us about ‘The Last Full Measure’ and the part you play as an American soldier. We know you might not be able to say too much about it
This movie is about William Pitsenbarger, who was this heroic air rescue man in the Vietnam War. The story really follows the journey it takes for his comrades to fight for William to receive the coveted Medal of Honour posthumously. This is a movie that people can relate to, as we all know someone, past or present, who is fighting for their country. This movie is going down as one of those memories that I will carry with me forever. It was just a surreal filming experience and it really hit home just how courageous these men were under those circumstances. Even for me, as a young, active, physical man, to be against all the elements and conditions filming on location, I found it incredibly tough. You’re wearing heavy, thick army gear and helmets, which weigh like a brick, out in 30+ degree heat in the humid jungle against mosquitoes and long grass. The difference is, when we wrapped for the day, I could go have a shower and go to bed. These guys actually lived it day in, day out. It’s given me so much more respect for any serviceman or woman.
As a writer myself, I’m always interested in other people who write. You’re writing your own book at the moment aimed at young adults and teens, about well-being and health and fitness, something you’re passionate about. It started out as diary entries and has evolved. What makes it different from other books out there and what message are you hoping to impart to your reading audience?
You’re right. The idea for writing this book was conceived very naturally, as you say, through almost diary-like anecdotes. When I was presented with the idea of writing this book, I jumped at the chance. I love writing and I am passionate about health and fitness. I think part of the USP, if you want to call it that, is that I have been through both spectrums of health and self-esteem. I’ve been that guy who didn’t have the right education on nutrition or exercise. I had a very unhealthy relationship with exercise and food, I suffered an eating disorder and subconsciously, that gave me low self-esteem and zero body confidence. The balance wasn’t there. I’ve now managed to get to a place where I know what’s good for me and the benefits from eating the right food, exercising regularly have on not just our bodies, but our minds too. On this journey of self, I’ve learned that it starts with you. Love yourself unconditionally and unapologetically. As great and informative as the books out there are, which are written by industry experts, professors, psychologists, personal trainers, nutritionists, this book talks from the perspective of someone who is like any other person reading it. It’s just my job that allows me the public platform to share what I’ve learnt.
As a public figure, how do you think being hailed as a role model impacts on others and what pressure does it put on you? You are probably used to it, being a model for companies such as GQ, but too often, we on the outside forget being in the public eye can be daunting…
I think you shouldn’t allow yourself to feel that pressure, but some days it’s inevitable. I always remind myself to just do the best I can and do the best with this life I have, but at the end of the day, I’m only human. I make mistakes. I fall over and stumble, but I get back up and take responsibility for all of my actions. I feel very proud when people say that I’m a role model to them and it’s inspiring to me that there are people who do look up to me and want to emulate the same traits I have. You need those people in your lives, who are going to lift you up and elevate your being.
I am in awe of the fact that you speak a number of languages fluently – Thai, Arabic and Italian. And of course, English. I know you are of British-Thai descent so speaking Thai is a family thing. How about the other two – what drove you to learn these?
I’m still learning all the languages. I am by no means a pro but a work in progress. It’s all about the development and study. That’s what I love. I love learning. I love acquiring new skills. Secretly, I want to be a spy or Superman and just be able to speak all these different languages and surprise people. Joking aside, my girlfriend speaks fluent Italian, so she teaches me the language and I love it. I filmed an Italian short film last year, where the script was in Italian. It’s projects like those that retain my love for acting. I’ve always wanted to learn Arabic, too, so I taught myself to read and write, and I also have an Arabic friend who is helping me.
You’ve been involved with events such as The Color Run in the UK, something which promotes health and happiness. How important is it in these hectic days of instant gratification and social media, where nothing is sacred, is it for role models such as yourself to get involved in projects that inspire, give other people hope and impart positive messages?
It’s so important to constantly remind people and myself that the only validation we truly need is from ourselves. I endorse initiatives like The Color Run because I’m convinced that keeping active is part of what makes me so happy. It gets me ready for the day and keeps me strong and feeling powerful. When you take care of yourself and work to stay healthy, you’re better able to take care of those you love. That’s why we’re launching a lifestyle initiative through my website, www.tommyhatto.com , where people can come together and join this journey of self-improvement and build this online community. It’s kind of blog/forum/advice style and just reminds people of the mantra: ‘Be comfortable in your skin, but don’t be afraid to level up to the next best version of you.’
You’ve said you suck at social media LOL. Another interview you did you said you planned on perhaps making it a New Year resolution to up your game. Which begs the question- do you believe that nowadays social media is a must, even if it comes at a price? Is it truly a necessary evil?
I don’t know if evil is the right word, or if it’s even a bad thing. It’s just not my thing. But I’m aware of its importance in today’s society and especially within this industry and that’s something I need to improve on. I am getting better. I love sharing photos on social media, I love connecting with fans or people from around the world. That’s where I love social media. It’s this platform where you are easily accessible to anyone and you can connect with people on the other side of the world. But on the same token, because the world is now more easily accessible, you’re on a whole different playing field. You’re up against everyone and it makes the field much more competitive. I’d rather invest my time in my acting or writing or doing life, rather than on my phone.
And lastly, if you had to look at the ever-changing world and change something; wave a magic wand and fulfil any wish, what would it be?
I think to wave a magic wand and make everyone happy and healthy. That’s the ultimate wish, right? To help everyone live a better life. Full of love, good health, freedom, happiness and prosperity.
Thanks so much for taking the time to be grilled by us, Tommy and we wish you all the best for your exciting projects.
You can catch up with Tommy on his social media channels below.
https://twitter.com/tommyhatto
https://www.instagram.com/tommyhatto
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tommy_Hatto
This interview was written by our Editor in Chief Susan Mac Nicol
Photography credits : Sanvir Singh
