Edward Thomas Hardy (born 15 September 1977) is an English actor and rapper. Known for his intense screen presence and versatility, he has established a career across independent films, blockbusters, and primetime television, often portraying complex and psychologically driven characters. His accolades include a BAFTA Rising Star Award, as well as nominations for an Academy Award, a BAFTA TV Award, a European Film Award, and a Laurence Olivier Award. Films in which he has appeared have grossed over $5.67 billion worldwide. After training at the Drama Centre London, Hardy made his film debut in Black Hawk Down (2001). He gained early recognition for his roles in Star Trek: Nemesis (2002) and RocknRolla (2008), before achieving critical acclaim for Bronson (2008), Warrior (2011), Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011), Lawless (2012), and Locke (2013). Hardy rose to international prominence in 2015, starring as "Mad" Max Rockatansky in Mad Max: Fury Road and portraying both members of the Kray twins in Legend. That same year, he received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance as John S. Fitzgerald in The Revenant. He has frequently collaborated with director Christopher Nolan, appearing in Inception (2010), The Dark Knight Rises (2012), and Dunkirk (2017). Hardy has also achieved widespread recognition for his portrayal of Eddie Brock and Venom in Sony's Spider-Man Universe films: Venom (2018), Venom: Let There Be Carnage (2021), and Venom: The Last Dance (2024). His television work includes roles in the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers (2001), the BBC dramas The Virgin Queen (2005) and Peaky Blinders (2014–2022), as well as Heathcliff in Wuthering Heights (2009). He also created, co-produced, and starred in the series Taboo (2017). On stage, Hardy has performed in both the United Kingdom and the United States, earning a nomination for a Laurence Olivier Award for his role in In Arabia We'd All Be Kings (2003). He is also known for his charitable work and serves as an ambassador for the Prince's Trust. In 2018, he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2018 Birthday Honours for services to drama. Hardy has also shown interest in the hip-hop and rap scene. In a clip from 2025, Hardy described his wishes to be a "secret member" of the Wu-Tang Clan. He also releases music under the hip-hop alias Frankie Pulitzer, and began making music with hip-hop duo Czarface in 2016, being featured on their album Good Guys, Bad Guys. He released his most recent album, Czarface Meets Frankie Pulitzer with Czarface on August 28, 2026.