How Tom Holland went from a theater kid in England to a Marvel superstar

Olivia SinghJun 1, 2020, 20:29 IST

Tom Holland is known for his role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.Joe Scarnici/WireImage via Getty Images; Sony Pictures Entertainment; zz/KGC-247/STAR MAX/IPx

Tom Holland is known for his role as Peter Parker/Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Before becoming an A-lister, Holland took dance and gymnastics classes, then landed a starring role in London's West End production of "Billy Elliot the Musical."
In 2020, he voiced a character in Pixar's movie titled "Onward," starring Chris Pratt.

Tom Holland is known for his role as Peter Parker/Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but years ago, he was an unknown actor with a background in theater.

The 24-year-old British actor made his debut as the iconic teen webslinger from New York in 2016's "Captain America: Civil War" and his popularity has been steadily increasing since then.

Keep reading to find out how Holland became one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood.

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Holland was born in London, England on June 1, 1996.

From left, Tom Holland, Dominic Holland, Paddy Holland, Nikki Holland, Sam Holland, and Harry Holland in June 2018. David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images for Audi UK

The Holland family also includes a dog named Tessa.

Tom Holland and his dog, Tessa, at a "Spider-Man: Homecoming" event in London, England in June 2017. Joel Ryan/Invision/AP

Holland took dance classes as a child and credits his interest to Janet Jackson.

Janet Jackson is an iconic musician. Francois Nel/Getty Images

Twelve-year-old Holland made his debut as the titular character in "Billy Elliot the Musical" in September 2008.

Tom Holland portrayed Billy Elliot. West End Theatre/YouTube

After "Billy Elliott," Holland starred in the 2012 movie "The Impossible."

The movie was released the same year that the first "Avengers" film came out. Summit Entertainment

He was a big fan of Spider-Man long before being cast as the webslinger.

Actor Tom Holland in September 2012. Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

Prior to joining the MCU, Holland actually knew Chris Hemsworth from a film they worked on together.

Tom Holland and Chris Hemsworth at the premiere of "In the Heart of the Sea" in December 2015. Charles Sykes/Invision/AP

The Spider-Man audition process took five-and-a-half months.

Tom Holland in 2013. Jon Furniss/Invision via AP

On June 23, 2015, Holland was announced as the new Spider-Man.

Tom Holland in 2015. Joel Ryan/Invision/AP

The actor's first appearance in the MCU was in "Captain America: Civil War."

Tom Holland in "Captain America: Civil War." Disney/Marvel

Outside of his acting credits, Holland's 2017 "Lip Sync Battle" routine went viral.

Tom Holland on "Lip Sync Battle." Spike

His first standalone superhero movie, "Spider-Man: Homecoming," hit theaters in July 2017.

Tom Holland in "Spider-Man: Homecoming." Chuck Zlotnick/Sony Pictures Entertainment

In 2018's "Avengers: Infinity War," Holland improvised one of the most heartbreaking moments in the film.

Tom Holland in "Avengers: Infinity War." Marvel Studios

He reprised his Marvel role in 2019's "Avengers: Endgame."

The Avengers prepare for their final "Endgame" battle. Walt Disney Studios

Holland has been praised for his acting, but he's been chided for his inability to keep movie spoilers to himself.

Tom Holland at the Oscars in March 2018. Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

In 2019, Holland starred in another Marvel movie that surpassed $1 billion at the box office — "Spider-Man: Far From Home."

Tom Holland in "Spider-Man: Far From Home." Sony Pictures Entertainment

Months after the release of "Far From Home," the actor's future in the MCU was unclear after a deal between Sony and Marvel fell through. Thankfully, the studios ended the feud.

Tom Holland in "Spider-Man: Far From Home." Sony

Months after the release of "Far From Home," the actor's future in the MCU was unclear after a deal between Sony and Marvel fell through. Thankfully, the studios ended the feud.

Holland has also voiced characters in a few movies: "Spies in Disguise," "Dolittle," and "Onward."

Tom Holland voiced characters in "Spies in Disguise," "Dolittle," and "Onward." 20th Century Fox; Universal Pictures; Disney/Pixar

The actor has also used his fame to help others through an organization called The Brothers Trust, which his parents founded in 2017.

Tom Holland in New York City in June 2019. Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images)

Holland also hopes to branch out from acting and direct someday.

Tom Holland in April 2018. Lee Jin-man/AP

For now, the actor will be busy with some upcoming movies.

Tom Holland in London in June 2019. Joel C. Ryan/Invision/AP

10 things you probably didn't know about Tom Holland

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How Tom Holland went from a theater kid in England to a Marvel superstar

Holland was born in London, England on June 1, 1996.

The Holland family also includes a dog named Tessa.

Holland took dance classes as a child and credits his interest to Janet Jackson.

Twelve-year-old Holland made his debut as the titular character in "Billy Elliot the Musical" in September 2008.

After "Billy Elliott," Holland starred in the 2012 movie "The Impossible."

He was a big fan of Spider-Man long before being cast as the webslinger.

Prior to joining the MCU, Holland actually knew Chris Hemsworth from a film they worked on together.

The Spider-Man audition process took five-and-a-half months.

On June 23, 2015, Holland was announced as the new Spider-Man.

The actor's first appearance in the MCU was in "Captain America: Civil War."

Outside of his acting credits, Holland's 2017 "Lip Sync Battle" routine went viral.

His first standalone superhero movie, "Spider-Man: Homecoming," hit theaters in July 2017.

In 2018's "Avengers: Infinity War," Holland improvised one of the most heartbreaking moments in the film.

He reprised his Marvel role in 2019's "Avengers: Endgame."

Holland has been praised for his acting, but he's been chided for his inability to keep movie spoilers to himself.

In 2019, Holland starred in another Marvel movie that surpassed $1 billion at the box office — "Spider-Man: Far From Home."

Months after the release of "Far From Home," the actor's future in the MCU was unclear after a deal between Sony and Marvel fell through. Thankfully, the studios ended the feud.

Holland has also voiced characters in a few movies: "Spies in Disguise," "Dolittle," and "Onward."

The actor has also used his fame to help others through an organization called The Brothers Trust, which his parents founded in 2017.

Holland also hopes to branch out from acting and direct someday.

For now, the actor will be busy with some upcoming movies.