Ben Hardy, born January 2, 1991, is a 34-year-old British actor renowned for his roles in EastEnders, Bohemian Rhapsody, and X-Men: Apocalypse. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $4 million, driven by acting roles and endorsements. Hardy is unmarried but has been linked to actresses like Olivia Cooke and Jessica Plummer. His salary varies by project, with blockbuster roles earning significant paydays. This article delves into Hardy’s biography, dating history, career, and recent updates, offering fresh insights into his life and work.
Early Life and Background: Ben Hardy’s Age and Roots
Born Ben Jones on January 2, 1991, in Bournemouth, Dorset, Ben Hardy is currently 34 years old in 2025. Growing up in Sherborne, he attended Sherborne Abbey Primary School and The Gryphon School, where his initial passion was rugby. Injuries forced him to abandon sports at 15, redirecting his focus to drama. Hardy’s shift to acting was sparked by a friend’s suggestion to join a local drama club, igniting a passion that led him to the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Acting in 2012.
Hardy’s early life reflects a relatable journey of pivoting from one dream to another. His transition from sports to acting mirrors the resilience seen in many successful creatives, a theme I’ve observed in interviews with emerging actors who often stumble into their calling unexpectedly.
Career Trajectory: From Stage to Blockbusters
Stage Beginnings and EastEnders Breakthrough
Hardy’s career began on stage with his 2012 role as Arthur Wellesley in The Judas Kiss at Hampstead Theatre, later transferring to the West End’s Duke of York’s Theatre. This debut showcased his raw talent, but his breakthrough came in 2013 when he joined BBC’s EastEnders as Peter Beale, appearing in 187 episodes until 2015. “EastEnders was a whirlwind,” Hardy shared in a 2023 interview with City A.M., reflecting on how the role catapulted him into the public eye but also felt limiting, prompting his exit to pursue diverse roles.
Hollywood Success and Salary Insights
Hardy’s film career took off with Archangel in X-Men: Apocalypse (2016), followed by Roger Taylor in Bohemian Rhapsody (2018), earning him a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination. His role in 6 Underground (2019) and Pixie (2020) further solidified his versatility. By 2025, Hardy is set to star as Tony Spera in The Conjuring: Last Rites, a highly anticipated horror sequel. Industry insights suggest Hardy’s salary for major films ranges from $200,000 to $500,000 per project, supplemented by endorsements like his past ambassadorship for Alfred Dunhill.
Recent Projects and Future Prospects
In 2023, Hardy starred in Netflix’s Love at First Sight and the indie queer romance Unicorns, showcasing his range. His role in Unicorns as Luke, a single father exploring his identity, drew praise for its emotional depth. “It’s about breaking free from labels,” Hardy told City A.M., addressing the complexities of portraying queer characters as a straight actor. Upcoming projects in 2025 include a rumored biopic, though details remain scarce, adding intrigue to his evolving career.
Personal Life: Dating, Married Status, and Relationships
Dating History and Current Status
Ben Hardy is unmarried as of 2025, with a notable dating history. He was in a nine-year relationship with actress Katriona Perrett, ending in 2018. Hardy had hinted at marriage in 2017, making the split surprising for fans. He later dated Olivia Cooke in 2019 after meeting on Pixie, and from 2021 to 2023, he was linked to Jessica Plummer, his EastEnders co-star. Recent reports suggest Hardy is currently single, focusing on his career, though he remains private about his personal life.
Addressing Public Perception
Hardy’s 2016 Attitude magazine cover sparked speculation about his sexuality, which he addressed in 2024: “I’m just Ben. Labels don’t define me.” This candidness reflects a broader cultural shift toward fluid identity discussions, a topic I’ve explored in conversations with theater peers who value authenticity over categorization. Hardy’s approach challenges outdated Hollywood norms, offering a fresh perspective on navigating fame and personal identity.
Net Worth and Financial Insights
As of 2025, Ben Hardy’s net worth is estimated at $4 million, accrued through acting, endorsements, and selective brand deals. Unlike some peers, Hardy avoids overspending, living near London’s Westfield but avoiding crowded areas to maintain privacy. His financial strategy aligns with many young actors who balance high earnings with low-key lifestyles, a trend I’ve noted in industry analyses. For comparison, his Bohemian Rhapsody co-star Rami Malek has a net worth closer to $20 million, highlighting Hardy’s still-rising status.
Unique Insights: Hardy’s Impact and Challenges
Hardy’s decision to take on roles like Unicorns amidst potential backlash demonstrates courage. A 2024 study by the British Film Institute noted that actors taking queer roles often face a 15% drop in mainstream casting offers, yet Hardy’s choice reflects a commitment to storytelling over commercial safety. His social media presence, with 1.1 million Instagram followers (@benhardy), amplifies his influence, blending professional updates with personal glimpses, like his love for his dog, Frankie.
Ben Hardy Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ben Jones |
| Stage Name | Ben Hardy |
| Birth Date | January 2, 1991 |
| Age (2025) | 34 years |
| Birthplace | Bournemouth, Dorset, England |
| Hometown | Sherborne, Dorset, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Education | Sherborne Abbey Primary School, The Gryphon School, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama |
| Degree | Bachelor of Arts in Acting |
| Parents | Angela Jones (Mother), Keith Jones (Father) |
| Siblings | Michael Jones (Brother) |
| Height | 5 feet 8.5 inches (1.74 m) |
| Weight | 75 kg |
| Hair Color | Light Brown |
| Eye Color | Green |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Occupation | Actor, Producer |
| Years Active | 2012–Present |
| Notable Roles | Peter Beale (EastEnders), Roger Taylor (Bohemian Rhapsody), Archangel (X-Men: Apocalypse) |
| Net Worth (2025) | $4 million |
| Salary Range | $200,000–$500,000 per major film project |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Past Relationships | Katriona Perrett (2009–2018), Olivia Cooke (2019), Jessica Plummer (2021–2023) |
| Current Relationship | Single (as of 2025) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @benhardy, Twitter: @benhardy, Facebook: Ben Hardy Official |
| Hobbies | Photography, songwriting, spending time with dog Frankie |
| Awards/Nominations | Screen Actors Guild Award nomination (2019), Kids’ Choice Award nomination (2017) |
