Thomas Andrew Felton (born September 22, 1987) is an English actor in films, television, radio, and videogames. He is best known for playing the role of Draco Malfoy in the Harry Potter series.
Felton was born in Epsom hospital. He was brought home to live in Surrey with his mother, Sharon, his father, Peter, and his three older brothers: Jonathan, Chris, and Ashley. While growing up Felton tagged along with his brothers and was in four choirs throughout his childhood, starting with his church choir at the age of seven. At age 11 he worked one of his first jobs: at a fishery in Dorking. Also at that time his brother Chris introduced him to a lasting passion - the sport of catch and release carp-fishing. Felton was educated at West Horsley's Cranmore School (an all boys school) until the age of 13. Tom began acting in local community plays but it was when an actress friend of the family visited and she recognized his innate abilities that from there the family contacted an agent on his behalf - that his life changed. He was only seven.
Two weeks later, Felton had beat out 400 other potentials for a coveted ad campaign and was in New York City's Times Square shooting a production for Commercial Union. Later he did a series for Barclaycard. (Newbold, 2006) In 1995 he performed the voice of James in the television series Bugs and shot to fame in 1997 when he played the part of Peagreen Clock in Peter Hewitt's film The Borrowers. Felton played witness Thomas Ingham opposite Clive Owen in Second Sight in 1999. Felton's role of Louis Leonowns in the film "Anna and the King", starring alongside Jodie Foster was also filmed in 1999. At one point during the four month stay on location in Malaysia where the film was shot, his mother discovered fellow actor Chow Yun-Fat showing him how to use a Japanese sword. (Newbold, 2006) Second Sight 2, an episode called Hide and Seek followed in 2000. The Guildford Cathedral Choir even offered him a position there. (Buchanan, 2007) As of 2000-2001, he has become internationally known for his portrayal of Draco Malfoy the bully, enemy, and foil of Harry Potter in all of the Harry Potter films. Understandably, his life began to fill with the work of filming the first four movies, events, premiers, contributing to numerous articles and interviews, and receiving the Disney Channel's Kids Award for Best DVD (Chamber of Secrets) on September 22nd, 2003. Also filling his time was the launch of his Official Tom Felton Fan Club on July 17th, 2004 and autograph signing events. The session in Germany drew people from Chile and one witness in Cologn summarized; "Tom is a real nice, professional young man, always happy, smiling, laughing, full of power-a real gentleman." Then of course, there was still school. When asked what kids should do if they are being bullied by someone like his character he said; "Tell someone. You don't want to keep it to yourself." (Marino, 2004) Over the years Felton has also contributed to two Radio 4 BBC plays doing voice work for Ioeth in Wizard of Earthsea and as Hercule in Here's to Everyone.
Radio theater productions are not the only contributions Felton has made. For more details of his generousity go to his official website and click on the blogs for June 15th, 2004 and September 3rd, 2004. In 2003, Felton gave time and energy in a joint project with Chris, while they were on vacation. (Morreale and Guastafeste, n.d.) They worked with Joe Babbitt, the St.Lawrence County Angler's Association, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Region 6, the Chamber of Commerce, and a diverse group of other organizations to form the World Junior Carp Tournament. It is now an annual event that is open to all.
After filming the fifth film, Felton went on to have a guest appearance on Farm Home Twins in 2005 when he played Adam Baker in the short lived series. He attended Collectormania on April 30th, 2005 and also London's World Premier on July 11th, 2005 for Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. He and Rupert Grint presented Liz Carnell with The Daily Mirror's Pride of Britian Award for all of her work to raise awareness of the dangers of bullying, on November 11th, 2005. Tom worked throughout 2006 on Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix film. Now having read more of the Harry Potter books Felton reflects; "I have had input into Draco. If they give me a line and I don't think it is something he would say, I suggest changing it. They do listen to you and you do feel a part of it. (The Sun Online, 2004)
The axis point of Felton's career is the love and support of his family. His father Peter, Jonathan a 27 year old Chiropractor, and Ashley, an adventurer in Australia, now 22, have all helped Tom stay normal. While every family member has had an effect in shaping Felton into the person he is today, two are outstanding: his brother Chris and his mother Sharon. 24 year old Chris helped Tom prepare for the first Harry Potter movie. He has been his on set chaperone throughout the films, and acts as Felton's P.A. The largest supportive impact seems to be the regularly given gifts of Sharon's time, attention, and energy. From the beginning she has executed the duties of her roles as Tom's parent, agent, travelling companion, and manager. Sharon screens out hate mail and co-ordinates with Tom, Sarah, Sally, and Miriam to attend to Fan Club concerns. She helps in the never-ending quest to answer every letter-a huge job because Felton reads them all. She is at autograph signing events and helps anywhere she can, and she does this while being Tom's greatest fan.
There are penciled in plans for him to retain the role of the spoiled, cavalier, "Prince of Sytherin", "if all goes to plan" (Felton, 2006) through Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, steady work through 2010; marking a decade of Harry Potter. When asked whether he was looking forward to playing a good guy in the future he answered; "No. Well, I don't know. I suppose for now I'm happy with sticking to what he is. But after the Potter legacy is over I look forward to playing a good guy or someone different anyway, someone not so spiteful." (Morreale and Guastafeste n.d.) Felton and other co-stars have worked with Warner Brothers Interactive Entertainment and Electronic Arts to create "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix The Videogame". His movie persona will be featured in the game when it is released in 2007. (Geri, 2007) The filming of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince is ongoing.
In 2004 Felton graduated from Howard of Effingham. (Newbold, 2006) He loves black or white fast cars and wanted a Lamborghini. When he bought his own first BMW, he also bought each member of his family a car of their choice to thank them for all of their support. (Newbold, 2006) He conceded that the sports car would have to wait and contented himself with the remote controlled version. When not working or studying he spends down time on the set in the games room with his co-star friends or racing remote controlled cars with Chris.
Just as going to St. Lawrence has become a tradition, birthday trips from Sharon could get addictive, for seeing the world; it's wild creatures, landescapes, and cultures, is another of Felton's interests. He was looking forward to a safai in Africa and to going to Australia to visit his brother Ashley. He has seen parts of Germany and Malaysia of course, but also has seen parts of Canada, the U.S., and Dubai.
Felton enjoys listening to Hip-hop and American Rap. One of his favourite Rappers is Eminem. He loves having a poker game at home with friends. He also participates in football, iceskating, rollerblading, basketball, cricket, swimming, and tennis. He has taken time off from school to focus more on acting and has stated that he will take on more roles if the right ones come along. At one point, his brother Chris also introduced him to ethical Hunting and perhaps his future college, should he choose to avail himself to the benefits of higher education, where he would possibly be in a "Fishery Studies" program, but until then perhaps a few practical skills courses-like Welding. His favorite past-time is carpfishing. "I am generally more and more in my comfort zone in the wild. The only time I can really relax is up a tree or somewhere outside. I love being outside." (Morreale and Guastafeste, n.d.)
