Tom Hopper: Biography, Height, Wife, and Career

If you have watched genre television over the past decade, you have almost certainly seen Tom Hopper — towering as Sir Percival in Merlin, hardened as Billy Bones in Black Sails, or meeting a fiery end as Dickon Tarly in Game of Thrones — a physical presence that has made him a go‑to actor for roles that demand both brawn and vulnerability. This article lays out the verifiable facts behind his career, from his Leicestershire roots to his latest projects in 2025.

Full name: Thomas Edward Hopper ·
Born: 28 January 1985 (age 39) ·
Occupation: Actor ·
Known for: Merlin, Black Sails, Game of Thrones, The Terminal List ·
Height: 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) ·
Spouse: Laura Hopper (m. 2014)

Seven core facts about Tom Hopper, one pattern: every major data point — from his birth date to his family — is consistently reported across encyclopedic and entertainment databases.

What is Tom Hopper best known for?

Breakthrough role: Percival in Merlin

• Hopper played Sir Percival in the BBC series Merlin from 2010 to 2012 (Wikipedia).
• His character was a Knight of the Round Table, notable for his size and gentle demeanor.

The role introduced Hopper to a global audience and established him as a reliable performer in fantasy television.

Pirate captain Billy Bones in Black Sails

• From 2014 to 2017, Hopper portrayed Billy Bones in the Starz prequel series Black Sails (Wikipedia).
• The role demanded intense physical preparation, which Hopper discussed in interviews.

Dickon Tarly in Game of Thrones

• Hopper appeared as Dickon Tarly in season 7 of Game of Thrones (Wikipedia).
• He replaced Freddie Stroma, who had played the character in season 6 (IGN (gaming and entertainment news)).
• Dickon was executed by Daenerys Targaryen along with his father Randyll.

The implication: Hopper’s ability to step into a recast role and deliver a memorable (if brief) performance shows his professionalism and range in genre productions.

Who does Tom Hopper play in Game of Thrones?

Character: Dickon Tarly

• Dickon Tarly is the younger brother of Samwell Tarly, a member of House Tarly (Wikipedia).
• Hopper’s portrayal emphasized Dickon’s loyalty to his father Randyll.

Relation to Samwell Tarly

• In the series, Dickon is initially hostile toward Sam but later stands with his father against Daenerys.
• He appears in two episodes: “The Spoils of War” and “The Dragon and the Wolf” (Fandom (fan wiki platform)).

Fate in the series

• Dickon and Randyll are burned alive by Drogon after refusing to bend the knee to Daenerys.
• IGN (entertainment news) described the demise as “fiery.”

The catch: While Dickon’s screen time was short, the role came with significant fan attention and remains one of Hopper’s most searched characters.

How many children does Tom Hopper have?

Marriage to Laura Hopper

• Tom Hopper married actress Laura Higgins in June 2014 (People (celebrity news magazine)).
• The couple reportedly met in 2009 and co-own Pine Tree Productions (People).

Children: a son and a daughter

• They have a son, Freddie Douglas Hopper, born 1 June 2015, and a daughter, Truly Rose Hopper, born 6 July 2018 (IMDb Biography).
• Hopper occasionally shares family moments on social media.

Why this matters: Hopper’s family life is well-documented through entertainment databases, giving fans a reliable picture of his personal milestones.

What happened to Tom Hopper?

Recent projects in 2024–2025

• Hopper appeared in the comedy Space Cadet (2024) and the action thriller Place of Bones (2023) (Wikipedia).
• In 2025, he stars in The Terminal List: Dark Wolf.

Role in The Terminal List: Dark Wolf

• Hopper plays a key supporting role in the Amazon Prime series, following his earlier appearance in The Terminal List (2022).
• The series marks a continuation of his partnership with the franchise.

Personal life and public appearances

• Hopper remains active on Instagram and attends fan conventions, including Comic‑Cons.
• No major accidents, breaks, or career pauses have been reported.

The pattern: Hopper’s career has steadily progressed with no dramatic interruptions — he continues to book roles in high-profile genre projects.

What is Tom Hopper’s height and physical profile?

Height: 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)

• IMDb lists Hopper’s height as 6′ 5″ (1.96 m) (IMDb).
• This stature has directly influenced his casting in imposing roles like Sir Percival and Billy Bones.

Physical training for roles

• Hopper reportedly followed rigorous workout routines for Black Sails and The Terminal List.
• He has shared training clips on social media, emphasizing functional strength.

Body measurements and appearance

• While exact body measurements are not publicly verified, his build is consistently described as muscular and tall.

This combination of stature and training continues to define his on-screen presence.

Timeline

Eight key milestones chart Hopper’s rise from British television to international streaming hits.

Clarity check

Playing Billy Bones in Black Sails was the most physically demanding role I have ever taken on. The training was brutal but necessary to sell the character’s strength.

– Tom Hopper, speaking to Men’s Health (as cited by Men’s Health (fitness and lifestyle magazine))

Tom Hopper told IGN that his death on Game of Thrones was a moment of closure, and that Dickon’s death was quick but meaningful for the story. (IGN (entertainment news))

For the average viewer looking up Tom Hopper, the implication is clear: the facts you care about — his height, family, and his brief Game of Thrones role — are all well-sourced, even if deeper biographical details remain fuzzy.

For a more comprehensive breakdown of his financial details and personal milestones, check out this detailed Tom Hopper biography covering his age, height, and net worth.

Frequently asked questions

Related reading

• Brienne of Tarth: Character Guide & Ending Explained – another Game of Thrones character with a strong physical presence.
• Ben Robson: Relationship Status, Career, and Biography – a British actor with a parallel career trajectory in historical/fantasy series.