Photographer Lauren Maccabee at DMB Represents
Fashion Ben Carnall
Grooming Joe Mills for Woolf Kings X and Joe Mills Agency using Woolf Hair, Dior Beauty, and Circa 1970
Production Rachel Allison
Photo Assistant Phoebe Somerfield
Styling Assistant Aaishah Perager
Tom Glynn-Carney never had a plan B. He was determined to pursue acting and told his mother that a backup plan was akin to anticipating failure. There was no doubt in his mind. From an early age, he was drawn towards performance as an outlet to express himself without any limitations or fear of reprimand. He found his purpose in acting and sought it with unwavering certainty as if it was already a sure thing. He says, “I never thought I wouldn’t [be an actor], I just always told myself I would.”
This year promises to be a big one for the British actor as the second season of House of the Dragon premieres in June. The forthcoming season is a study of familial discord, focusing on the Targaryen civil war, a brutal war of succession between half-siblings Aegon II Targaryen and Rhaenyra I Targaryen. Stepping back into the shoes of Aegon, a character marred by cruelty and promiscuity, Tom seeks to uncover the trauma hidden beneath the veneer of tyranny this season.
Portraying a central character in a cultural phenomenon like House of the Dragon inevitably brings scrutiny. Tom admits he has never felt more vulnerable and exposed, a feeling he also attributes to the challenges of portraying Aegon's state of mind throughout the new season as the character grapples with the reality of kingship. When the whirlwind of the industry becomes overwhelming, Tom instinctively gravitates towards the countryside, yearning for the vast expanse of space and the soothing cloak of solitude. Here, the outside world fades into insignificance as he finds his way back to himself.
In our conversation, Tom candidly shares his thoughts on the upcoming season, the evolution of his character Aegon, his stubborn dedication to the acting craft, and the wholesome pastimes that anchor him while off-duty.
“I don't get to talk about how I feel completely at home in the countryside and how much value I put on space, peace, and solitude. I find myself really engaging with who I am again when I'm on my own and able to sort of disappear for a while. I live in a cottage in Lancashire Hill Country and there's a river right by and rolling hills and sheep. It's my escape. I think I'd be a different person without that.”
Take in the full 16-page story beyond this teaser. Our brand new Spring Summer 2024 issue Breaking Waves is available to buy online and in select stores worldwide.
