Ben Hardy (actor)
An English actor who leapt from a London soap opera to embodying rock royalty as Queen's Roger Taylor on the global stage.
Born 1991 (age 35)·English actor (b. 1991)·Birthday: January 2·Millennials
Biography
Ben Hardy trained at the prestigious Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, paying his dues on British television before landing the role of Peter Beale on 'EastEnders.' That steady gig provided a springboard, but Hardy aimed for the big screen. His breakout arrived not with a whisper but with a bang, playing the winged Archangel in 'X-Men: Apocalypse.' Yet it was his next transformation that cemented his place in pop culture: mastering the drum fills and flamboyant spirit of Queen's Roger Taylor for 'Bohemian Rhapsody.' The film's massive success introduced him to a worldwide audience, proving his ability to disappear into real-life characters. He has since balanced blockbuster fare like '6 Underground' with smaller, character-driven projects, demonstrating a range that stretches beyond the rock star persona he so convincingly captured.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Ben was born in 1991, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Ben Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Ben's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed Queen drummer Roger Taylor in the Oscar-winning biopic 'Bohemian Rhapsody' (2018).
- Played a leading role as Archangel in the major superhero film 'X-Men: Apocalypse' (2016).
- Gained significant recognition in the UK for his tenure as Peter Beale on the BBC's 'EastEnders' (2013-2015).
Did You Know?
His birth name is Ben Jones; he adopted the stage name 'Hardy' to avoid confusion with another actor.
He performed his own drumming for the 'Bohemian Rhapsody' film, learning to play Queen's songs convincingly.
He appeared in a 2017 production of 'The Judas Kiss' in London's West End, playing a hotel porter.
“You have to be willing to take risks and try new things.”
