Former Downton Abbey star Tom Cullen recalls “very fun” but “scary” experience on show

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Tom Cullen, a popular star known for his roles in Downton Abbey, Knightfall, and The Gold, is stepping away from historical dramas to take on the modern courtroom series Mudtown, set at Newport Magistrates’ Court. Currently 40 years old, this sought-after actor from Wales will also feature in the upcoming Trespasses alongside Gillian Anderson and House of the Dragon’s third season. However, Cullen shares that he is prioritizing family over fame moving forward.

Why did you recently move from London back to Wales?

With two daughters aged two and four living with my partner, actress/musician Alison Sudol, my world has shrunk. Activities I enjoyed about London – its vibrancy, bars, concerts, and theater – I participated less often. Raised in the mountains, I savored the freedom of swimming in rivers. My children didn’t have that same independence in London. Soon, our elder daughter is set to attend a Welsh school, which has prompted me to learn the language. For the past decade, I’ve had a deep longing for home, a feeling called hiraeth, a term originating from Wales symbolizing a wistful nostalgia for one’s homeland. Now that I’m back home, I feel tranquil once more, as if I can finally breathe freely.

Would you encourage your daughters to pursue creative careers?

I hope they pursue whatever brings them joy, as I suspect one might gravitate towards acting and the other towards music – signs are already appearing! Growing up, my parents, who worked at a local theatre in Llandrindod Wells, Powys, didn’t earn much money, but they never discouraged me from pursuing this path. I witnessed firsthand the happiness that a creative life could bring them.

Does having a young family impact the jobs you take?

Previously, I had the thrill of shooting a movie in Jordan or spending a year living in Prague, but now my priorities have changed. Instead, I’m preparing to film a project in North Wales and this time, my family will be joining me. Being a father is a profound aspect of my life; I don’t want to miss even a moment of it!

Is that why you joined Mudtown — to tell Welsh stories?

Historically, Wales hasn’t received fair representation within the United Kingdom. Growing up, I often encountered Welsh characters portrayed as comical or unintelligent, which was disheartening. However, it seems that this trend has changed – contemporary Welsh television is certainly moving away from such stereotypes.

In Mudtown, you star as crime boss Pete. Do you enjoy playing a baddie?

Initially, I was taken aback when I was given the part, as portraying a villain or a character with such deep darkness isn’t typically comfortable for me and seemed quite intimidating. Yet, it turned out to be an enjoyable experience. The creators had faith in my abilities to pull it off, despite my initial doubts.

When did you start to become more recognised for your work?

A movie titled Weekend (2011), directed by Andrew Haigh, had a profound impact on my life. Conversely, becoming part of Downton Abbey was a unique journey that I embarked on during its Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning phase. It was both entertaining and nerve-wracking, as the loss of privacy was initially challenging to adapt to.

Do you find the publicity side of acting difficult?

Absolutely, my passion led me into acting; not fame. Given my reserved nature, the idea of enjoying a casual drink at a local tavern without recognition, combined with the opportunity to work on intriguing projects, appeals greatly to me.

Despite being expelled from London’s Central School of Speech and Drama after just a year, you managed to persist and eventually earn a first-class honors degree from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Can you share what fueled your determination throughout this journey?

At Central, a person I’d never interacted with before, who held the position of acting head, told me bluntly, “This opportunity isn’t suitable for you.” In my mind, I retorted, “You’re mistaken. You have no idea who I am.” The instruction was abysmal at times, with teachers frequently absent. My adolescent years were challenging, and I grappled with self-doubt. This situation could have severely affected me, but it ignited a spark in me, and that flame continues to burn brightly to this day.

You’re dyslexic — did that also make things hard?

For individuals with neurodiversity, persisting through an academic system that’s antiquated and fails to accommodate everyone demands remarkable perseverance. I too endured my school days being labeled as less intelligent, but this assessment was far from accurate. Today, I’m employed in a field that heavily relies on literacy skills. My message to anyone grappling with dyslexia is: don’t give up. Your academic past should not dictate your future. You possess unique intelligence and wisdom – never let anyone diminish that.

You’ve played a lot of vulnerable men — is that a conscious choice?

In a more straightforward manner, the text could be rephrased as follows:

I aim to infuse this quality into all my character creations. Currently, there’s an alarming increase in male suicides and a critical state of male mental health. Additionally, there’s a concerning rise in misogynistic speech from some online influencers. Growing up, I may have embodied the typical image of masculinity. However, I’ve made efforts to break down my emotional barriers and embrace vulnerability. As a result, I’ve discovered a level of happiness that I hadn’t experienced before. Often, boys are force-fed an idealized version of masculinity, which is accompanied by immense pressure to maintain it, even when they’re struggling internally. To me, male vulnerability signifies the utmost strength.

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2025-08-19 03:35