Leo Woodall is breaking out of his boyish heartthrob persona with his latest role in A24's Tony, a biographical comedy-drama about chef Anthony Bourdain's early years. The 29-year-old London-born actor plays Sal, a grimy, womanising restaurant worker who is the complete opposite of every major role he's had so far.
From Heartthrob to Sleazeball
Since his breakout as Jack in HBO's The White Lotus in 2022, Woodall's popularity has soared. He followed that with a praised performance opposite Ambika Mod in One Day, and then played Roxster McDuff in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy. But in Tony, he sheds the golden boy image entirely.
Sal uses hard drugs to get through kitchen shifts, sleeps with nearly every woman he meets, gets into bar fights, and even engages in racy activities with a newlywed bride. Despite this, Woodall reportedly remains charming in the role.
Co-Star Praise and Range
Dominic Sessa, who plays Bourdain in Tony, told Metro: 'He's so charming. If you've met him, you love him. He's so kind to everyone. He plays such a piece of crap in this movie, but people are in love with him. He's beautiful. He's got the most amazing looks, the eyes, the smile. He's got everything. So even when he's like being horrible, he's still sexy and charming. He's perfect, he's amazing. It's such a compliment to have someone like that next to me.'
Woodall's range is also evident in crime thriller Tuner, released earlier this year, where he plays a piano tuner with sensitive hearing who can crack safes. The performance has been called his 'best yet'.
Future Projects
Woodall has a 'dream' role upcoming as Halvard, a Dúnedain, in the new Lord of the Rings movie. He told Bustle he's 'not going after romcoms', adding: 'I'm probably not, at this stage in life, wanting to do them that much. But I also kind of look forward to the next time I do a rom-com, because they're fun.'
With Tony, Woodall proves he is less Hugh Grant and more young Leonardo DiCaprio, finally breaking out of his shell.
