Tom Holland started out as a child actor but became one of the most recognisable faces in the world after landing the role of Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2016. Despite his fame, the British actor has a hidden health battle involving ADHD and dyslexia.
Early Diagnosis and Challenges
Holland, who turns 30 on June 1, was diagnosed with dyslexia at age seven. He struggled with writing and spelling, which led his parents to move him to a private school for better support. In an interview, he said: 'My spelling was really the biggest hurdle. I worked really hard at school. I didn’t do particularly well but my parents said, “As long as you try your best.”'
Dyslexia is a lifelong neurodevelopmental learning difference that affects reading, writing, and spelling. According to the British Dyslexia Association, it is an information-processing difficulty, meaning the brain processes written and spoken language differently, but it is not an indicator of intelligence.
ADHD and Its Impact on Acting
Holland was also diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a condition that can sometimes hinder his craft. ADHD is characterised by persistent patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning, work, school, and social relationships. Holland opened up about his diagnoses in an interview with ING, saying: 'I have ADHD and I'm dyslexic, and I find sometimes when someone gives me a blank canvas that it can be slightly intimidating. And sometimes you are met with those challenges when developing a character.'
Personal Life and Engagement
Tom Holland is engaged to actress and singer Zendaya, whom he met on the set of Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2016. In 2021, paparazzi pictures emerged showing them kissing and holding hands. By late 2024, rumours of their engagement were confirmed when Zendaya wore a diamond ring to the Golden Globes. There have since been rumours that the couple secretly tied the knot earlier this year, fuelled by AI-generated pictures on social media. Zendaya addressed the hoax on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, showing a fake wedding clip from her movie The Drama with Holland's face superimposed over her co-star Robert Pattinson. She said: 'While I was just out and about in real life, people were like, "Oh my God, your wedding photos are gorgeous". And I was like, "Babe, they're AI. They're not real".'
