I think a lot of Tom’s normal is how you and Nikki raised him and his brothers. Although have never met them they come across as a beautiful couple that enjoy their downtime with friends and family and it is a lovely thing to see.
Watching all the buzz around the movie on social media and the quick succession of premieres in the past week or so I was waiting and hoping for your Sunday post. Watching it all as an onlooker I was completely in awe of how Tom handled the same questions again and again with such good grace and how composed and friendly to every single interviewer he was. With some of the background input from your post I’m even more impressed. That takes real discipline and a generous spirit to handle everything as graciously as he does.
I hope he gets to have a few weeks (at least) off now and decompresses. And thank you to you, for finding the time to give us the post!
I love this and I think it's why I love Tom and Zendaya so much. They both have parents who raised them to be polite, considerate, dedicated, moral, ethical and that list is long. So thank you Dom and Nikki for being the parents you have been to your 4 well-rounded and just-nice-people sons. Zendaya's parents and her family are the same.
Hello, sir. This was such a beautiful and wholesome read.
I've been a Spider-Man fan for half my life, and Tom's my favourite actor to portray the webslinger. Not only because he's a phenomenal actor, and his story actually covers young Peter Parker's journey of becoming, but more so because of how he handles the role outside of the suit and sets. And I think a huge part of that credit goes to you and your family.
I’ve always deeply admired both Tom and Zendaya. Coming from ordinary families, seeing them work so hard to make their dreams a reality is genuinely inspiring to me. It’s a constant reminder that big dreams are achievable with dedication and hard work (and a bit of luck).
What strikes me most is that despite how completely insane their lives can get, they’ve managed to keep a grounded, "normal" part of themselves intact, which says so much about the kind of people they are. And it makes me happy that I follow the right kind of people. It’s so sweet to read that after crazy months of global press tours and non-stop work, their minds are on their dogs!
Watching the movie tomorrow, and I truly can’t wait!
Just found you and already enjoy your writing. I am one of the “normal” people of which you speak. I enjoy the art and craft of movies, but I am especially inspired by the artists behind them that live grounded lives rooted in the love of family. To me that is what we need more of in “Hollywood.” Looking forward to more of your stories. 🙏
I am amazed how normal Tom when interacting with the public. Also, how both Tom and Zendaya take the time to greet the fans waiting for them to sign their autographs.
It's clear to see all the boys have been raised beautifully (I'm sure it hasn't been easy at times). But they all come across so humble and grounded and their support for each other as siblings is lovely to see. As a dog lover (and a fan) I have no idea how they cope being away from their lovely dogs. I used to love seeing your precious Tessa at events with Tom.
I struggle with an overnight as I miss my 13 year old collie so much, haha! The end of your post was my favourite part, the simplicity of what really matters at the end of the day.
I have only visited LA a few times, and I totally agree with what you say. It definitely has a different energy. I’ve always appreciated your down-to-earth perspective on such a unique life. I think that’s one of the reasons Tom’s Spider-Man is so relatable. He feels like an ordinary person trying to do the right thing while living an extraordinary life
As a future film student starting school in the spring, I intently notice people like Tom and Zendaya. They remind me to remain ‘normal’ and not let this industry change me, and to continue to be kind and work hard. Having the privilege to have been watching his stardom rise has been beautiful, and I cannot even begin to imagine how you and Nikki feel.
Thank you for writing this, it provides such an inspiring perspective. I hope you all get some good rest and I’m looking forward to reading more!
This article brings such a beautiful human side to celebrity life.
I can’t help but think how different our culture might feel if more social media posts were replaced by reflections like this…thoughtful journal entries that allow the public to see the human side of the people we usually only know from a screen. rather than everything being about chasing the most likes, views, or attention. There’s something so much more wholesome about this side of show business.
And while I haven’t seen this family publicly speak about God perhaps because faith is personal and not something shaped for the media but their choices, the way they seem to value family, and the lives they’re building certainly feel touched by God.
There’s something beautiful about watching that legacy continue through the new family Tom and Zendaya are creating together. The real legacy won’t be the movies they leave behind it will be the family they’re creating within the four walls of their home.
At the end of the day the greatest legacy isn’t what the world remembers about you…It’s what the people inside your home remember about being loved by you. This family seems to really understand that.
This is perceptive of you and also heartening, I think. Nikki and I remain churchgoers - our boys less so, like most youngsters nowadays - but it has certainly been an important part of their childhood and upbringing, and we pray that they will come back to some sort of spirituality in their lives ahead.
That’s very unsurprising to hear. You said Hollywood was “rudderless,” which reads so easily as “godless” with no anchor and no direction.
Anyone who’s raised their family the way you have could easily recognize that there must also have been a spiritual foundation.a connection to a higher power underneath it all.
They may not be going to church right now, but they’re still being sustained by the prayers of their parents. And I imagine that one day, they’ll find themselves sending up those same prayers for their own children. Because there are few things that bring you closer to God than parenthood.the love, the fear, the gratitude, and the realization that there are some things you simply have to place in hands greater than your own.
I have no doubt that Tom and his siblings are as proud of you and Nikki as you are of them. To do anything in life you need a springboard and family provides the best foundation of all. We are blessed if we have it. One thing that strikes me is how hard Tom and Zendaya work. Hope they can rest up for five minutes.
I have wondered several times this weekend if Rosie misses her friends. Congrats to you guys for keeping the normal front and center. It is one of my favorite things about him. Going to see Spider-man today, can't wait!
Thank you for this heart warming piece of writing. Congratulations on all you and your family have achieved while staying so normal. I hope you all enjoyed a lovely Sunday roast and that Tom and Zendaya are able to have some peaceful downtime during the next few weeks.
Saturday morning, I watched a video of a young Australian woman, her saddle horse, Willow, and her hilarious golden retriever of a horse, Oakley. She giggles and laughs a lot, and so do I!
Then, I saw a quick interview with Zendaya describing the many things she loves and admires about Tom. (As they say on the socials, “We get it, Zendaya!”) Next, I saw a fan’s video of Tom speaking to the London movie theater audience about honoring wishes and expressing gratitude. And that’s when I happily bawled over my coffee.
The commonality between the Australian lady and the lovely couple is the delight they bring. It’s not always easy to do, I’m sure. Absolutely appreciated.
I think a lot of Tom’s normal is how you and Nikki raised him and his brothers. Although have never met them they come across as a beautiful couple that enjoy their downtime with friends and family and it is a lovely thing to see.
Watching all the buzz around the movie on social media and the quick succession of premieres in the past week or so I was waiting and hoping for your Sunday post. Watching it all as an onlooker I was completely in awe of how Tom handled the same questions again and again with such good grace and how composed and friendly to every single interviewer he was. With some of the background input from your post I’m even more impressed. That takes real discipline and a generous spirit to handle everything as graciously as he does.
I hope he gets to have a few weeks (at least) off now and decompresses. And thank you to you, for finding the time to give us the post!
I love this and I think it's why I love Tom and Zendaya so much. They both have parents who raised them to be polite, considerate, dedicated, moral, ethical and that list is long. So thank you Dom and Nikki for being the parents you have been to your 4 well-rounded and just-nice-people sons. Zendaya's parents and her family are the same.
Hello, sir. This was such a beautiful and wholesome read.
I've been a Spider-Man fan for half my life, and Tom's my favourite actor to portray the webslinger. Not only because he's a phenomenal actor, and his story actually covers young Peter Parker's journey of becoming, but more so because of how he handles the role outside of the suit and sets. And I think a huge part of that credit goes to you and your family.
I’ve always deeply admired both Tom and Zendaya. Coming from ordinary families, seeing them work so hard to make their dreams a reality is genuinely inspiring to me. It’s a constant reminder that big dreams are achievable with dedication and hard work (and a bit of luck).
What strikes me most is that despite how completely insane their lives can get, they’ve managed to keep a grounded, "normal" part of themselves intact, which says so much about the kind of people they are. And it makes me happy that I follow the right kind of people. It’s so sweet to read that after crazy months of global press tours and non-stop work, their minds are on their dogs!
Watching the movie tomorrow, and I truly can’t wait!
thank you, i hope you enjoy it
just saw it, and immediately came back here. i absolutely loved it.
Just found you and already enjoy your writing. I am one of the “normal” people of which you speak. I enjoy the art and craft of movies, but I am especially inspired by the artists behind them that live grounded lives rooted in the love of family. To me that is what we need more of in “Hollywood.” Looking forward to more of your stories. 🙏
thanks mom
I am amazed how normal Tom when interacting with the public. Also, how both Tom and Zendaya take the time to greet the fans waiting for them to sign their autographs.
It's clear to see all the boys have been raised beautifully (I'm sure it hasn't been easy at times). But they all come across so humble and grounded and their support for each other as siblings is lovely to see. As a dog lover (and a fan) I have no idea how they cope being away from their lovely dogs. I used to love seeing your precious Tessa at events with Tom.
I struggle with an overnight as I miss my 13 year old collie so much, haha! The end of your post was my favourite part, the simplicity of what really matters at the end of the day.
I have only visited LA a few times, and I totally agree with what you say. It definitely has a different energy. I’ve always appreciated your down-to-earth perspective on such a unique life. I think that’s one of the reasons Tom’s Spider-Man is so relatable. He feels like an ordinary person trying to do the right thing while living an extraordinary life
Because normal is where it’s at!!
As a future film student starting school in the spring, I intently notice people like Tom and Zendaya. They remind me to remain ‘normal’ and not let this industry change me, and to continue to be kind and work hard. Having the privilege to have been watching his stardom rise has been beautiful, and I cannot even begin to imagine how you and Nikki feel.
Thank you for writing this, it provides such an inspiring perspective. I hope you all get some good rest and I’m looking forward to reading more!
This article brings such a beautiful human side to celebrity life.
I can’t help but think how different our culture might feel if more social media posts were replaced by reflections like this…thoughtful journal entries that allow the public to see the human side of the people we usually only know from a screen. rather than everything being about chasing the most likes, views, or attention. There’s something so much more wholesome about this side of show business.
And while I haven’t seen this family publicly speak about God perhaps because faith is personal and not something shaped for the media but their choices, the way they seem to value family, and the lives they’re building certainly feel touched by God.
There’s something beautiful about watching that legacy continue through the new family Tom and Zendaya are creating together. The real legacy won’t be the movies they leave behind it will be the family they’re creating within the four walls of their home.
At the end of the day the greatest legacy isn’t what the world remembers about you…It’s what the people inside your home remember about being loved by you. This family seems to really understand that.
This is perceptive of you and also heartening, I think. Nikki and I remain churchgoers - our boys less so, like most youngsters nowadays - but it has certainly been an important part of their childhood and upbringing, and we pray that they will come back to some sort of spirituality in their lives ahead.
That’s very unsurprising to hear. You said Hollywood was “rudderless,” which reads so easily as “godless” with no anchor and no direction.
Anyone who’s raised their family the way you have could easily recognize that there must also have been a spiritual foundation.a connection to a higher power underneath it all.
They may not be going to church right now, but they’re still being sustained by the prayers of their parents. And I imagine that one day, they’ll find themselves sending up those same prayers for their own children. Because there are few things that bring you closer to God than parenthood.the love, the fear, the gratitude, and the realization that there are some things you simply have to place in hands greater than your own.
I have no doubt that Tom and his siblings are as proud of you and Nikki as you are of them. To do anything in life you need a springboard and family provides the best foundation of all. We are blessed if we have it. One thing that strikes me is how hard Tom and Zendaya work. Hope they can rest up for five minutes.
I have wondered several times this weekend if Rosie misses her friends. Congrats to you guys for keeping the normal front and center. It is one of my favorite things about him. Going to see Spider-man today, can't wait!
Thank you for this heart warming piece of writing. Congratulations on all you and your family have achieved while staying so normal. I hope you all enjoyed a lovely Sunday roast and that Tom and Zendaya are able to have some peaceful downtime during the next few weeks.
Saturday morning, I watched a video of a young Australian woman, her saddle horse, Willow, and her hilarious golden retriever of a horse, Oakley. She giggles and laughs a lot, and so do I!
Then, I saw a quick interview with Zendaya describing the many things she loves and admires about Tom. (As they say on the socials, “We get it, Zendaya!”) Next, I saw a fan’s video of Tom speaking to the London movie theater audience about honoring wishes and expressing gratitude. And that’s when I happily bawled over my coffee.
The commonality between the Australian lady and the lovely couple is the delight they bring. It’s not always easy to do, I’m sure. Absolutely appreciated.
This is wonderful. So glad I found your Substack.
Cool, Tricia, welcome along. More to come every Sunday
Nice to see you've hardly changed Dom!
less hair but similar levels of verve