Tom Cullen Reflects on 'Magical' Childhood in Llandrindod Wells

In anticipation of his role in the second series of the BBC One drama "The Gold," actor Tom Cullen reminisced about his formative years in Llandrindod Wells, Powys, describing them as a "magical" experience intimately connected to the world of theatre. Cullen, who stars alongside Hugh Bonneville in the series, shared insights on BBC Radio Wales, stating, "Drama is very much in the blood" of his family, as both his parents were involved in local theatre.

Cullen recalled how his childhood environment nurtured his passion for acting. "My primary school was next to the theatre, so I would finish school and walk down just to sit and watch the adults rehearse and perform," he explained. His upbringing in a theatrical family, where both his siblings have pursued acting careers, solidified his commitment to the craft. "Acting hooked its claws into all of us," Cullen remarked.

The upcoming series of "The Gold" delves into the notorious Brinks-Mat heist of 1983, with Cullen portraying John Palmer, a character defined by his "whopping ego" that eventually leads to his downfall. As he reflects on his career, Cullen expressed gratitude for his current trajectory, stating, "I still have to pinch myself every day to realize I am doing something I love."

Aside from his role in "The Gold," Cullen has also appeared in the Welsh-language series "Ar Y Ffin" on S4C, despite not being a Welsh speaker. He plans to learn Welsh as he prepares for his upcoming move to Cardiff, where his daughter will attend a Welsh school. "I’m learning at the moment because I need to understand her homework," he said with a sense of responsibility.

Cullen described the filming of "The Gold" as a joyous experience, filled with collaboration with old friends from his youth. Looking ahead, he is also set to join the cast of "House of the Dragon," a series filmed in North Wales, although he remained tight-lipped about specific plot details. He commented on the impressive set design, noting, "They built a castle with multiple levels and a huge banquet. It is extraordinary."

As the second series of "The Gold" is slated to return to BBC One and iPlayer at 21:00 BST on Sunday, Cullen's reflections offer a glimpse into the often-overlooked personal journeys of actors who navigate the complexities of their craft, all while rooted in their local communities. With a promising career ahead and a commitment to his heritage, Cullen exemplifies the blend of personal history and professional ambition that shapes the narrative of modern acting.