TOM YORK [POLDARK]

British actor TOM YORK stars in the BBC vintage period masterpiece POLDARK, where he plays the role of the Methodist preacher Sam Carne.

In this exclusive interview, actor TOM YORK shares his insights about acting and his experiences being on-set of the epic family drama POLDARK. York also shares things that the fans can expect in the show’s upcoming season as well as what type of book that he would be.

PHOTOGRAPHY: JOSEPH SINCLAIR using HASSLEBLAD & PROFOTO

Tell us a little about your story. Who is Tom York?

I’m a British Actor. I trained at LAMDA and got my breakout role in BBC’s period drama Poldark where I play Sam Carne, a Methodist preacher with a big heart. 

What’s your favorite thing about being an actor?

To be honest I’d probably say it’s the creative lifestyle. If you’re able to support yourself through your creative work, I feel like it makes it easier to approach your whole life through that lens. Don’t get me wrong, it can be tough, but the moments of magic make it pretty special.

STYLING: MICHAEL MILLER, GROOMING: DAISY HOLUBOWICZ using BECCA COSMETICS & L’OREAL HAIR wearing DSQUARED2 & EMMA WILLIS

As an actor, what type of roles and genres do you normally gravitate towards? 

I love anything character-driven. I’d love to do a beautiful little indie movie, or maybe a play next. Who knows? I try and stay as open as possible. I never know what is going to speak to me until it does. That’s part of the fun! I mean, playing an eighteenth-century Cornish miner/Methodist preacher...I would never have thought that’d be for me! But as soon as I read the script, it just felt like something I had to do! It’s been three amazing years, but now I am ready to put down the bible, and get out there to do something completely different!

Out of all of the roles that you’ve played, which has been the most challenging to play?

I’d say playing Sam has been my most challenging role. His life is so extremely different from mine. Trying to get to grips with where he and I meet and bringing him to life in a way that felt truthful was, of course, a big challenge. But a hugely rewarding one, I’m going to miss him!

LEFT: Shirt & Pants: KENT & CURWEN RIGHT: Suit: TIGER OF SWEDEN, Shirt: BERLUTI

What can fans expect to see in the upcoming season of Poldark?

I don't want to say anything that gives too much away...But! There is definitely more of everything fans already love about the show! Plus...I think we pack more into this series than ever before, excellent new characters, real historical people and events, ross co-opted by his majesties government, a new and dangerous threat to Nampara, Sam being useless with girls...Basically all the good stuff and much much more!

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“If you’re able to support yourself through your creative work, I feel like it makes it easier to approach your whole life through that lens. Don’t get me wrong, it can be tough, but the moments of magic make it pretty special.”

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Describe Poldark in 3 words.

Epic Family Drama

Knit: PRIVATE WHITE VC

Who’s the funniest person in the cast in real life?

This is tough! But I’d have to say Pip Torrens (who plays Georges uncle Cary Warleggan) - He’s a proper gent and a genuinely funny man.

Who are your acting idols?

There are just so many, and it's always changing. The big names would be obvious ones like Olivia Colman, Daniel Day-Lewis, Joaquin Phoenix, and Leonardo DiCaprio. But what's so special at the moment is seeing all the amazing young talents out there, like Timothée Chalamet, Florence Pugh, and Lucas Hedges to name just a few...They are a big source of inspiration for me.

LEFT: Blazer: DSQUARED2, Shirt: EMMA WILLIS RIGHT: Jacket & Belt: TIGER OF SWEDEN, Pants: NEIL BARRETT

If you hadn’t become an actor, what else would you be doing instead?

I’d probably have tried to be a writer. Or become a journalist of some kind. I’m just fascinated by people...So whatever I could do to follow that passion.

If you were a book, what kind of book would you be and why?

Last year I read a book and I completely fell in love with it. I felt like it had been written just for me. So if I were a book I’d be Madeline Miller’s - ‘Song of Achilles’ ..I’m still not over it. 

LEFT: Jacket & Belt: TIGER OF SWEDEN, Pants: NEIL BARRETT RIGHT: Suit: TIGER OF SWEDEN, Shirt: BERLUTI

If you had the chance to help any specific charity/organization, which one would it be and why?

I’m actually already an ambassador for the brilliant charity CLIC Sargent. CLIC Sargent fights tirelessly to stop cancer destroying young lives. They provide grants and free accommodation close to hospitals to help with spiraling costs. Their care teams are on hand to help families with everything from getting benefits to treatment closer to home. And they lobby the government to make sure families get the support they’re entitled to. They make sure young cancer patients can focus on getting their lives back on track. I think they do amazing work.

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See Tom as Sam Carne in Poldark only on BBC.