Tom Hardy as Bane in Nolan's 'The Dark Knight Rises'

Tom Hardy has established himself as one of Hollywood's most in-demand actors since his breakthrough performance in Christopher Nolan's 'Inception'. Joining the director for his final film in the Batman trilogy, Hardy plays the chemically enhanced Bane in the highly anticipated summer blockbuster 'The Dark Knight Rises'.

Hardy did not become a star overnight; the British actor earned his success through years of both stage and screen acting.

Click through to see how Hardy rose to fame.

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