Tom Felton, the protagonist and subject of the autobiography Beyond the Wand is a British actor most commonly known for playing Draco Malfoy in the eight Harry Potter films, which were based on the series written by J. K. Rowling. Before appearing in the Harry Potter films, Felton was involved in a number of commercials, as well as the films The Borrowers (1997) and Anna and the King (1999). Since starring in the Harry Potter franchise, Felton has acted in a number of films and television series, most notably Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011).

Felton grew up in Surrey, England. As an adult, he lived first in London, before relocating to Los Angeles in his pursuit of further acting opportunities. There, temporarily lured by the excesses of fame and fortune, Felton developed an addiction to alcohol and was admitted to rehab. Resentful of the intervention which led him there, Felton left the clinic, walking all the way back to Hollywood. Felton later checked himself into a different rehabilitation clinic, and looking back, he credits this time in his life, during which he sought extensive therapy, with helping him to reconnect with his values and priorities.