CHARLOTTE SMURFIT
- 5' ELEVEN''
- Jan 9
- 2 min read
Two films, one afternoon, sparked Charlotte Smurfit’s desire to pursue acting. Two stories that shifted the narrative on filmmaking. Yet it was one actress who proved entirely inspirational. Naomi Watts in Mulholland Drive, that performance struck a chord. "I always loved films but never looked beyond the surface. Something about these films, the acting (Naomi Watts in particular), the colour grading, the cinematography, and the provocation of thought left me extremely curious and hungry for more. Naomi Watts in Mulholland Drive inspired me massively to give acting a go, as I was obsessed with her performance. I never had the courage growing up to put myself out there, but I think falling back in love with not only film but myself gave me the push I needed to pursue this.”
Interview by Leigh Maynard.
Charlotte Smurfit wears CHANEL Le Lift Flash Eye Patches. Photographed by Max Ragan. Styled by Alton Hetariki. Makeup by Ninni Nummela using CHANEL Beauty. Hair by Masaki Kameda. Charlotte appears courtesy of Select Model Management.
Early on, agents could already see Charlotte’s talent shining through, though she appreciates that it is the journey rather than the destination that is most important. “I am so blessed to be in touch with agencies, as I know it is extremely difficult for a lot of people starting out, even later on in their careers.” Still, she is already in front of the camera, currently working on her first short film and writing one of her own, which she hopes to produce and direct. Among the directors she admires and would like to work with, she mentions Safdie Brothers. Charlotte is inspired by lots of Irish and British directors.“I’ve recently come across directors such as Luna Carmoon, Charlotte Wells & Andrew Legge, I think their work is wonderful. Actors-wise, Naomi Watts (obviously), Cillian Murphy, Jessica Chastain, Pacino would be ridiculously amazing, and I would love to work with my auntie in something; she’s an incredible actress, and it would be amazing to work with a family member on set.”
Hailing from Ireland (between Kildare & Dublin) but having grown up between there and France, Charlotte says she appreciates her heritage more as the years pass by, “I think my heritage is a massive thing for me and the older I get, the more appreciation and curiosity I have for it. I’m blessed and extremely proud to come from Ireland. I think it is a superpower and would love nothing more than to work with Irish creatives, as I think there is so much talent there.” Charlotte is using her superpower to excel as a model, with her highlight being a Vogue feature shot by photographer Charlotte Ellis. “I actually have the picture she took on my wall, as it is a work of art. In terms of the future, I’m focusing on the acting stuff right now and excited to see what modelling opportunities come through that!”
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