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Who Is Matt Smith?
Matt Smith is a British actor known for his diverse roles across television, film, and theatre. Initially a talented soccer player with aspirations of a professional sports career, Smith’s path changed following a back injury. He subsequently joined the National Youth Theatre, which marked the beginning of his acting journey. At the age of 26, Smith made history as the youngest actor to be cast in the iconic role of the Doctor in the acclaimed sci-fi series Doctor Who. Additionally, from 2016 to 2017, he portrayed Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in the award-winning drama series The Crown.
Early Life
Matthew Robert Smith was born on October 28, 1982, in Northampton, Northamptonshire, England. He attended Northampton School for Boys, where he excelled in sports, particularly soccer, playing for youth teams associated with Northampton Town F.C., Nottingham Forest F.C., and Leicester City F.C. Although he aspired to play professional football, his dreams were dashed due to a serious back condition known as spondylosis. This setback prompted his drama teacher to encourage him to participate in a school production of Twelve Angry Men, igniting his passion for acting. Smith later joined the National Youth Theatre in London, where he honed his craft in productions such as Murder in the Cathedral and The Master and Margarita. He pursued further education in drama and creative writing at the University of East Anglia.
Film, Theatre, and Television Roles
In addition to various short films, Smith gained recognition for his performance in the British film Womb (also known as Clone) in 2010 and played a supporting role in Terminator Genisys (2015). He has appeared in the thriller Patient Zero and took on the challenging role of the notorious cult leader Charles Manson in Charlie Says.
Smith’s theatrical career began with notable performances in Fresh Kills and On the Shore of the Wide World, which transferred to the prestigious Royal National Theatre in London. He also showcased his talents in Alan Bennett’s critically acclaimed play The History Boys and made his West End debut in Swimming With Sharks, alongside Christian Slater. His performance in Polly Stenham’s That Face at the Royal Court Theatre garnered significant acclaim, and he was nominated as part of the cast for a Laurence Olivier Award for Outstanding Achievement in an Affiliate Theatre in 2008. Additionally, he received the Evening Standard’s “Best Newcomer” award for his outstanding contributions to theatre. Smith’s early television roles included adaptations of Philip Pullman’s The Ruby in the Smoke and The Shadow in the North, where he portrayed Jim Taylor in 2006.
Doctor Who
In 2008, at the age of 26, Matt Smith became the youngest actor to be cast in the lead role of the Doctor in the acclaimed British science-fiction television series Doctor Who. Following an intense three-week casting process, Smith’s selection garnered significant media attention in Britain, where the show enjoys a nearly cult-like following. Originally produced by the BBC and airing from 1963 to 1989, Doctor Who is a significant cultural phenomenon in the UK, recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest-running science-fiction television program in the world.
Smith seamlessly integrated into the youthful and sought-after cast, often attracting crowds during his travels in England, the United States, and various international locations where the show has a passionate fanbase. In a 2012 interview with The Telegraph, when asked if his newfound popularity became overwhelming, Smith candidly remarked, “God, yes, it tires me out every day… but it’s my job to be upbeat in front of you. I actually am genuinely upbeat [about Doctor Who], you know; if you weigh up the pros and the cons of the job, the pro list wins by a country mile.”
The year 2013 marked the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who, with fans demonstrating their unwavering devotion by crowding around Smith and his fellow cast members in cities like London and New York, as well as at prominent events such as the Comic-Con fan convention in San Diego, California. However, that same year also signified the conclusion of Smith’s tenure in the role, as Peter Capaldi was introduced as the new Doctor during the Christmas special.
The Crown
From 2016 to 2018, Smith portrayed Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, husband to Queen Elizabeth II, in the critically acclaimed drama series The Crown. For the third season, the series underwent a recasting of major roles to reflect a temporal shift in the storyline. In an interview with IndieWire, Smith expressed his support for this creative decision.
“What’s so clever about it is you get to cover so much,” Smith stated. “You’ve still got Thatcher to come. You’ve still got Clinton, and before then there’s Nixon… there are some really interesting characters coming our way.”
Personal Life
In his personal life, Smith previously dated British model Daisy Lowe. Since 2014, he has been in a relationship with actress Lily James, known for her roles in Downton Abbey and Baby Driver.