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Last updated on the 12 August 2024 by Maeve
Mini Biography
Born: 28 October 1982, Northampton, England.
Matt Smith dreamt of a different kind of stardom in his youth. The son of Lynne and David Smith, Matt’s early aspirations lay on the football pitch. He followed in his grandfather’s footsteps, who played for Notts County, and he captained Leicester City’s youth team. However, a serious back injury forced him to abandon his footballing dreams. This twist of fate would eventually lead him on a path to international recognition as a talented actor.
Despite the setback, Smith channeled his determination into acting. He joined the National Youth Theatre, a prestigious organisation nurturing young talent. This experience ignited a passion for performance, leading him to pursue a degree in Drama and Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia.
Matt Smith’s professional acting career began in 2003 on the stages of London. His television debut came in 2006 with a role in the miniseries “The Ruby in the Smoke.” While he secured several television roles in the following years, his big break arrived in 2010. At the age of 26, he was chosen to portray the Eleventh Doctor in the iconic BBC series “Doctor Who.”
This casting decision surprised many. Smith, considerably younger than previous actors in the role, brought a fresh energy and youthful exuberance to the time-traveling Time Lord. For four seasons (2010-2014), he captivated audiences with his quirky charm, witty dialogue delivery and ability to portray the Doctor’s immense wisdom and compassion. “Doctor Who” propelled Smith to international fame, making him a household name and a favourite among science fiction fans.
Following his “Doctor Who” tenure, Smith continued to explore diverse acting opportunities. He portrayed Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in the first two seasons of Netflix’s critically acclaimed series “The Crown,” earning him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. He has also appeared in films like Ryan Gosling’s directorial debut “Lost River” and the action sequel “Terminator Genisys.”
More recently, Smith has returned to television in prominent roles. He portrays the complex and ambitious Prince Daemon Targaryen in HBO’s prequel series to “Game of Thrones,” “House of the Dragon.”
Matt Smith has been linked to several high-profile partners. He dated Brazilian actress Mayana Moura in the late 2000s and model Daisy Lowe on and off for a few years. His most public relationship was with actress Lily James, whom he dated from 2014 to 2019.
An avid supporter of Blackburn Rovers football club, he’s also a self-proclaimed atheist and a big music fan, particularly fond of Radiohead and Oasis.
Suggested viewing
Christopher and His Kind (2011)
Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 7.0
A young Englishman in 1930s Berlin enjoys a vibrant gay nightlife, finding love and self-discovery amidst the rise of the Nazi party. The carefree atmosphere crumbles as the political climate darkens, forcing him and his lover to confront a future filled with uncertainty.
Top cast: Matt Smith, Imogen Poots, Lindsay Duncan, Perry Millward, Toby Jones, Pip Carter, Alexander Dreymon, Faolan Morgan, Issy van Randwyck, Clare Louise Connolly.
House of the Dragon (2022)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.5
The Targaryen dynasty is at its peak, ruling with over 15 dragons. However, their decline starts when King Viserys breaks tradition by naming his daughter Rhaenyra as heir. Despite Viserys having a son, Rhaenyra’s status as heir causes division and tension within the realm.
Top cast: Emma D’Arcy, Olivia Cooke, Paddy Considine, Matt Smith, Rhys Ifans, Graham McTavish, Jefferson Hall, Fabien Frankel, Bill Paterson.
The Crown (2016)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.0
“The Crown” is an television series that chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Spanning decades, it explores the personal and political challenges she faces as she ascends to the throne at a young age. The show delves into her relationships, the shifting dynamics of the royal family and the historical events that shape her reign.
Top cast: Claire Foy, Matt Smith, Olivia Coleman, Vanessa Kirby, Helena Bonham Carter, Jeremy Northam, Victoria Hamilton, Tobias Menzies, Josh O’connor, Erin Doherty, Jonny Lee Miller.
Doctor Who (1963)
Bftv 9.0 / IMDb 8.6
“Doctor Who” is a long-running science fiction series that follows the adventures of the Doctor, a time-traveling alien with the ability to regenerate. Together with various companions, the Doctor explores different time periods and galaxies, battling enemies and saving civilizations while embodying the show’s themes of hope, compassion and the triumph of good over evil.
Top cast: Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, Arthur Darvill, Jenna Coleman.
Party Animals (2007)
Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.6
“Party Animals” is a drama series that follows a group of young parliamentary researchers navigating the world of politics in Westminster. It examines their personal and professional lives, highlighting the complexities, power struggles and ethical dilemmas they encounter. The show provides an inside look into the fast-paced and demanding world of British politics.
Top cast: Matt Smith, Andrea Riseborough, Shelley Conn, Colin Salmon, Raquel Cassidy, Andrew Buchan, Patrick Baladi, and Pip Carter.
