Victoria Smurfit is an Irish actress known for her diverse roles across television and film, from the popular series “Ballykissangel” to the fantasy drama “Once Upon a Time.” After earning early film credits in ‘The Run of the Country’ (1995) and ‘The Leading Man’ (1996), Victoria Smurfit rapidly established herself as a versatile actress. She gained wider recognition as a series regular portraying Orla O’Connell in the critically acclaimed BBC television series ‘Ballykissangel’ from 1998 to 1999. Smurfit then secured the lead role of Detective Chief Inspector Roisin Connor in the popular ITV police procedural ‘Trial & Retribution,’ a demanding position she held for seven years, from 2003 to 2009. During this prolific period, her filmography expanded to include roles in Danny Boyle’s ‘The Beach’ (2000), the acclaimed feature ‘About a Boy’ (2002), and the action film ‘Bulletproof Monk’ (2003).
Demonstrating her versatility across genres, Smurfit appeared in the Sky One action series ‘Strike Back’ (2019) and the acclaimed feature film ‘Deadly Cuts’ (2021). Her diverse work in 2021 also included a role in the major international co-production ‘Around the World in 80 Days,’ alongside David Tennant. In 2022, she continued her robust screen presence, featuring in the acclaimed series ‘The Man Who Fell to Earth’ and the BBC crime drama ‘Bloodlands,’ showcasing her continued range and demand across high-profile productions. Most recently, Victoria Smurfit stars as Maud O’Hara in the highly anticipated Disney Plus series ‘Rivals’ (2024), a significant leading role that has already seen the series renewed for a second season.
This underscores its immediate success and her impactful performance, positioning her as a captivating presence in contemporary global television.