Victoria Smurfit, an accomplished Irish actress, carved out a remarkable career that spanned both sides of the Atlantic. Long before she became a familiar face in American television, Victoria Smurfit had already made her mark on British screens with a string of compelling performances. Born on January 7th, 1974 in Dublin, Victoria Smurfit grew up in one of Ireland’s most affluent families, which afforded her access to elite Anglican schools. It was during those formative years that she discovered her passion for theater—a passion that eventually led her to pursue it academically.
Her breakthrough came when she landed the role of the bartender in the beloved BBC pastoral drama “Ballykissangel” (1996–2001), a performance that brought Victoria Smurfit widespread recognition and opened doors across the UK television industry. Following this success, she became a regular presence on British TV, appearing in numerous series and solidifying her reputation as a versatile and talented performer.
In 2000, Victoria Smurfit married Douglas Baxter, an advertising executive, and over the next few years, they welcomed three children together—Evie, Ridley, and Flynn. Balancing motherhood with a thriving career, Victoria Smurfit continued to take on diverse roles, including notable appearances in film. One standout was her performance in the 2002 adaptation of Nick Hornby’s “About A Boy,” starring alongside Hugh Grant and Toni Collette—a project that further showcased her range.
A pivotal moment in her career arrived in 2003 when Victoria Smurfit stepped into the lead role on ITV’s long-running police procedural “Trial & Retribution” (1997–2009), taking over from Kate Buffery. This role not only demonstrated her dramatic depth but also set the stage for her transition to American audiences.
Victoria Smurfit made her U.S. television debut as the stylish Lady Jayne Wetherby in NBC’s “Dracula” (2013–14). Though the show was short-lived, it served as a springboard, leading to guest spots on popular American series like “The Mentalist” (CBS 2008–15). Her big break in American primetime came when she joined the cast of ABC’s hit fantasy drama “Once Upon A Time” (2011– ), where she portrayed the iconic villain Cruella de Vil in a recurring role. Once again, Victoria Smurfit proved her ability to captivate audiences with a powerful and memorable performance.
Through dedication, talent, and a steady climb across international screens, Victoria Smurfit has remained a respected figure in the entertainment world—her journey a testament to skill, resilience, and timeless appeal.
So, when it comes to Victoria Smurfit’s career highlights, one film really stands out as her highest rated project—Deadly Cuts from 2021. It seems like fans and critics alike responded really well to her performance in that one. Victoria Smurfit has been in quite a few films over the years, but Deadly Cuts definitely takes the top spot in terms of ratings. On the other hand, not every project can be a hit, and for Victoria Smurfit, that would be Among Ravens, released back in 2014—it ended up being her lowest rated movie so far. Still, even with the ups and downs, Victoria Smurfit continues to show her range and dedication to her craft.