Irish actress Victoria Smurfit is currently captivating audiences as the glamorous Maud O'Hara in the Disney+ hit series Rivals. While her character leads an extravagant life, Smurfit's own background offers a surprising contrast to the onscreen luxury.

A Grounded Upbringing Amidst Immense Wealth

Smurfit belongs to one of the wealthiest families in Ireland. Her father, Dermot, and her uncle, Michael, built the packaging giant Smurfit WestRock, a company now valued at approximately £16 billion.

The family resided in a £14 million, six-bedroom castle overlooking Dublin Bay, a historic residence that once hosted Kings Edward VII and George V. However, Smurfit describes her upbringing as remarkably normal and grounded.

Lessons in Responsibility

"There was no limo or chauffeur," Smurfit told YOU magazine. "We went to school in the beaten-up yellow VW. If you wanted money for something, you washed the car."

From Jilly Cooper Novels to the Screen

The series, based on the works of Jilly Cooper, represents a significant milestone for the actress. Smurfit, known for her roles in Ballykissangel and Cold Feet, views the project as a full-circle moment.

Her late mother, Caroline, used to find laughter in reading Cooper's novels. Although she never lived to see the production, Smurfit recalls her mother's enthusiasm for the source material.

Meeting Royalty on Set

During production, Smurfit met Queen Camilla, a close friend of Jilly Cooper. The actress noted that the Queen's personality reflected the fun-loving spirit of the novelist herself.

Personal Life and Family

Smurfit is a mother of three and is divorced from her first husband, advertising executive Douglas Baxter. In 2023, she married banker Steve Jacobs, and the couple now resides near the Thames in south-west London.

Reflecting on the high-society lifestyle depicted in Rivals, Smurfit joked that the show makes her wonder why she doesn't get to participate in "insane dinner parties" or helicopter rides.

How to Watch 'Rivals'

The highly anticipated series Rivals begins its run on Disney+ this Friday. The premiere will feature three episodes, with a second installment of episodes arriving later this year.