The Glamour of Maud O'Hara

In the Disney+ hit series Rivals, Victoria Smurfit delivers a masterclass in luxury as the character Maud O'Hara. Her portrayal captures the essence of high-society indulgence, from a sprawling Cotswolds mansion to an eccentric New Year's Eve arrival atop a camel.

While her character embodies extreme wealth, Smurfit’s actual background shares a surprising connection to the world of the elite. The Irish actress belongs to one of the most influential and affluent families in Ireland.

A Billion-Pound Family Legacy

The Smurfit WestRock Empire

The immense fortune of the Smurfit lineage was established by her father, Dermot, and her uncle, Michael. They were the primary driving forces behind the packaging giant Smurfit WestRock.

Today, this business empire is estimated to be worth approximately £16 billion. This staggering valuation places the family within the highest tier of global wealth.

A Grounded Childhood

Despite the family's massive wealth, Smurfit describes her upbringing as remarkably normal and grounded. Although she grew up in a magnificent £14 million six-bedroom castle overlooking Dublin Bay, her daily life was far from pampered.

The historic residence had previously hosted royalty, including Kings Edward VII and George V. However, Smurfit recalls that instead of chauffeur-driven limousines, the family often traveled in a weathered, vintage yellow Volkswagen.

Discipline was a key part of her formative years. Smurfit notes that money was not simply handed over; she was expected to earn funds for specific purchases by performing chores, such as washing the car.

From Ballykissangel to Rivals

Smurfit is a well-established figure in television, having earned acclaim for her roles in Ballykissangel and Cold Feet. Her involvement in Rivals feels like a poetic, full-circle moment in her career.

She fondly remembers her late mother, Caroline, being an enthusiastic reader of Jilly Cooper's original novel, which serves as the series' source material. While her mother did not live to see the production, Smurfit carries those memories with her on set.

Royal Encounters on Set

During filming, Smurfit also had the opportunity to meet Queen Camilla. The Queen, a close friend of the late Jilly Cooper, visited the set following the novelist's passing last year.

Smurfit observed a spirited and fun-loving personality beneath the royal exterior, noting a kinship of wit and energy. This interaction added a unique layer of real-world royalty to the fictional aristocratic drama.

Personal Life and the Future of Rivals

In her personal life, the mother of three has navigated various transitions. Following a divorce from advertising executive Douglas Baxter, she married banker Steve Jacobs in 2023.

The couple currently resides in south-west London, living along the banks of the Thames. As Rivals prepares to launch its second series, Smurfit reflects on the show's depiction of an extravagant lifestyle.

The series, which features horse riding, helicopters, and wild dinner parties, continues to attract audiences to Disney+. Following a bold three-episode premiere, further installments are expected later in the year.