Laura Carmichael
Height: 168 cm
Laura Carmichael is an actress, known for Downton Abbey (2010), Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011) and Burn Burn Burn (2015).
I grew up listening in awe to stories of their wartime adventures. My granny, Joan, was a journalist Show more
I grew up listening in awe to stories of their wartime adventures. My granny, Joan, was a journalist and wrote amazing letters to my grandpa when he was a prisoner of war, while my Nana, Mary, was a Land Girl, then a Wren. They were so independent, resilient and glamorous. Hide
We all have hierarchies at work - even on set, the runner would never walk up to the director and as Show more
We all have hierarchies at work - even on set, the runner would never walk up to the director and ask for a cup of coffee. Hide
You have to have sympathy for and an empathy with a character in order to play them.
You have to have sympathy for and an empathy with a character in order to play them.
In a way, it's good not to be recognized as much off screen.
In a way, it's good not to be recognized as much off screen.
I think it must be so hard to start your career with everyone going on about how gorgeous you are. T Show more
I think it must be so hard to start your career with everyone going on about how gorgeous you are. To be in that bracket must be so pressurized. Hide
I did all sorts of jobs after drama school - working in a bar, as a teaching assistant. I probably l Show more
I did all sorts of jobs after drama school - working in a bar, as a teaching assistant. I probably learned as much from them as I did at drama school. Hide
As actors, you play people who are not yourselves.
As actors, you play people who are not yourselves.
The Twenties have this sort of attitude where you never know what's around the corner.
The Twenties have this sort of attitude where you never know what's around the corner.
My history teacher was utterly terrifying, but her lessons were very inspiring. She got me intereste Show more
My history teacher was utterly terrifying, but her lessons were very inspiring. She got me interested in people and stories, which then led me to acting. Hide
Sometimes we do things that are really awful.
Sometimes we do things that are really awful.
It's beneficial to play against your type; to be chameleon-like.
It's beneficial to play against your type; to be chameleon-like.
I certainly never saw myself as posh.
I certainly never saw myself as posh.
No one goes through life thinking that they're the best friend of the lead character.
No one goes through life thinking that they're the best friend of the lead character.
When I emerge from filming I feel slightly out of synch with real life, but it's also a relief.
When I emerge from filming I feel slightly out of synch with real life, but it's also a relief.
I have such a huge girl crush on Beyoncé Knowles.
I have such a huge girl crush on Beyoncé Knowles.
There's something about wearing clothes that your great-grandmother might have thought were nice tha Show more
There's something about wearing clothes that your great-grandmother might have thought were nice that makes you look older. Hide
There is no way I'd have wanted to live in the Twenties. It was really crap for women.
There is no way I'd have wanted to live in the Twenties. It was really crap for women.
When I'm in a tricky situation I often think: 'What would 'Beyonce' do?' It helps.
When I'm in a tricky situation I often think: 'What would 'Beyonce' do?' It helps.
I don't really get recognized very much.
I don't really get recognized very much.
I'm from Southampton.
I'm from Southampton.
I've not sat with my agent going: 'Where is the next hopeless girl I can play?' They just come along Show more
I've not sat with my agent going: 'Where is the next hopeless girl I can play?' They just come along. Hide
I'd love to work in the States; I'd love to work anywhere where you get a good script and a good par Show more
I'd love to work in the States; I'd love to work anywhere where you get a good script and a good part to play. But I do love British film as well. Hide
Playing a plainer role means everything is dependent on the credentials of the actor, not the fact t Show more
Playing a plainer role means everything is dependent on the credentials of the actor, not the fact that they are as pretty as Julia Roberts. People start to look at their talent rather than their appearance. And playing the ugly part often means less time in the make-up chair, which is a great benefit on set. Hide
I've been really lucky because I've managed to become wonderful friends with a handful of very talen Show more
I've been really lucky because I've managed to become wonderful friends with a handful of very talented British designers. Christopher Kane has become one of my very good friends - also Erdem. Jonathan Saunders is another brilliant talent who's very kind. We all hang out. Hide
In the UK, there is a sort of obsession with class.
In the UK, there is a sort of obsession with class.
I have two sisters, and we are the best of friends.
I have two sisters, and we are the best of friends.
I think as an actor you're used to having to travel, so wherever the work, is you're willing to go.
I think as an actor you're used to having to travel, so wherever the work, is you're willing to go.
If I'm tweeting about being somewhere, and I haven't replied to somebody's email from three days ago Show more
If I'm tweeting about being somewhere, and I haven't replied to somebody's email from three days ago, that's quite rude. Hide
I cry at films and TV and even adverts.
I cry at films and TV and even adverts.
Laura Carmichael's FILMOGRAPHY
as Actor (33)
Laura Carmichael'S roles
