Rachel Hurd-Wood

Rachel Clare Hurd-Wood (born 17 August 1990) is an English actress. She is best known for her role as Wendy Darling in the 2003 movie Peter Pan.

Personal life

Rachel Hurd-Wood was born in London, England, the daughter of Philip and Sarah Hurd-Wood. She lived in London till the age of eight, when her family moved to a Victorian cottage at the edge of a forest in Godalming, Surrey.^[1] She moved back to London later on. She has a younger brother, Patrick who appeared with her in Peter Pan as one of the sleeping children in the "I Do Believe In Fairies" scene. He also plays the role of Samuel Crowthorn alongside his sister in her later film, Solomon Kane in which she plays Meredith Crowthorn. Her father's work involves performing, writing scripts and doing voice-overs for commercials. She joined a drama club in her school and took part in its stage production during her second year. In a 2010 live Myspace web chat for the film Tomorrow, When the War Began, Hurd-Wood dispelled the false rumour that her uncle is Hugh Laurie.^[2]

Education

Rachel Hurd-Wood attended Rodborough Technology College in Milford, Surrey from 2001 to 2006. She had tutored lessons during the filming of Peter Pan in Australia during 2002 - 2003 as her work lasted for a span of 8 to 9 months.^[3][1] She later attended sixth-form Godalming College from 2006 onwards to study for her A-levels. Hurd-Wood had considered becoming a marine biologist because of her deep love for dolphins. She gave up on the idea when she discovered that it would require studying science because she thought she was not very good at it.^[4] She became interested in working with children who have special needs or disabilities. Rachel studied Linguistics at University College London, having completed her first year in 2009, but left the course incomplete before traveling to Australia for the filming of Tomorrow, When the War Began, when she decided to focus entirely on her career in acting.^[5]

Charity support

Rachel Hurd-Wood along-with celebrity supporters of the charity Shooting Star CHASE, Keeley Hawes, Matthew MacFadyen, and Max Clifford joined more than 50 children with life-limiting illnesses and their families for the event on Sunday, 20^th December 2009. The children at CHASE hospice in Guildford, Surrey, England were given the Christmas surprise of a lifetime. The charity worked with Coca-Cola and the Merlin Group, which runs Alton Towers, Chessington World of Adventures and The London Eye, to transform Christopher’s Hospice into a winter wonderland.^[6]

Career

Timeline

2002 - 2003

Rachel Hurd-Wood's career in acting started as serendipitous and lucky event as she describes it. In 2002 she was picked for the role of Wendy Darling from thousands of hopefuls after her grandparents spotted a television clip that said P. J. Hogan was searching for a "young English rose" for his film. She won the part despite having practically no acting experience in the film about the boy who would not grow up, the feature film Peter Pan, based on J. M. Barrie's Peter and Wendy. She was cast as the lead opposite Jeremy Sumpter, who played Peter Pan in the film. She traveled to Gold Coast, Australia for the filming and during her eight month spell in Never Never Land she got to work with Jason Isaacs, Richard Briers and Lynn Redgrave.^[7][8] Her performance received good reviews and was nominated for a Saturn Award for Best Performance by a Younger Actor, and a Young Artist Award for Best Performance in a Feature Film - Leading Young Actress.^[9]

2004

Rachel Hurd-Wood joined Rupert Everett (in the role of Sherlock Holmes), Tamsin Egerton (as Rachel's older sister Miranda Helhoughton), and Christine Kavanagh (who plays the role of her mother) in the TV movie Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Silk Stocking. She enacts the 13 year-old Imogen Helhoughton, a victim of a serial killer. The film follows Sherlock Holmes tracking down the serial killer who stalks teenaged daughters of the aristocracy. The film was directed by Simon Cellan Jones, written by Allan Cubitt and produced by the BBC, WGBH Boston and Tiger Aspect Productions.^[10]

She was cast in the lead with Donald Sutherland and Sissy Spacek in the 2005 thriller, An American Haunting. In the Courtney Solomon-directed film, based on events that took place in Tennessee during the 1800s, Hurd-Wood plays Sutherland and Spacek's youngest daughter Betsy, who is haunted and tormented by an unrelenting demon.^[11]

2005

Rachel Hurd-Wood appeared with Alan Rickman and Dustin Hoffman in director Tom Tykwer's adaptation of the bestselling novel by German writer Patrick Süskind, Perfume: The Story of a Murderer. In the drama, set in 18th century France, Hurd-Wood portrays Laure Richis, Alan Rickman's character's daughter, a red-headed virgin who would be the crown 13th note of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille's (played by British actor Ben Whishaw) perfume. It was released to theaters on 27 December 2006.

2007

Rachel Hurd-Wood starred as a waitress in the music video for the song "A Little Bit" by Madeleine Peyroux, produced by Universal Music International.^[12]

She appeared alongside L.S.C. Oakeshott & Ox.Eagle.Lion.Man in the music video for "Fatherhood/Motherhood" by Ox.Eagle.Lion.Man. The video was directed by George Fafalios and produced by Transgressive Records released in the month of November.^[13]

2008

Rachel Hurd-Wood played Meredith Crowthorn, the heroine whose fate is entwined with that of James Purefoy's title role in the film Solomon Kane. The movie is based on Robert E. Howard's cloaked pulp character Solomon Kane. She portrays the daughter of William Crowthorn head of the Puritan family, enacted by Pete Postlethwaite and Katherine Crowthorn performed by Alice Krige. Rachel's younger brother Patrick Hurd-Wood appears in the film as Meredith's brother Samuel. She recalls, "[my brother playing the part] was brilliant because I was only 17 at the time, so it was great to have him around on set."^[14] Veteran actor Max von Sydow appears in the film as Solomon's father.^[15] The film set in plague-infested 16^th century England has Meredith being captured by a band of marauders while her father and brothers are killed. In his dying moments William pleads with Kane to rescue her and tells him that Kane would be redeemed if Meredith was saved.^[16] Many feminists have complained that Howard demeaned women, and in his Kane tales that's probably true (although he also wrote the Conan the Barbarian books, and there's nothing subservient about Red Sonja). But in the film the heroine is not so much a damsel in distress as a very feisty young woman who doesn't think she needs a hero to 'rescue' her.^[17] Principal photography for the film occured in Prague, Czech Republic from January to April of 2008. Rachel was on location for the shoot for a month and a half while still studying for her GCSE A-levels at Godalming College in Surrey, England.^[18] The writer and director of the movie, Michael J. Bassett took extreme measures "so his cast and crew have been working in the cold, the rain, and as much mud as possible."^[17] Rachel recalls of the filming experience, "Physically, it was a very demanding role. I had to jump off a cliff and I had to swim in a mind-numbingly cold river in Prague in the winter …it was horrifically cold with my body under the water. My head, hair and hands were uncovered and really hurt."^[19] Samuel Hadida, the producer of the film says, "Meredith's character carries the innocence and pureness that encourages Solomon to take up arms once more in order to fulfill a mission. It is thanks to her that this man, who comes across as very cold, will reveal his humanity."^[16] Rachel comments, "I play a girl called Meredith, who falls in love with a much older guy so it never blossoms into anything."^[14] The film was co-produced by Paul Berrow, Michael Berrow for Davis-Films, Czech Anglo Productions and Wandering Star.^[20]

Later in the year she acted in the film Dorian Gray based on the acclaimed Oscar Wilde novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray. She was in the key role of the young budding actress Sibyl Vane, with whom Dorian Gray, portrayed by Ben Barnes, falls in love. Dorian proposes marriage to her, but after Lord Henry Wotton, played by Colin Firth, warns him that having children would be "the beginning of the end" he goes with Henry to a brothel. This breaks Sibyl's heart as Gray leaves her and she drowns herself in a river when she realizes she is pregnant. The film has Johnny Harris enacting the part of Sybil's brother James Vane. The filming took place at various locations in London, Berkshire, Middlesex and at Ealing Studios in summer. Rachel was studying in the first year of the Linguistics course at University College London while working in this film.^[18] The movie is directed by Oliver Parker, adapted by Toby Finlay and produced by Paul Brett, Simon Fawcett and others for a co-production of Ealing Studios, Alliance Films and others, with financial assistance from UK Film Council. It was first released on 9 September 2009 in Ireland.

2009

Rachel Hurd-Wood was cast in one of the principle roles of the character Corrie Mackenzie in the Australian adventure film Tomorrow, When the War Began based on the novel of the same name (first in a series of seven) by John Marsden. Coincidentally, this was one of the books she had to read during tutored classes when she was in Australia in 2002-03 for the filming of Peter Pan. Before traveling to Australia for the shoot lasting about 3 months, Rachel decided that the would quit her Linguistics degree halfway, and concentrate full-time on acting. The movie has Caitlin Stasey (Ellie Linton) as the lead, Rachel who plays her close childhood friend (Corrie), Lincoln Lewis (as Kevin Holmes, Corrie's boyfriend), Phoebe Tonkin (Fiona Maxwell), Ashleigh Cummings (Robyn Mathers), and others. Stuart Beattie, making his directorial debut with this film, recalls of the casting of Rachel, "We initially set up screen tests in Los Angeles and London because of all the Aussies over there. The excitement that generated lead us to seeing more great actors and the moment I saw Rachel’s screen test I knew our search for Corrie was over." The movie has Rachel playing a contemporary teen in a modern day setting for the first time. All her previous appearances have been in period-pieces and a fantasy movie. She is also with co-stars of the same age group, in contrast to all her previous films (except Peter Pan) where she has been with older and more accomplished ensembles. She says of the experience of the shoot, "…we all got on so well and [the movie] really reflects all our relationships with each other …it's good memories …[watching the movie] is like looking at holiday photos …". Her friendship with the cast members continues off set, especially with Phoebe Tonkin and Caitlin Stasey. Spectators in Australia favored Rachel's portrayal of a character very close to their hearts; the impeccable Australian accent she put on left no trace of the "English" actor causing the audience there to believe that she was native to Australia, serving as a testament to Rachel's talent. The principal photography took place from September to November in the Hunter region and Blue Mountains National Park of New South Wales, Australia. Stuart Beattie was the writer and Andrew Mason was the producer for Ambience Entertainment and Omnilab Media. The film was released on the 2^nd of September 2010 in Australia and New Zealand.^{[21][22][23][24][3][25][26]}

2010

Rachel Hurd-Wood portrays the lead character Mae-West O'Mara (named after the actress Mae West) in the film Hideaways. She plays opposite Harry Treadaway in the role of James Furlong. The fantasy/fairy-tale romance film was initially titled "The Last Furlong" and is named "The Last Son, La Malédiction" in France (French dialogues). Principal photography was done on location in Ireland including at Ballygarth Castle in Julianstown, Meath, Shanganagh Castle in Shankill, Dublin and Wicklow from May to July.^[27] The schedule of filming had to be extended because Rachel fell ill during the shoot.^[28] The movie has Rachel narrating a story to her 6-year-old daughter, about the men in the Furlong family being born with strange, miraculous powers; about her father James who has a terrible power of killing anything alive nearby when he suffers physical or emotional discomfort. Rachel plays the role of a teenage girl suffering from an inherited form of terminal cancer; a patient at a reformatory turned hospital who runs away from her caring but overbearing mother, played by Susan Lynch, and other well-wishers; feeling the need to wander the woods where she meets James Furlong. Mae is inquisitive, kind & very resilient & the two soon fall in love. The feel of the movie has been likened to the dark elements in the Twilight saga by some critics, when the film was screened at the TriBeCa film festival in 2011.^[29][30] Rachel Hurd-Wood's performance has been well-received by the critics, calling her "charismatic"^[30] & "… the heart and soul of the film, the one the girls will relate to and the guys are going to love…".^[29] "If the the film works it's due in large part to her stellar performance." says a reviewer^[29]. Another reviewer comments, "When the light hits Mae's eyes, it's like you can see whole worlds being born and being destroyed ad infinitum.", "Hurd-Wood's chemistry with Treadaway is instant, the two are a joy to watch, and their romance is the heart of the film…", "… [Rachel's & Harry's] two great central performances…".^[31] The feature film is directed by Agnès Merlet and the story has been written by Nick Murphy. The movie has been produced by Olivier Delbosc, Marc Missonnier and Jean-Luc Ormières under a co-production banner of studios in France, Ireland & Sweden.^[30].

She next featured in the official music video "Revolver" by Warehouse Republic along-with Henry Leroy-Salta, Alex Howson & Charlie Flynn of Warehouse Republic, Andrei Nedelea of Red Stag Management (who also produced the video) and others. The video was shot on location at Apostles Wine Bar, Raynes Park, London in the month of October. It was directed by Pedro Brehm and was released on the 6^th of December 2010. The video is becoming a hit on YouTube, in part due to Rachel starring in it, according to Red Stag Management.^[32][33][34]

2011

Rachel Hurd-Wood played the role of the babysitter in the short film Let's Go Play at the Adams based on the book of the same name by Mendal Jonhson. The shooting took place in London in the month of April. She was joined by Amber Townsend and other student actors in the film directed by London-based Sebastian Godwin.^[35][36]

She next acted in the short film It Ends Here directed by her friend Zimon Drake. The film was shot in the month of July. The short has been produced by Carmen Monzanez-Callen and Zimon Drake under the banner of French Kiss Films.^[37]

She portrays the younger version of the character Isabel performed by Jenny Agutter in the short film The Mapmaker. Rachel is paired with Harry Eden who is in the role of the younger Rowan character. Harry Eden is Rachel's co-star from the film Peter Pan in which he plays one of the Lost Boys. The movie is about the life of Rowan (played by Charles Dance) and Isabel and their love that is all too fleeting. Their past collides with the present and Rowan is called upon to make a sacrifice that will preserve their unity forever. The filming took place in the month of October, some of which occurred in London^[38] . The story has been written by Scott James Bassett and the movie directed by Stephen Johnson. Both are producers of the film under the banner of Flame47.^[39]

2012

Rachel Hurd-Wood was cast in the film Highway to Dhampus in the role of Elizabeth James. She will be seen in the movie along with Gunner Wright, Nepalese actors Raj Ballav Koirala, Suesha Rana, and others. The story of the movie, a Nepalese story, has been kept under wraps but it is concerned with the the effect foreigners have on locals in Nepal and their impact on the simplicity of life of the local people. Rachel has said that one can see a positive outlook towards the changes in Nepal with this film. The shooting for the film was originally planned to be done in India, but the locales in Nepal appealed to the film unit, so principal photography (about 85% of the movie) of the film was done in Nepal from January-end till the first week of March. It was done at various locations including Kathmandu, Dhampus, Pokhara, Ramechhap and Phaplu. Rachel herself commented that Pokhara had to be the closest to paradise that she had ever experienced. Some filming has been done in the UK and the rest will be done in Kuwait, Los Angeles and other locations in the US. The movie is being directed by Rick McFarland (producer of My Girlfriend's Boyfriend) and produced by Rick McFarland, John de Blas Williams and Jaswant Dev Shrestha under the banner of Fifty Films.^{[40][41][42][43][44]}

Citations

Rachel Hurd-Wood has been included in "The Annual Independent Critics List of the 100 Most Beautiful Famous Faces" list every year after she turned 18. TC Candler’s "Annual Independent Critics List of the 100 Most Beautiful Famous Faces" is not a popularity contest. It is not about the “sexiest” or the “most famous”. Rather, it aims to be a very international list — one that is inclusive of many cultures, lifestyles, professions and degrees of fame. TC Candler’s list intends to inform public opinion rather than reflect it. This list searches far and wide, listening to the millions of suggestions submitted every year, and tries to put together a list representative of the modern ideal of beauty. Aesthetic perfection is only one of the criteria. Grace, elegance, class, poise, joy, promise, hope… they are all embodied in a beautiful face.

• 2008 - ranked 36^[45]
• 2009 - ranked 16^[46]
• 2010 - ranked 54^[47]
• 2011 - ranked 58^[48]

Filmography

Movies

TV

Music videos (as an actress)

As herself

References

External links

• Rachel Hurd-Wood at the Internet Movie Database