Victoria Smurfit shines in Rivals—a Disney+ role tied to her mother's legacy
Victoria Smurfit stars as Maud O’Hara in the new Disney+ series Rivals, which premieres this Friday. The show marks a personal milestone for the actress, whose mother adored the Jilly Cooper novel it’s based on. Smurfit’s career has spanned decades, from early roles in Ballykissangel and Cold Feet to her latest high-profile part. Smurfit was born into one of Ireland’s wealthiest families, with her father Dermot and uncle Michael building a £16 billion fortune through Smurfit WestRock, the global packaging giant. Despite the family’s vast wealth, she has described her upbringing as normal and grounded. Her childhood home was a £14 million castle overlooking Dublin Bay, a historic estate that once hosted kings Edward VII and George V.
Today, she lives with her family in a riverside home by the Thames in south-west London. Her personal life has seen changes too: after divorcing her first husband, Douglas Baxter, she married banker Steve Jacobs in 2023. The *Rivals* series holds special meaning for Smurfit. She recently met Queen Camilla on set, shortly after Jilly Cooper’s death. The show’s second season launches on Disney+ with a three-episode premiere on Friday, with further episodes arriving later this year.
The new series brings Smurfit back into the spotlight, blending her long-standing career with a story close to her family’s heart. Rivals will introduce her portrayal of Maud O’Hara to a fresh audience, while the show’s connection to her mother’s favourite novel adds a personal touch. The premiere marks the latest chapter in a career that has seen her move from Irish drama to international productions.
