(L) Dress by NAYA REA. (R) Suit by HEBE.
If you have a 25th hour to every day where you wouldn’t be tired to dedicate to one activity, what would you spend the time on?
My family are the most important thing to me so if there was a 25th hour to every day, I would spend it with them.
Which film or television character did you relate the most to growing up?
I don’t know if I particularly related to a character growing up however I was captivated by Vivien Leigh’s Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With The Wind and watching her certainly influenced my longing to become an actress.
Suit by HEBE.
If you found out that 30 days from now long distance travel would once again become a months-long proposition, where would you visit before the change?
There is so much of the world that I haven’t seen. I would love to explore New Zealand, China, Africa but if I had to choose, I would like to visit the temples in Burma. I love history and love learning of different cultures.
What is the most brazen thing you’ve heard of someone do to try and get a part?
I’ve heard a few tales of brazen acts to win roles. Cameron Diaz’s audition for Being John Malkovich comes to mind – rumour has it she turned up in costume and makeup at a top restaurant where she knew Spike Jonze was eating having failed to win him over in the auditions. He didn’t recognise her and cast her immediately.
What’s the last book that you re-read and film you re-watched?
At the moment I am submerged in reading the Poldark novels so haven’t read anything new for a while. My favourite novel is The Good Father by Noah Hawley and is one I would definitely re-read. I recently re-watched one of my favourite films, Sense and Sensibility. I adore both Kate Winslet and Emma Thompson and find them inspiring as both women and actresses. They give me something to strive for within my own career.
If the pay and hours were all the same, would you rather be a cab driver, a train conductor or an airplane pilot?
I think I would be an airplane pilot. It would terrify me but would be so exciting! I would also like to try driving a tube train just once but I am scared of mice.
What is the greatest or the most memorable compliment you’ve ever been given?
To be honest I can’t remember a specific compliment but if I am congratulated on my work or performance, that always sticks with me and is always lovely to hear. To receive praise for a job you love doing as well as seeing how you have touched someone’s life is a wonderful compliment.
Dress by TOPSHOP UNIQUE.
If you had to live inside any popular tourist destination such as the Statue of Liberty or Eiffel Tower, which would you pick?
I would hate to live at a popular tourist destination as you wouldn’t be able to move for selfie sticks but if I had to choose one, it would be Buckingham Palace. For pretty obvious reasons really!
What job do you find is the most compelling for a character to have in a film but does not appeal to you at all in real life?
I would love to play an assassin however have no wish to be an assassin in real life. Perhaps a Bond Girl would be a good opportunity. Yes please!
Since immersing yourself in the historical side of Poldark, what aspect of modern living do you realize you would miss the most if you were to live in the 18th century?
I would really miss modern medicine if I had to live in Poldark times, especially seen as Demelza has a child. I don’t fancy the old wooden spoon to bite down on!
What do you think is the biggest small gesture? For instance: always looking someone in the eye when they speak, holding a door open, etc
I think the biggest small gesture is when a man helps a woman to carry her suitcase down some stairs – it is so rare now and if you’re like me and always wearing a pair of ridiculous heels, it is so lovely if someone stops to help as opposed to watching you struggle. I’m all for old school manners.
What piece of art has moved you the most?
Art is such a funny one. What exactly is art? When I think of pieces that have moved me, I think of the Damien Hurst exhibition I went to a few years ago. It was fascinating and yet totally bizarre. I have recently done a film called Loving Vincent about the life of Vincent Van Gogh – it is the first film ever to be completely hand painted from start to finish and I am incredibly excited about it. I have bought a few of the key pieces from the film as a keepsake and I feel incredibly ‘moved’ by them as it is an honour to be a part of such an extraordinary project, not to mention the beauty of the paintings themselves and the time and effort that has gone into them.
Eleanor Tomlinson can be seen in Alleycats, available now on digital download and on DVD and Blu-Ray August 29 (UK). She returns in Poldark starting September 4 on BBC One (UK).
As told to Paul Vaughan for TPJ
Creative Director & Photographer: Jessie Craig
Stylist: Harriet Byczok
Hair: Fabio Nogueira
Makeup: Rebecca Richards using Murad skincare & Delilah cosmetics
Delightful interview with a delightful and talented actress, she has the world at her feet, so
should take every opportunity coming her way, she is so lucky to be beautiful, talented, and
her portrayal of Demelza had me captivated immediately, well done Eleanor, wishing you
happiness always….
Her favorite movie is “Gone With the Wind”? I hope she doesn’t regard it as the ultimate portrayal of the American Civil War.