Thomasin Mckenzie Spills On Juggling Hollywood, Impostor Syndrome, And New Roles

Thomasin Tackles Impostor Syndrome

Thomasin McKenzie is opening up about the personal battles she faces as she navigates the glittering but grueling world of Hollywood. Despite her rising star status, the actress reveals her ongoing struggles with impostor syndrome. “I have to remind myself I’ve worked hard for this, but I still feel impostor syndrome with everything I do,” she confesses. Preparation is her shield against anxiety – perfecting accents and memorizing lines are her way of combating the jitters on set.

Drawing on wisdom from her mother, Dame Miranda Harcourt, Thomasin finds strength in the mantra to “be like a smooth pebble in a stream,” allowing herself to let the pressures flow around her. Her approach to patience and resilience is not only her guiding light but also a lesson she shares with her younger sister, Davida, who is following her own path in acting.

Fackham Hall and Beyond

Thomasin’s latest project is the film Fackham Hall, where she stars opposite Tom Felton, famed for his role as Draco Malfoy. Describing the film as a “spoof that crosses Downton Abbey with Flying High and Monty Python,” she couldn’t resist the comedic allure after finding herself in fits of laughter while reading the script. Portraying heiress Rose Davenport, Thomasin admits to feeling the heat of leading the cast in such a vibrant comedy. Yet, she credits the experience with giving her a taste of aristocratic life, especially while filming at the lavish Knowsley Hall in the UK.

“I’m a big Harry Potter fan,” she beams, “I always wished I could inhabit that world. Tom’s a dream. He’s a wonderful person with a heart of gold.”

Alongside Fackham Hall, Thomasin is making waves with her upcoming role in The Testament Of Ann Lee alongside Amanda Seyfried. The big buzz, however, surrounds her casting in Dinner With Audrey, where she will portray the iconic Audrey Hepburn – a role she’s both nervous and thrilled about tackling.

Balancing Fame and Home

As her career reaches new heights, Thomasin cherishes the support of her boyfriend, Benjamin Sarikaya, who accompanies her on her international adventures, thanks to the flexibility of remote work. Still, fame doesn’t erase the pangs of homesickness. Spending summers back in her native Aotearoa offers solace, as do daily calls to her parents and listening to recordings of New Zealand’s natural beauty.

“That keeps me grounded,” Thomasin shares, underlining how crucial her roots are amid the whirlwind of Hollywood life. Whether through reminiscing with family photos or hearing familiar bird songs, she finds peace in these connections, ensuring she never loses sight of where she comes from.