Vanity Fair leads Olivia Cooke and Claudia Jessie have suggested that “on paper” they shouldn’t be starring in the series, because of their class backgrounds.
The two actresses – who play heroine Becky Sharp and best friend Amelia Sedley – told Digital Spy that they’ve both hard to work hard to overcome class snobbery and assumptions about the types of roles they can play.
“Just because you have a famous dad or your mum was a director, or you went to Eton and then to RADA and then Hollywood, it doesn’t mean that makes you a better actor than Claudia or me,” Cooke said.
“I think Olivia and I would be called ‘really lucky’ to get here, but it was so difficult because [initially] nobody wanted to hire me,” Jessie added.
“On paper, this shouldn’t have happened for us. On paper, we shouldn’t be in this show because of our circumstances and background.”
Cooke insisted that there’s “even a class structure” of sorts on most film sets. “The actors, directors, producers, and the crew, catering, teamsters – it’s all like a big, weird hierarchy that needs to be completely eradicated because it’s just bizarre,” she said.
“It makes me feel uncomfortable,” Jessie agreed. “It’s an intimidating environment.”
Vanity Fair is based on William Makepeace Thackeray’s 1840s novel, which follows the moneyless Sharp and wealthy Sedley as they negotiate life, romance and English society.
Cooke described the cunning, strong-willed Sharp as an “anti-heroine”.
“She’s incredibly powerful in her choices, yet herself and her choices are completely flawed,” she said. “I don’t think either Amelia or Becky are heroes.
“I really relished in being selfish and naughty and mischievous and dastardly at times – I really, really enjoyed it.”
Suranne Jones, Martin Clunes and Michael Pain will also feature in Vanity Fair, which will air on ITV next month.
The series begins on Sunday, September 2 at 9pm on ITV, with episode two airing the following Monday (September 3). It will then continue on Sunday nights.
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