Matt Smith’s Sister: Laura Jayne Smith Was the One Who Persuaded ‘The Crown’ Star to Pursue Acting

Matt Smith's sister, Laura Jayne Smith, was an entertainer before her brother became an actor. She is also the reason why Matt chose to change his career from becoming a professional athlete to a screen actor.

Matt Smith rose to fame after bringing life to the Doctor in the iconic hit series "Doctor Who." He later landed significant roles in other television shows such as "The Crown'' and "House of the Dragon."

However, becoming an on-screen actor was never his aspiration. As a teen, Matt dreamed of becoming a professional soccer player.

After injuring his back, he ended up joining the National Youth Theatre. His talent in the craft eventually developed, and at 26, he became the youngest actor to land a lead role in "Doctor Who."

His success in the entertainment industry is a product of his hard work and skill. However, Matt credits his sister, Laura Jayne Smith, for persuading him to become an actor.

Matt Smith's Sister, Laura Jayne Smith, Is a Dancer

Laura Jayne joins her brother in the entertainment industry as a cabaret dancer. She is recognized for her performances in "Beyond the Sea," "Eric Prydz: Call on Me," and "Keith Lemon's Fit."

At the young age of nine, Laura Jayne would convince her brother to sell their neighbor tickets to her dance performances until it eventually became her career. She later toured the world as a backing dancer with big names.

In 2008, Laura Jayne, who goes by the stage name Princess Girly, founded The Girly Show, a cabaret group that would later star in a television show.

Laura Jayne Convinced Her Brother to Pursue an Acting Career

Laura Jayne was a pivotal factor in her brother's on-screen success, having been the force that drove him to pursue an acting career. Before becoming a television star, Matt played for Nottingham Forest and Leicester City.

His dreams of having an athletic career were crushed after his injury, and Laura Jayne felt the need to find him another interest. When she partook in a West End production at 18, Laura Jayne's brother watched her show 57 times. She said:

"I knew he had to have more than a passing interest in performing, so I persuaded him to pursue it."

Matt then joined the National Youth Theatre and took up drama at the University of East Anglia. He later landed a role in Alan Bennett's "The History Boys," performing at the Royal National Theatre. Matt's career has since been a whirlwind of success.

Matt Smith and Laura Jayne Are Inseparable

Matt and Laura Jayne share an incredibly close relationship, so much so that he took her to several red-carpet events in the past. In 2013, the siblings appeared side-by-side at the GQ awards and posed sweetly for the cameras.

The actor's sister looked stunning in a sea-green Grecian-style dress with minimal accessories. Meanwhile, her brother looked dapper in a simple tux.

Two years later, Laura Jayne accompanied his brother to the premiere of "Cinderella," where Matt came to support his then-girlfriend and the movie's leading lady, Lily James. In 2018, Laura Jayne walked the red carpet yet again to join his brother in the "Mamma Mia" premiere.

Besides Lily James, Matt Smith has been linked to several celebrities, including Billie Piper, with whom he worked on "The Ruby in the Smoke" and "Secret Diary of a Call Girl."

In 2009, Matt met Brazilian actress Mayana Moura. Their long-distance relationship was reportedly the reason for their breakup. The "Crown" star also dated British model-actress Daisy Lowe for several years before breaking up in 2013. His current love interest remains a mystery.