Hollywood’s golden boy just revealed an unexpected name on his list of all-time great Britons.
Timothée Chalamet, the 29-year-old actor currently dominating awards season, didn’t choose another A-list celebrity or historical figure.
Instead, he named Susan Boyle—the Scottish singer who captured hearts worldwide with her 2009 Britain’s Got Talent audition.
His reasoning? Pure and surprisingly profound.
Why Susan Boyle Made Chalamet’s List
During a recent interview in London, Chalamet was compiling his roster of great Britons worthy of receiving a promotional jacket for his new film, Marty Supreme. After naming Lewis Hamilton, David and Victoria Beckham, and underground rapper Fakemink, he paused for deep thought.
Then came his final pick: Susan Boyle.
She dreamt bigger than all of us.
Chalamet spoke without any hint of irony, genuinely moved by Boyle’s story. The 64-year-old former talent show contestant went on to achieve two US number one albums after her viral audition performance of “I Dreamed A Dream” from Les Misérables.
Who wasn’t moved by that? I remember that like it was yesterday. That was like the advent of YouTube, you know.
A Reflection on Pursuing Greatness
Chalamet’s admiration for Boyle isn’t random—it reflects his own philosophy about ambition and authenticity. His new film Marty Supreme explores similar themes through the semi-fictionalized story of 1950s table tennis champion Marty Reisman.
The actor has already earned Golden Globe and Critics Choice nominations for his frenetically entertaining performance. Oscar watchers currently see him in a head-to-head race with Leonardo DiCaprio for best actor.
When you’re in your early twenties, you’re an idiot. And this movie, in large part, is about being an idiot in your early twenties. And if on top of that, you have a passion that you’re singular about, you risk looking foolish in addition to being an idiot.
The Confidence Question
Earlier this year, Chalamet made waves with his SAG Award acceptance speech for playing Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. Wearing a bright green suit, he boldly declared his pursuit of greatness, listing Daniel Day-Lewis, Marlon Brando, Viola Davis, and Michael Jordan as inspirations.
But in conversation, he reveals a far more humble and introspective side.
You know, it ebbs and flows. And I feel like that’s kind of what keeps me on my toes.
Approaching 30, Chalamet describes himself as still learning and growing. His confidence isn’t unwavering—it fluctuates with his New York mentality where everything either feels great or like the world’s falling apart.
I think increasingly in my life, like as I approach 30 here in a couple weeks, you want to be more on your feet. You want to grow into yourself. But that is a constant learning process. And it’s a huge learning curve. And I try not to be too hard on myself or those around me who are also growing.
Seven Years of Table Tennis Training
Chalamet’s dedication to authenticity drives his career choices. He spent five years learning guitar for Dylan; for Marty Supreme, he embarked on seven years of table tennis training after first being approached with the project in 2018.
I think the responsibility in this movie, like in the Bob Dylan movie, if you were a Dylan fan or a guitar player, that that looks real to you on screen. Similarly here, if you’re a ping-pong aficionado, that that looks believable to you.
His commitment went beyond scheduled training sessions. He took his table tennis table into the desert during Dune filming and played between takes on Wonka.
And he’s already preparing for future roles, though he stays cryptic about details.
I can’t give anything away, but I do have a couple of white rabbits up my sleeve.
Fighting for Cinema’s Survival
Marty Supreme arrives at a pivotal moment for theatrical releases. Netflix recently announced intentions to buy Warner Bros, while Chalamet’s film—produced by indie powerhouse A24—will receive a wide cinema release with no streaming component.
When asked if cinemas will survive throughout his career, Chalamet considers the question carefully.
I do think with streaming stuff, there’s less incentive for these streaming companies to try to put things in theatres, which is dangerous. But equally, I do think cinemas will survive and thrive. And that’s not to be a false optimist.
He views his role as bringing traditional cinema to audiences rather than simply asking people to revisit an old format. Marty Supreme represents that mission—an original film at a time when few original films get made.
There’s no part of me that’s a salesman that’s saying this, but I’ve never been more confident in saying, hey, if you bring yourself to see this movie, you won’t be let down. It’s really like a slingshot.
Reflecting on His Twenties
As Chalamet prepares to turn 30, he looks back on a decade that included two Oscar nominations, starring roles in Dune and Wonka, and establishing himself as one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars.
It’s been great. You know, it’s been awesome. I feel like I’m living in a dream. I’m on top of a fancy hotel in London and talking about a film I’m deeply passionate about.
His journey from promising young actor to awards season fixture mirrors Susan Boyle’s own trajectory—both dreamers who refused to let convention limit their ambitions.
About to turn 30 and ready to channel his inner Susan Boyle, Timothée Chalamet continues dreaming bigger than most would dare. Marty Supreme releases on Boxing Day, offering audiences another chance to witness what happens when raw talent meets unwavering dedication.