Timothée Chalamet may be one of the most talked-about actors of his generation, but when it comes to admiration, his tastes stretch far beyond Hollywood. During a recent visit to London, the 29-year-old star surprised many by revealing that one of the British figures he considers an all-time great is none other than Susan Boyle — the Scottish singer who captivated the world with her unforgettable talent show audition in 2009.
The unexpected choice came as Chalamet reflected on British icons who, in his eyes, represent true greatness. His list already included global sports and style powerhouses, but his final pick came from a place of deep emotional resonance rather than celebrity status.
A Personal List of British Greats
Chalamet began compiling his list by naming Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula One world champion whose influence stretches far beyond the racetrack. He then mentioned David and Victoria Beckham, a duo synonymous with British pop culture, fashion, and global appeal.
Next, he surprised listeners again by referencing Fakemink, an underground London rapper who has recently collaborated with the anonymous Liverpool drill artist EsDeeKid. When asked about speculation linking him personally to that music project, Chalamet responded with a playful refusal to elaborate, hinting that clarity would come in time.
But it was his final choice that truly caught people off guard. After pausing to think carefully, Chalamet confidently named Susan Boyle, instantly shifting the tone of the conversation.
Why Susan Boyle Matters
To Chalamet, Susan Boyle represents something rare and deeply moving. He spoke with genuine admiration about her journey, emphasizing that her story transcended fame, age, or industry expectations.
“She dreamt bigger than all of us,” he said, reflecting on Boyle’s rise from obscurity to international stardom. Her performance of I Dreamed a Dream on a televised talent competition became one of the earliest truly viral moments of the internet era.
Chalamet recalled the impact of watching that clip in 2009, describing it as unforgettable. At the time, online video platforms were just beginning to shape global culture, and Boyle’s audition became a shared emotional experience for millions around the world.
“Who wasn’t moved by that?” he added, emphasizing the universal reaction to her voice, vulnerability, and authenticity.
Promoting a Film in Unconventional Ways
Chalamet’s reflections on British greatness are tied to his creative promotional campaign for his upcoming film Marty Supreme. Instead of relying solely on traditional press tours, the actor has been handing out jackets bearing the film’s title to individuals he personally considers “great.”
So far, recipients have included Olympic swimming legend Michael Phelps, NFL icon Tom Brady, and Spanish football prodigy Lamine Yamal. Each jacket is less a marketing gimmick and more a personal endorsement — a symbolic passing of respect from one high achiever to another.
His London stop included opening a pop-up store dedicated to the film, where fans gathered to get a glimpse of the project and its unique retro aesthetic. Sitting in a hotel bar overlooking Hyde Park, Chalamet appeared relaxed, reflective, and fully immersed in the moment.
Awards Buzz and a Career-Defining Performance
Marty Supreme has already generated major awards momentum. Chalamet’s performance has earned him Best Actor nominations at both the Golden Globe Awards and the Critics Choice Awards. Industry insiders currently see the awards race as a close contest between Chalamet and Leonardo DiCaprio.
The film is inspired by the life of post-war American table tennis star Marty Reisman. In the semi-fictionalized version, Chalamet plays Marty Mauser — a gifted but morally conflicted player whose ambition leads him into questionable territory, including criminal schemes and personal betrayals.
Despite his character’s flaws, Chalamet feels a strong connection to the role. He sees Marty Mauser as a reflection of youthful obsession, passion, and the reckless confidence that often defines one’s early twenties.
Chasing Greatness Without Apology
Chalamet’s confidence became a major talking point earlier this year when he accepted a prestigious acting award for portraying Bob Dylan in A Complete Unknown. During his speech, he openly declared his pursuit of greatness — a statement that sparked debate but also admiration.
Asked later about where that confidence comes from, Chalamet offered a more nuanced answer. He admitted that his self-belief fluctuates, shaped by both success and self-doubt. Growing up in New York, he said, taught him to feel everything intensely — whether triumph or failure.
As he approaches his 30th birthday, Chalamet appears increasingly focused on growth, humility, and self-awareness. He acknowledges that personal development is a continuous process and tries not to be overly critical of himself or others navigating similar paths.
Looking Back on His Twenties
Reflecting on the past decade, Chalamet spoke with unmistakable gratitude. His twenties included multiple Oscar nominations, massive box-office successes like Dune and Wonka, and the opportunity to work with some of the most respected filmmakers in the industry.
Rather than sounding overwhelmed, he described the experience as surreal and deeply fulfilling. Sitting atop a luxury hotel in London, discussing a project he is passionate about, he acknowledged that he often feels like he is living inside a dream.
Humor remains a key part of his personality. He joked about unintentionally offending someone from Scotland by wearing an English football shirt during the interview — a light moment that reflected his self-awareness and charm.
Total Commitment to the Craft
Chalamet’s success is inseparable from his intense preparation for roles. For his portrayal of Bob Dylan, he spent five years learning to play the guitar. For Marty Supreme, he dedicated nearly seven years to mastering table tennis.
He trained relentlessly during downtime on other film sets, even bringing a table tennis setup into the desert while filming Dune. Between takes on Wonka, cast and crew reportedly joined him for impromptu ping-pong matches.
His goal, he explained, is authenticity. Whether a viewer is a Dylan fan or a table tennis enthusiast, he wants the performance to feel real.
A Belief in the Big Screen
At a time when streaming platforms dominate entertainment, Marty Supreme stands out as a film designed for a wide theatrical release. Produced by an acclaimed independent studio, the movie champions original storytelling at a moment when franchises dominate cinemas.
Chalamet remains cautiously optimistic about the future of movie theaters. While he acknowledges the challenges posed by streaming, he believes cinemas will survive — and that young actors have a responsibility to bring audiences back through compelling, original work.
He insists that Marty Supreme is not being sold on hype alone. In his view, the film delivers energy, originality, and emotional payoff — the kind that reminds audiences why the shared cinematic experience still matters.
As Timothée Chalamet prepares to turn 30, his admiration for Susan Boyle feels symbolic. Like her, he believes in dreaming boldly, embracing authenticity, and trusting that passion — when pursued wholeheartedly — can still change everything.