Actor Morfydd Clark: “I Seem to Have This Uncanny Vibe About Me”

There’s something enigmatic about Morfydd Clark, the 35-year-old Welsh actor. It’s evident in her performances and in person. With her pale, almost translucent skin and watery blue eyes, she has become the go-to choice for directors seeking the ethereal and otherworldly. This is why she fits perfectly as the elvish leader Galadriel in Prime Video’s prequel “The Rings of Power,” a role previously played by Cate Blanchett in the “Lord of the Rings” films. Additionally, she is in demand within the horror genre, notably after her breakout role as a pious, uptight nurse in the 2019 indie film “Saint Maud,” which earned her a BAFTA Rising Star nomination.

Clark views her casting in a different light. She chuckles, mentioning it’s humbling to frequently be cast as someone “really freaky.” She didn’t realize she exuded that vibe. Even her on-screen kisses often end up being “sad kisses.” She finds it fascinating that she has a slightly uncanny aura that fits well in such roles.

However, she acknowledges the fun in portraying these weird characters. Clark expresses her excitement about playing not just creepy but also somewhat gross female characters. For her, characters like Maud are liberating despite their strange actions.

When meeting her, it’s clear that Clark, dressed in a vintage black dress with puffed sleeves and sporting her natural auburn hair, isn’t inherently freaky or creepy. She might be a bit eccentric, but in an endearing way. She’s funny, curious, and often steers conversations into unexpected territories. In one instance, they had an involved discussion about taming a fox versus a hare.

Clark is undeniably extraordinary in her craft. “The Rings of Power,” touted as the most expensive TV series ever made, has been a colossal global hit, becoming Prime Video’s most-watched original show. The show returns for a second season this month with more Sauron action. Clark is also set to appear in “Starve Acre,” a psychological thriller starring Matt Smith. Further, she is leading in two plays – “Look Back in Anger” and “Roots” – at the Almeida Theatre in London.

Despite her success, Clark still finds it surreal. Being in her 30s and continuing to evolve as an actor, she often finds herself questioning if she’s truly made it. She confesses to harboring doubts regularly, a sentiment she believes is part of being an actor.

Clark’s background is as unique as her onscreen presence. Born in Sweden to a Glaswegian father and a Welsh mother, she moved to the UK at age two. Growing up in Penarth, near Cardiff, she developed a lifelong love for Swedish children’s literature. Authors like Astrid Lindgren shaped her imagination.

Diagnosed with ADHD at seven and medicated to manage her behavior, Clark initially struggled in the structured Welsh-language school environment. At 16, she decided to leave school. After a period of uncertainty, her mother suggested pursuing acting or singing, which Clark had done intermittently throughout her childhood. Her subsequent auditions for the National Youth Theatre, National Youth Theatre of Wales, and the Welsh National Youth Opera were successful, setting her on the path to a career in acting.

Attending the prestigious Drama Centre London allowed Clark to find her stride. She thrived in an environment that celebrated her eccentricity. Steadily working through her 20s, she took on various roles in theatre and on screen, eventually landing parts in notable projects like “His Dark Materials” and “The Personal History of David Copperfield.”

Clark’s interest in midwifery as a plan B underscores her empathetic nature. She finds parallels between acting and the nurturing aspects of midwifery. Her role in “Saint Maud,” playing a palliative nurse, allowed her to blend these interests. The film’s success opened doors, including an invitation to audition for Amazon’s “Lord of the Rings” prequel.

Filming “The Rings of Power” in New Zealand was an unparalleled experience for Clark, though she felt homesick and missed her close collaboration with her sister Siwan. Siwan, an Oxford University graduate, has been integral to Clark’s preparation for her roles.

Returning from promoting the second season of “The Rings of Power” at San Diego Comic-Con, Clark is busy yet mindful of not spoiling plot details. Upcoming projects like “Starve Acre,” shot in rural Yorkshire with minimal frills, exemplify her versatility.

Clark’s growing reputation for diverse, impactful roles will be further solidified with the release of a film adaptation of “Hamlet,” in which she stars opposite Riz Ahmed. Additionally, she remains focused on her theatre projects at the Almeida while navigating the challenges of public appearances and interviews.

Clark embraces her journey with humility and a touch of neurosis, always striving to improve. Her unique presence and passion for her craft continue to set her apart in a crowded industry.

Season 2 of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is available on Prime Video from 29 August. Starve Acre hits cinemas on 6 September. Roots will be at the Almeida Theatre from 10 September to 23 November, and Look Back in Anger runs from 20 September to 23 November.

Source: The Observer