Victoria Smurfit (born 31 March 1974) is an Irish actress. She may be best known for her role as Cruella De Vil in Once Upon a Time.

Early life

Victoria Smurfit is part of the Smurfit family, one of the richest in Ireland, through the Smurfit Kappa Group. The family, headed by Victoria's uncle Michael Smurfit, sponsors a number of sporting events including the Smurfit European Open and the Champion Hurdle. The family is also associated with Smurfit Business School in University College Dublin (UCD). She was educated at two Anglican schools, Saint Columba's College, Dublin and St. George's School, Ascot, England. She did an A level in theatre studies and then went to the Bristol Old Vic theatre school.

Career

Smurfit gained fame for her role as Orla O'Connell in the BBC television series Ballykissangel. From 2003 to 2009, she took over from Kate Buffery in the lead role in Trial & Retribution as DCI Roisin Connor. She also guest starred in the BBC Radio 4 series Baldi. Smurfit appeared in Agatha Christie's Miss Marple TV episode The Mirror Cracked From Side to Side.