Originally from Cyprus, Daphne has grown up dividing her time between England, France and Greece and is completely trilingual. Three months after graduation from LAMDA she landed the role of Nadia Talianos on BBC medical drama Casualty, and has since been seen in films including The Ghost Writer, The Fourth Kind and, most recently, Meso Café, which premiered at the Raindance Film Festival. Daphne also took the lead in award-winning short film The Palace, directed by Anthony Maras.
What training have you received?
I went to Oxford University initially to read law, but films and theatre consumed me from a very early age, so, after my degree, I went on to train at LAMDA.
What kinds of roles attract you?
As a child I was obsessed by two women in film: Eliza Doolittle as portrayed by Audrey Hepburn and Scarlet O’Hara as portrayed by Vivien Leigh. Women with unrealized dreams perhaps, or women who want to push barriers and fight to change their fate despite the obstacles. And the more challenging and far removed the character is from me, the better. In terms of character, I would like to jump from one end of the spectrum to the other, switch periods, accents, looks, nationalities, personalities, and ages.
What is the best advice that you have been given as an actor?
To always be positive, otherwise there is no point in even trying. And that attitude and confidence are vital—and just as important as talent and luck.
Tell us the most significant moment in your career so far:
When my agent called to say that Roman Polanski had chosen me to take part in The Ghost Writer. He is one of my favourite film-makers, and I could not believe my luck when I realized I would get to meet and work with him.
You’ll die happy when…
I’ll die happy when I feel I have followed my instincts, and followed a path in my life and career that is free and uncluttered in order to reach a destination that is interesting and worthwhile. When I have reached my full potential as an actor, and have brilliant projects lined up with fascinating and inspiring artists. And when I am living full time somewhere near the sea, surrounded by family and friends.
