Hollywood star Timothée Chalamet has delivered a surprising and heartfelt tribute to Britain's Got Talent legend Susan Boyle during his UK promotional tour. The 29-year-old actor, currently promoting his new film, named the 64-year-old Scottish singer as a British icon worthy of a special gift from the movie.
Chalamet's Unexpected List of British Icons
While speaking to BBC News this week, Timothée Chalamet was asked which British celebrities he believed deserved to own a jacket inspired by his highly anticipated new movie. The actor, who has been sending the garment to figures he considers 'great', had already included global names like NFL legend Tom Brady, pop star Justin Bieber, and his own girlfriend, Kylie Jenner.
In response to the BBC's question, Chalamet enthusiastically listed several high-profile Brits, including Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton, fashion and football power couple Victoria and David Beckham, and rapper Fake Mink. However, his final choice caused audible surprise and laughter from the interviewer.
Chalamet firmly stood by his selection of Susan Boyle, stating with complete sincerity: 'She dreamt big. She dreamt bigger than all of us.' He elaborated on his admiration, recalling the powerful impact of her 2009 Britain's Got Talent audition. 'Who wasn't moved by that [story]? I remember that like it was yesterday. That was like the advent of YouTube, you know?'
Susan Boyle's Remarkable Journey and Current Comeback
Susan Boyle, from Blackburn in West Lothian, became a global sensation overnight sixteen years ago after her stunning performance of 'I Dreamed a Dream' on the ITV talent show. Her debut album, named after that breakthrough song, became the world's best-selling album of 2009. She made UK music history by achieving three consecutive number-one album debuts in under two years, selling an impressive 25 million records to date.
Her path has not been without significant challenges. The singer suffered a stroke in 2022, which affected her ability to speak and sing. This health scare, combined with her diabetes – which made her particularly vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic – required a carefully managed return to public life under her management's guidance.
Now, after six years away from recording, Boyle is preparing a musical comeback. In May of this year, she shared an emotional photo from a recording studio session, hinting at new music in the works and signalling her return to the limelight.
A Cross-Generational Cultural Moment
Chalamet's unprompted praise highlights the enduring and far-reaching impact of Boyle's story. It connects two seemingly disparate figures from different generations and corners of the entertainment world: a young, Oscar-nominated American actor at the peak of his fame and a Scottish singing star whose rise was defined by a pre-social media, viral television moment.
The actor's comments underscore how Boyle's narrative of dreaming big against the odds continues to resonate globally, even with a new generation of artists. As Boyle works on her return to music, this unexpected endorsement from one of Hollywood's most prominent young talents serves as a powerful reminder of her unique and lasting place in popular culture.
