Hollywood star Timothée Chalamet has revealed a surprising and eclectic list of British figures he considers among the greatest of all time—combining sporting icons, pop culture royalty, and an unexpected reality TV legend.
Speaking during a promotional stop in London, the actor named Lewis Hamilton, David and Victoria Beckham, underground rapper Fakemink, and—after a long pause—Susan Boyle as his personal picks for British greatness.
A List Mixing Icons and Surprises
Chalamet, best known for roles in Dune, Wonka, and Call Me By Your Name, began confidently with familiar global names. He cited seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton and newly knighted power couple David and Victoria Beckham as obvious choices.
His inclusion of Fakemink, an underground London rapper who recently collaborated with Liverpool drill artist EsDeeKid, raised eyebrows. When asked about speculation linking him to the anonymous musician, Chalamet declined to comment, saying only: “All will be revealed.”
The biggest surprise came last.
After a moment of reflection, Chalamet added Susan Boyle, the former Britain’s Got Talent contestant whose 2009 audition became a viral phenomenon and launched a chart-topping music career.
“She dreamt bigger than all of us,” Chalamet said. “Who wasn’t moved by that?”
The Power of a Viral Moment
Chalamet recalled watching Boyle’s performance of I Dreamed a Dream as a cultural moment that defined the early days of online video.
“I remember that like it was yesterday,” he said. “That was like the advent of YouTube.”
At 29, Chalamet understands better than most how digital moments can shape careers. His comments came as part of a creative promotional campaign for his upcoming film Marty Supreme, in which he has been gifting branded jackets to people he considers “greats.”
Recipients so far include swimmer Michael Phelps, NFL legend Tom Brady, and Spanish football prodigy Lamine Yamal.
A Big Awards Season Ahead
Chalamet’s frenetic performance in Marty Supreme—a semi-fictionalised take on post-war table tennis star Marty Reisman—has already earned him Best Actor nominations at the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards. Early Oscar chatter positions him in a tight race with Leonardo DiCaprio.
The film sees Chalamet play Marty Mauser, a gifted but morally flawed table tennis prodigy. Despite the character’s questionable actions, the actor embraces the role’s chaotic energy.
“When you’re in your early twenties, you’re an idiot,” he joked. “This movie is about being an idiot with passion.”
Confidence, Craft, and the Big Screen
Earlier this year, Chalamet made headlines at the SAG Awards when he openly declared his ambition to be “one of the greats,” citing inspirations such as Daniel Day-Lewis, Marlon Brando, Viola Davis, and Michael Jordan.
Offstage, he appears more reflective. As he approaches 30, Chalamet says confidence still fluctuates, but growth comes with experience.
His dedication to craft is evident. He spent five years learning guitar for A Complete Unknown and trained in table tennis for nearly seven years for Marty Supreme—even taking his table into the desert while filming Dune.
Looking Forward
With Marty Supreme set for a Boxing Day cinema release, Chalamet remains optimistic about the future of theatrical film.
“This is an original movie at a time when not many are made,” he said. “If you show up, you won’t be let down.”
At nearly 30, Chalamet seems ready to channel his inner Susan Boyle—dreaming big, and unapologetically so.
