THE NEW-STYLE ACTION WOMAN

Clara Rugaard, 24, starred in the film I Am Mother with Hilary Swank and will soon be seen in Sky’s The Rising

When did you start acting?

I’ve been working since I was 11 when my dad saw an advert for open auditions for Mary Poppins at the National

Theatre in Denmark, where we lived. I’m also the Danish (Disney heroine) Moana, because I dubbed her singing.

Why did you move to London?

My dad’s in the Navy and was transferred there. My mum’s Northern Irish so she was very happy. When they moved back to Denmark I stayed – there were more opportunities here. What is The Rising about?

I play Neve who discovers she’s dead and then realises she was murdered. She’s furious and determined to fight for justice.

Neve competes at motocross. How are your motorbike skills?

I had a week of training prior to shooting. My stunt double said I should go for my licence, but the idea of riding in

London terrifies me.

What’s up for you next?

You’ll see me in a couple of films – Press Play, a romantic drama, and Love Gets A Room, set in the Warsaw ghetto during the Second World War.