Bella Maclean shares how she made it in the industry with no connections and the challenge of her favourite roles.
Actress Bella Maclean has come a long way since getting her first screen credit in La La Means I Love You. Since graduating from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in 2020, she has appeared as ‘Jem’ in Netflix’s Sex Education, ‘Martha’ in Spring Awakening at the Almeida Theatre, and, most recently, ‘Taggie O’Hara’ in the critically acclaimed Rivals for Disney+.
With this range of roles, it’s no wonder that Bella was recognised as one of the 2025 UK & Ireland Stars of Tomorrow. She has also been cast as the lead role in Ray Panthaki’s upcoming film In Starland, and will be returning as Taggie in the much-anticipated Rivals (Season 2).
We talked with Bella at the 2025 Stars of Tomorrow ceremony to discuss her inspiration for becoming an actor, her favourite role she’s played, and what she’s watched recently that she’d recommend.
Key Insights:
- Achieving representation when you have no industry connections and follow the traditional drama school route into acting.
- Bella values roles that offer a challenge, citing her recent work on a film where a lot of improv was required.
- Maintaining perspective; acting is an “unusual job.” Hard work is essential, but it must be balanced with the ability to enjoy the process and not take yourself too seriously.
Here’s what she shared:
Hi, Bella! How does it feel to be recognised by the 2025 Stars of Tomorrow?
It’s wonderful. I feel very honoured. It’s an amazing group of actors, producers and writers this year, so I feel great.
What inspired you to become an actor?
I started doing plays when I was 10 or 11, and I just found it really fun. Junior Guildhall has this course you can join, and I was doing it at 14. I remember being like, “I want to do this every single day of the week, all the time, 24/7.” So I was like, “Maybe I could do this as a profession.”
I didn’t have any connections, so I was just told, “Go to drama school and you’ll get an agent, and you’ll go from there.” And that’s what I did.
What has been your favourite role so far and why?
I did a film recently this year, and I played a character who’s really far from me. There were a lot of moving parts and it felt like a real challenge. It felt really satisfying, and a lot of it was improv.
And then, also, Rivals. I love playing this character called ‘Taggie’ because she navigates the world in a really beautiful way. And that’s nice. It doesn’t feel like a job ever.
What advice would you give to other actors?
Work hard, but don’t take yourself too seriously. It’s such an unusual job and we’re so lucky to be able to do it, so try to enjoy it as much as you can and don’t get bogged down by all of the other stuff that comes with it.
What have you watched recently that you would recommend?
I watched a film recently that my agent and I really love called Close, directed by Lukas Dhont. It’s a French film about two young boys’ friendship and it’s just the most beautiful film.
In Summary:
Bella Maclean’s experience shows that by taking steps like formal training, embracing roles that come your way, and maintaining a positive attitude, you can effectively launch and sustain your acting career.
- Attending drama school can build your foundational training and help to secure an agent, especially if you don’t have existing industry contacts.
- Seeking out challenging roles that push your boundaries can often lead to the most satisfying growth as an actor.
- Work diligently on your craft, but remind yourself to enjoy the unique process of acting.
Take a look at our website for more interviews and video advice from actors and casting directors.
