Playing an international icon with complete authenticity can be a difficult task. But Elizabeth Debicki’s portrayal of Diana, Princess of Wales in seasons 5 and 6 of “The Crown” (following Emma Corrin’s appearance as young Diana in season 4) proved to be a flawless recreation of the ill-fated icon’s rollercoaster life. I did. From 1990 to 1997.
Born in Paris and raised in Australia, Debicki, who has been nominated for an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her acting, recently spoke via Zoom from London about being one of the world’s most respected and influential role models.
Scripts and real-life events aside, how did you prepare for the transition from Diana in season 5 to season 6?
I’ve seen so many changes between the two seasons. My approach has changed significantly. (By the end of Season 5) I was a very tired and very sad Diana. However, I think my experience as an actor through Season 6 was more meaningful because I discovered more things and became more trustworthy. (Showrunner Peter Morgan) said this to me a long time ago. “I think the experience of ‘The Crown’ has made everyone have a great time with the second season because they’re basically not scared anymore.”
How do you approach playing such a beloved, real-life character? There’s still a lot more work to do, right?
Usually, as an actor, when you read a script and create a character, you are the authority over that person. This was after a lot of research and talking to her people, lending me a part of myself to imbue her version of Peter with what I personally felt she could feel in this person.
Indeed, like much of “The Crown,” it was kind of a multi-layered experience. They’re both in it and observing it in quite unique ways. It was essential to me that there was more joy, more lightness, and a real intention to reveal some of what the characters had already been through. Trying to find some fresh air, trying to find fresh connections with people, and that kind of filled a very empty cup.
What did you feel your responsibility was to the memory of Diana through your performance?
A lot of my research early on involved watching footage of the actual Princess Diana. I found her very fascinating, funny, sharp, human and moving. That’s why her people’s interactions with her were so touching and stayed with them throughout her life. They felt they would be coming into contact with real humans, not just princesses. I felt like if I could provide that version to the audience, that was my responsibility.
What have you discovered about Diana in playing her that you never knew or could have imagined?
The origins of her behavior surprised me. Besides that genuine sense of humor, there was her self-awareness and wit, and a genuine willingness to attract joy into your life when you were actually part of a system where you could enforce (the rules). She discovered, I think, a kind of radical way of resistance. She marched to her own beat a lot of the time and that was very brave. I don’t think the forces opposing her really realized that they were doing a lot of that.
