Over the course of an impressive career spanning two decades, Eve Best has undeniably made her mark on the world of theater. Raised in London’s West End and trained at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), she quickly became recognized for her exceptional talent. Her breakthrough came with a mesmerizing portrayal of Hedda Gabler, earning her well deserved critical acclaim and a devoted following.
Throughout her stage career, Best has showcased her versatility by effortlessly bringing to life a myriad of nuanced and interesting characters.
From Shakespearean heroines like Rosalind in As You Like It, to Chekhov’s Arkadina in The Seagull, she infuses each character with a refreshing authenticity, bringing with her her own flavor to the portrayal.
Best’s prowess on the stage also earned her recognition on Broadway. In A Moon for the Misbegotten, she delivered a compelling performance alongside Kevin Spacey that pulled in a Tony nom.
And then House of the Dragon came knocking in 2020, bringing with it the role of a lifetime: Rhaenys Targaryen, the Queen Who Never Was. The ultimate hook for Best? The dragon. When talking about portraying the bad-ass and overlooked Rhaenys and being a part of such a cultural phenomenon, she said, “The core of the story centers around this line Rhaenys says to Rhaenyra, her niece: ‘Men would sooner put the realm to the torch than see a woman ascend the Iron Throne.’” Snip the word “iron” out of that sentence and it feels very familiar.” She continues, “And it’s phenomenally challenging to hold that core injustice and not turn sour within, to maintain a surface of ease and grace and find a way of navigating this toxic atmosphere in a useful way. She’s holding inside all kinds of feelings, from resentment to humiliation to frustration to rage. I think it’s something most women resonate with.”
When asked about her preference for screen versus stage, Best said, “I love both. I’ve done more stage than screen, mainly because the parts I’ve been offered on stage have been significantly more interesting. Films have the potential to be incredibly interesting too though. I always feel like if I’m a bit scared, then I should definitely do it.”
Off-stage, Best remains refreshingly down-to-earth, avoiding the trappings of stardom (she purchased a rundown farmhouse in Italy that she’s refurbing) and staying true to her passion for storytelling. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to breathe life into every character she embodies, from Wallis Simpson to the Queen That Should Have Been, have earned her incredibly well deserved admiration from peers and audiences alike.