Rebecca Elizabeth Smart (born 30 January 1976) is an Australian actor, known for her role in the 1987 television film The Shiralee.

Early life and education

Smart was born in Tamworth, New South Wales on 30 January 1976. She was educated at St Catherine's School, Waverley, an independent, Anglican, day and boarding school for girls, located in the eastern suburbs of Sydney.

Career

Smart began acting for television at the age of eight, appearing in the 1984 miniseries The Cowra Breakout as Shirley Murphy. Her first movie role came one year later, alongside Eric Roberts and Greta Scacchi in the 1985 romantic comedy The Coca-Cola Kid.

She gained recognition playing the co-lead role as Buster (opposite Bryan Brown), in the 1987 television film The Shiralee, based on the 1955 novel of the same name. The role won her the Silver Logie Award for Most Popular Actress in a Miniseries/Telemovie. She also played the title character in the 1988 horror drama film Celia.

Smart went on to feature in regular roles in several television series, including playing Eleanor "Elly" Lockett in 1990 children's series Elly & Jools, Zoe Rose in 1991 sitcom Eggshells, student Melanie Black in high school drama Heartbreak High (1997–1998), and Constable Donna Janevski in police procedural crime drama Water Rats (2000–2001). She also featured in several miniseries including Spit MacPhee (1988), Come in Spinner (1990) and Clowning Around (1991)

She has had guest roles in numerous series including Winners (1985), The Comedy Company (1989), Rafferty's Rules (1989), More Winners (1990), English at Work (1992), G.P. (1994), Home and Away (1996), House Gang (1996), Murder Call (1998), All Saints (1999) and Blue Heelers (2004).

Smart starred in the 1997 thriller Blackrock, alongside Heath Ledger, which saw her nominated for Best Supporting Actor at both the Film Critics Circle of Australia and Australian Film Institute Awards.

Her other film credits include Echoes of Paradise (1987), Say a Little Prayer (1993), Violet's Visit (1997), Tom's Funeral (1999), Savages Crossing (2011) and Skin Deep (2014). She also featured in the made-for-TV films Doom Runners (1997) and Corn Devils (1998).

Smart has also acted for the stage, her credits including The Crucible, Blackrock, and Del Del for Sydney Theatre Company and Hollow Ground for NIDA / Belvoir St Theatre.

Personal life

Smart started studying a Bachelor of Education degree at University of Sydney in her early 20s, when acting opportunities weren't as forthcoming.

Awards and nominations

Filmography

Film

Television

Theatre

References