Unveiling the Actor Behind Young Smurf in Animal Kingdom

“Animal Kingdom” is a hit American crime drama television series that premiered on TNT in 2016. The show is based on the Australian film of the same name and follows the lives of a family of criminals living in Southern California. The series has gained a massive following due to its engaging storyline, complex characters, and outstanding performances by its cast.

One of the most important and intriguing characters in the series is young Smurf, the matriarch of the Cody family, portrayed by several actors in different flashbacks throughout the show’s run. Young Smurf’s character is essential to the show’s plot, and her backstory plays a significant role in understanding the events that led to the Cody family’s criminal lifestyle.

In this article, we will take a deep dive into the various actors who played young Smurf and their portrayals of the character. We will analyze each actor’s performance and explore how their interpretation of young Smurf contributed to the show’s overall success. We will also compare the different portrayals and examine how each one brought a unique perspective to the character.

By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of young Smurf’s character and her importance to the “Animal Kingdom” TV series. Whether you are a die-hard fan of the show or new to the series, this article will provide valuable insights into one of the most compelling characters in modern television.

Who is Young Smurf?

Smurf is the matriarch of the Cody family, a ruthless criminal organization in Southern California, and one of the central characters in the “Animal Kingdom” TV series. The character is played by Ellen Barkin in the present-day storyline, but the show also features several flashbacks to Smurf’s younger days, with different actresses portraying the character.

Young Smurf is a critical character in the series as her backstory and upbringing provide insight into the Cody family’s criminal lifestyle. We learn that she was raised in poverty by an abusive father and that she turned to a life of crime at a young age to survive. As the series progresses, we see how young Smurf’s experiences shape her character and how they inform her decision-making as the leader of the Cody family.

The significance of young Smurf in the show’s narrative is two-fold. First, her story serves as a cautionary tale about the cyclical nature of violence and abuse, as her experiences with her father ultimately lead her down a similar path. Second, her character provides a fascinating juxtaposition with the present-day Smurf, who has become wealthy and powerful through her criminal activities. Through the various portrayals of young Smurf, we see how the character evolves and gains the skills and knowledge necessary to become the leader of the Cody family.

Overall, young Smurf is a crucial character in the “Animal Kingdom” TV series, providing insights into the Cody family’s criminal lifestyle, and the cyclical nature of violence and abuse. Her character arc also provides a compelling contrast with the present-day Smurf, highlighting the character’s growth and development over time.

The Role of Young Smurf in Animal Kingdom

Young Smurf is a central character in the “Animal Kingdom” TV series and plays a crucial role in the show’s storyline. Her impact on the series can be seen in her interactions with other characters and her influence on the Cody family’s criminal activities.

One of the most notable aspects of young Smurf’s character is her motivation for her criminal behavior. We see through the flashbacks that she was raised in poverty by an abusive father, and she turned to a life of crime to escape that environment. This past trauma informs her present-day actions as she works to protect her family at any cost, even if it means breaking the law.

As the series progresses, we see how young Smurf’s past influences her present-day behavior, particularly in her relationship with her sons. She is fiercely protective of them and will do anything to ensure their safety, even if it means putting them in danger. Her actions often have unintended consequences, leading to conflicts within the family and with rival criminal organizations.

One of the most significant impacts of young Smurf’s character on the storyline is her role in shaping the Cody family’s criminal empire. She is a master manipulator, using her intelligence and cunning to control her sons and their criminal activities. Her influence on the family is evident in their success and their ability to evade law enforcement for years.

Overall, young Smurf’s character is essential to the “Animal Kingdom” TV series, as her motivations and actions provide insight into the Cody family’s criminal lifestyle. Her past trauma informs her present-day behavior, and her influence on the family is evident in their success and their ability to evade law enforcement. Through her interactions with other characters and her actions, we see the impact of young Smurf on the show’s storyline.

The Actors who played Young Smurf in Animal Kingdom

Throughout the “Animal Kingdom” TV series, several actresses portrayed the character of young Smurf at different points in her life. Each of these actresses brought their own interpretation of the character, adding depth and complexity to her story.

Firstly, Ellen Barkin played the older version of Smurf, a ruthless matriarch who is the leader of the Cody family’s criminal empire. Finn Cole played young Smurf’s grandson, who she grooms to be her successor. However, it is the actresses who played young Smurf who truly captured the essence of the character.

The first actress to play young Smurf was Leila George, who portrayed the character in flashbacks during the show’s first season. George’s portrayal of young Smurf was one of a vulnerable young woman who was forced to navigate the criminal world to survive. She showed a softer side of the character, highlighting her insecurities and fear of being vulnerable.

Later on, Smurf’s teenage years were played by teenage actress Emily Deschanel. Deschanel brought a new level of intensity to the character, highlighting her rebellious streak and fierce determination to take control of her own life. Her portrayal showed a more aggressive and combative side of young Smurf.

Finally, young Smurf’s childhood years were played by child actress Daniella Alonso, who showed a young girl struggling to cope with her abusive father and poverty-stricken lifestyle. Alonso’s portrayal was essential in showing the roots of young Smurf’s character, highlighting the trauma that would inform her later actions.

Overall, each actress who played young Smurf brought their own unique interpretation of the character, highlighting different aspects of her personality and motivations. While their portrayals were different, they all added to the overall complexity of the character, making her a compelling and nuanced figure in the “Animal Kingdom” TV series.

Finn Cole: The Actor Behind Young Smurf

Finn Cole is a British actor best known for his portrayal of young Smurf’s grandson, Joshua “J” Cody, in the “Animal Kingdom” TV series. Cole’s portrayal of J was critically acclaimed, earning him widespread recognition and establishing him as a rising star in the entertainment industry.

Born on November 9, 1995, in Kingston upon Thames, London, Cole grew up in a family of actors. His older brother, Joe Cole, is also an actor, known for his roles in “Peaky Blinders” and “Black Mirror.” Finn Cole’s interest in acting developed at a young age, and he started taking classes at the age of 14.

After completing his studies, Cole landed his first major acting role in 2014, in the British TV series “Peaky Blinders,” alongside his brother Joe. He then went on to star in several other TV shows and films, including “An Inspector Calls,” “Slaughterhouse Rulez,” and “Dreamland.”

When it came to preparing for the role of young Smurf’s grandson in “Animal Kingdom,” Cole undertook extensive research into the criminal underworld, reading books and watching documentaries to gain a better understanding of the character’s motivations and the criminal world she inhabited.

In addition to his research, Cole also underwent physical training to prepare for the physically demanding role, including weightlifting and martial arts training. He also spent time with his co-stars Ellen Barkin and Shawn Hatosy, who played his grandmother and uncle, respectively, to better understand the dynamics of the Cody family.

Overall, Finn Cole’s dedication to his craft and his extensive preparation paid off, resulting in a standout performance as J in “Animal Kingdom.” His portrayal of the troubled and conflicted grandson of the infamous Smurf was a key component in the success of the show, and cemented his place as a talented actor to watch in the coming years.

The Making of Young Smurf

The character of young Smurf is a key element in the “Animal Kingdom” TV series, and her portrayal was crucial to the success of the show. The process of bringing the character to life on screen was a collaborative effort, involving the casting team, writers, director, and actors.

The process of casting young Smurf was a rigorous one, with producers holding auditions for the role and considering numerous candidates before settling on the final choice. Ultimately, Finn Cole was chosen for the role of Joshua “J” Cody, young Smurf’s grandson, and his performance was widely praised by critics and audiences alike.

In developing the character of young Smurf, the writers drew inspiration from the original 2010 Australian film of the same name, which served as the basis for the TV series. The character was further developed and fleshed out through the writing process, with the creative team working to create a backstory and motivations for the character that would resonate with viewers.

When it came to portraying young Smurf on screen, the director and the actors played a crucial role in bringing the character to life. Finn Cole worked closely with director John Wells to develop his interpretation of J, with Wells providing guidance and feedback throughout the filming process.

In addition to the director’s guidance, the actors also worked together to create a cohesive portrayal of the Cody family, with Cole working closely with co-stars Ellen Barkin and Shawn Hatosy to establish the dynamic between the characters.

Overall, the making of young Smurf was a collaborative effort, with the casting team, writers, director, and actors all playing a crucial role in bringing the character to life on screen. The result was a standout performance that helped to establish “Animal Kingdom” as one of the most compelling dramas on television.