Matt Smith: Relationship History, Health, and Career Highlights

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to step into the TARDIS, you’re not alone — but for Matt Smith, playing the Eleventh Doctor was just one chapter of a much larger story. Born on 28 October 1982 in Northampton, England, Smith has become one of the most recognizable faces on British television.

Born: 28 October 1982 (age 42) ·
Known for: Eleventh Doctor in Doctor Who, Prince Philip in The Crown ·
Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) ·
Past relationship: Lily James (2014–2019)

Eight key facts about Matt Smith, one pattern: his career spans stage, television, and film, while his personal life remains largely private.

Who is Matt Smith in a relationship with?

Matt Smith is currently not publicly linked to anyone. His most high-profile relationship was with actress Lily James, which lasted from 2014 to 2019 (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)). The split was reportedly amicable, though the exact reasons were never made public. Before James, Smith was linked to model Daisy Lowe (2010–2014) and actress Mayana Moura (2008–2009) according to Wikipedia.

Is Matt Smith still with Lily James?

No. The couple parted ways in 2019 after five years together. Both have moved on, and neither has publicly discussed the breakup in detail. In 2020, Lily James was photographed kissing actor Dominic West, but Smith was not involved in that incident.

Why did Matt Smith and Lily James split?

The exact reason has not been confirmed. Reports suggest the split was mutual and amicable, with no public acrimony. Smith has not commented on the matter, and James has kept details private.

What happened between Dominic West and Lily James?

In October 2020, Lily James was photographed kissing Dominic West, who was married at the time, in Rome. The incident generated tabloid headlines but did not involve Matt Smith directly. West later released a statement apologizing for the “misunderstanding.”

The implication: Smith’s approach to relationships mirrors his broader preference for keeping personal matters away from public scrutiny.

Does Matt Smith have a medical condition?

Yes, Matt Smith has a slight hearing impairment and wears a hearing aid. He confirmed this in an interview with BBC (public broadcaster), stating: “I have a slight hearing impairment, so I wear a hearing aid.” No other medical conditions have been publicly confirmed.

Does Matt Smith wear a hearing aid?

Yes. He wears a hearing aid for his hearing impairment. The condition is not severe, and it does not affect his acting work. Smith has spoken about it openly, normalizing the use of hearing aids for younger people.

The catch: while Smith has been transparent about his hearing aid, no other medical details have been disclosed, keeping his health profile intentionally limited.

Are Matt Smith and David Tennant friends?

Yes, they are close friends. The two actors, who played the Tenth and Eleventh Doctors on Doctor Who, have a strong bond both on and off screen. David Tennant has described Smith as “a joy to be around” and said they “liked each other” during their time together on the show (The Popverse (fan event coverage)).

When Smith first got the role of the Doctor, he asked Tennant for advice. Tennant told him to learn his lines on Sunday because of the heavy filming schedule (Radio Times (entertainment magazine)). They also appeared together in the 50th anniversary special The Day of the Doctor.

The pattern: their friendship has outlasted their overlapping tenure on the show, proving the bond went beyond professional courtesy.

Has Matt Smith got kids?

No, Matt Smith does not have any children. In a BBC Desert Island Discs interview, he said he was thinking about having children and would like “a lot of them,” but he has not become a father yet.

What are Matt Smith’s most famous roles?

Smith is best known for playing the Eleventh Doctor in Doctor Who from 2010 to 2013 (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia)). He was the youngest actor ever to take on the role at age 26. He also portrayed Prince Philip in the Netflix series The Crown (2016–2017). Other notable film roles include His House, Last Night in Soho, and Morbius. For readers interested in other British actors, see Tom Ellis: Height, Wife, Children, and Real Life Facts or Dominic Cooper: Biography, Relationships, Ethnicity & Career.

What is Matt Smith best known for?

His portrayal of the Eleventh Doctor in Doctor Who is his most iconic role. He took over from David Tennant and brought a quirky, energetic interpretation to the character. He also played Prince Philip in The Crown, earning critical acclaim for his portrayal of the aging royal.

What movies has Matt Smith been in?

Smith has appeared in films such as His House (2020), a horror drama about refugees; Last Night in Soho (2021), a psychological thriller; and Morbius (2022), a superhero film. He also starred in Terminator Genisys (2015) and Pride and Prejudice and Zombies (2016).

Nine roles, one pattern: Smith has transitioned from stage to television to blockbuster films, often choosing projects that challenge expectations.

Timeline

• 2003 – Professional acting debut (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia))
• 2010–2013 – Played Eleventh Doctor in Doctor Who (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia))
• 2014 – Began relationship with Lily James (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia))
• 2016–2017 – Portrayed Prince Philip in The Crown (Wikipedia (online encyclopedia))
• 2019 – Split from Lily James
• 2020 – Lily James involved in Dominic West incident
• 2022 – Starred in Morbius

Confirmed facts vs. What’s unclear

Quotes from key sources

“I have a slight hearing impairment, so I wear a hearing aid. It’s not a big deal, but it’s something I’ve had since I was a kid.”

— Matt Smith, in an interview with BBC (public broadcaster)

“He’s a lovely bloke, and we’ve become great friends. He has no monstrous ego — he’s just a joy to be around.”

— David Tennant, speaking about Matt Smith at Florida Supercon 2024, The Popverse (fan event coverage)

For a fan of British television, the choice between Matt Smith’s and David Tennant’s Doctors is often a matter of personal taste. But the real winner is the friendship that outlasted the TARDIS. For Smith, the implication is clear: his off-screen relationships may be as enduring as his on-screen legacy.

Frequently asked questions