# Vicky Knight > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Vicky_Knight > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Vicky_Knight.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vicky_Knight > Source revision: 1341972596 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) {{short description|English film actress (born 1996)}} {{good article}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}} {{Infobox person | name = Vicky Knight | image = Vicky Knight in 2024.jpg | caption = Knight in 2024 | birth_name = Vicky Chaundy | birth_date = 1996{{Cite web|url=https://www.timeout.com/london/film/how-an-inspiring-new-british-drama-saved-its-young-stars-life|title=How an inspiring new British drama saved its young star's life|website=Time Out London|access-date=21 July 2019|date=4 June 2019|first=Phil|last=De Semlyen|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721113121/https://www.timeout.com/london/film/how-an-inspiring-new-british-drama-saved-its-young-stars-life|archive-date=21 July 2019|url-status=live}} | birth_place = [Essex](/source/Essex), England | occupation = Actor | years_active = 2014–present | notable_works = ''[Dirty God](/source/Dirty_God)'' }} '''Vicky Knight''' (also previously known as '''Vicky Chaundy'''; born 1996) is an English film actress and hospital healthcare assistant. She has starred in ''Too Ugly For Love'' (2014) and ''[Dirty God](/source/Dirty_God)'' (2019). Knight debuted as an actress from [Sacha Polak](/source/Sacha_Polak)'s ''Dirty God'', where she played an [acid attack](/source/acid_attack) victim. Her role in ''Dirty God'' was met with critical acclaim. Knight received burns to 33 per cent of her body from a 2003 fire in her grandfather's pub. Her two cousins died from the fire. She was saved by a local plumber, who later died from the injuries he received. The cause of the fire was [arson](/source/arson). She was treated at [Broomfield Hospital](/source/Broomfield_Hospital) in Essex, where she now works as a healthcare assistant. If she receives no acting roles in films, Knight will continue to work in the hospital. She started a charity named "Scar Quality" to help others who have experienced burns improve their self-esteem. At her school, Knight participated in a sponsored 28 mi (45 km) walk, where she raised £1,000 for charity. Afterwards, she was named Student of the Year by [Association of Colleges](/source/Association_of_Colleges). Her accolades include [British Academy Film Awards](/source/British_Academy_Film_Awards) (BAFTA) for Breakthrough Brits, [British Independent Film Awards](/source/British_Independent_Film_Awards) for [Best Performance by an Actress](/source/BIFA_Award_for_Best_Performance_by_an_Actress_in_a_British_Independent_Film), British Independent Film Awards for Most Promising Newcomer, and Stars of Tomorrow by ''[Screen International](/source/Screen_International)''. == 2003 fire == On the evening of 27 July 2003, eight-year-old Knight, daughter of Kim Knight,{{cite news|url=https://www.barkinganddagenhampost.co.uk/news/robert-clack-teenager-reveals-scars-for-first-time-1-965235|title=Robert Clack teenager reveals scars for first time|last1=Odeen-Isbister|first1=Sara|date=15 July 2011|work=Barking and Dagenham Post|access-date=24 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824161436/https://www.barkinganddagenhampost.co.uk/news/robert-clack-teenager-reveals-scars-for-first-time-1-965235|archive-date=24 August 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.bavmedia.com/archive/10-human-interest/87-girl-reveals-horrific-burns-scars-for-first-time|title=Girl Reveals Horrific Burns Scars for First Time|website=Bav Media|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723112950/https://www.bavmedia.com/archive/10-human-interest/87-girl-reveals-horrific-burns-scars-for-first-time|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019}} was staying with four cousins in a flat above the Prince of Wales pub in [Stoke Newington](/source/Stoke_Newington), London, which had been owned by her grandfather, and was run by her uncle, her mother's brother, Kevin Knight and his wife Kate.Bartholomew, Emma (10 August 2018) [https://www.hackneygazette.co.uk/news/heritage/stoke-newington-pub-blaze-survivor-is-still-searching-for-answers-1-5645684 Stoke Newington pub blaze: 15 years on and Prince of Wales survivor is still searching for answers] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190912172357/https://www.hackneygazette.co.uk/news/heritage/stoke-newington-pub-blaze-survivor-is-still-searching-for-answers-1-5645684 |date=12 September 2019 }} in ''[Hackney Gazette](/source/Hackney_Gazette)''. Retrieved 26 August 2019{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/may/17/i-hid-my-scars-for-years-i-thought-i-was-only-good-for-horror-movies|title=I hid my scars for years ... I thought I was only good for horror movies|last=Seymour|first=Tom|date=17 May 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=9 June 2019 |issn=0261-3077|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190609005706/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/may/17/i-hid-my-scars-for-years-i-thought-i-was-only-good-for-horror-movies|archive-date=9 June 2019}} After the children had gone to sleep, a fire started in the pub. The cause was [arson](/source/arson).{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1481942/Landlady-cleared-of-killing-her-children-in-pub-fire.html|title=Landlady cleared of killing her children in pub fire|last=Correspondent|first=Sue Clough, Courts|date=25 January 2005|access-date=9 November 2019|website=The Daily Telegraph|issn=0307-1235|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109140836/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1481942/Landlady-cleared-of-killing-her-children-in-pub-fire.html|archive-date=9 November 2019|url-status=live}} Kate Knight, whose two sons aged 4 and 10 died from the fire, was accused of starting the fire after having a dispute with her husband. She was cleared of the charges after a two-week trial at the [Old Bailey](/source/Old_Bailey).{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2005/jan/25/samjones|title=Pub landlady cleared over blaze that killed sons|last=Jones|first=Sam|date=25 January 2005 |work=The Guardian|access-date=9 June 2019 |issn=0261-3077|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190609113833/https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2005/jan/25/samjones|archive-date=9 June 2019}} Vicky and her female cousin were saved by plumber Ronnie Springer, a regular customer at the pub, who entered the fire to save them.{{Cite news|last=Milmo|first=Cahal|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/man-in-pub-fire-rescue-dies-of-injuries-85542.html|title=Man in pub fire rescue dies of injuries|date=5 September 2003 |website=The Independent |access-date=23 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723131324/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/man-in-pub-fire-rescue-dies-of-injuries-85542.html|archive-date=23 July 2019}} Springer later died from the injuries he received. Kate Knight's third son, Joe, survived the fire but was badly burned. Vicky Knight received burns to 33 per cent of her body and was left severely disfigured.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-48526678|title='I'm a film star because of my burn scars'|last=Collins|first=Kat|date=6 June 2019 |publisher=BBC News|access-date=9 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190609115935/https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-48526678|archive-date=9 June 2019}} She tried to conceal her scars as she was badly bullied at school and called a "monster". Knight was abused verbally and physically at school; Knight recalled "I got lighters in my face, fags waved around near me. I got beaten up. I’ve been called [Freddy Krueger](/source/Freddy_Krueger) I don't know how many times". == Career == In 2014, Knight appeared in an episode of the British [dating television show](/source/Dating_game_show) ''Too Ugly For Love''.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bfi.org.uk/interviews/dirty-god-interview|title=Dirty God: 'I saw a young burn survivor and flinched. Everybody around her did the same'|publisher=British Film Institute |access-date=20 July 2019 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190715123521/https://www.bfi.org.uk/news-opinion/news-bfi/interviews/dirty-god-interview|archive-date=15 July 2019}} She later stated that she was deceived into appearing on the programme as the producers initially told her it would focus on the everyday realities of her life as a burns survivor.{{Cite web|url=https://www.electramedia.co/blog/2019/6/6/dirty-god|title=Wearing her scars: Vicky Knight makes stunning debut in Sacha Polak's 'Dirty God'|website=Electra |access-date=20 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720111933/https://www.electramedia.co/blog/2019/6/6/dirty-god|archive-date=20 July 2019}} Although Knight is gay, she had to pretend to date a straight man for the show. Her appearance on the TV show received mixed reviews from the audience. After the episode went live, Knight was [trolled](/source/Internet_troll) on the internet. When she complained to the production company about the trolling, she was invited to take part in the British [matchmaking](/source/matchmaking) TV programme ''[The Undateables](/source/The_Undateables)''. In 2019, she had her debut role, playing the lead in the Dutch film director [Sacha Polak](/source/Sacha_Polak)'s film ''[Dirty God](/source/Dirty_God)''.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/jun/06/dirty-god-review-vicky-knight-acid-attack-drama|title=Dirty God review – brave debut powers acid-attack drama|last=Clarke|first=Cath|date=6 June 2019|work=The Guardian|access-date=9 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190609010308/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2019/jun/06/dirty-god-review-vicky-knight-acid-attack-drama|archive-date=9 June 2019|issn=0261-3077}} The plot of the film centres around the character Jade, who is trying to recover from an acid attack.{{Cite news|url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/dirty-god-a-traumatised-woman-struggles-after-an-acid-attack-1.3915548|title=Dirty God: A traumatised woman struggles after an acid attack|last=Brady|first=Tara|newspaper=The Irish Times |access-date=9 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608215031/https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/film/dirty-god-a-traumatised-woman-struggles-after-an-acid-attack-1.3915548|archive-date=8 June 2019 }} Her role in the film was praised by critics. Tara Brady of ''[The Irish Times](/source/The_Irish_Times)'' wrote, "Knight delivers a terrific performance that is as complex as the sometimes maddening, frequently stupid, and always sympathetic character that she plays." Writing for [''Variety''](/source/Variety_(magazine)), Jay Weissberg wrote, "a stand-out performance from newcomer Vicky Knight and an unflinching portrait of a strong-willed yet immature protagonist facing a radical change in how the world looks at her as well as how she sees herself."{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/film/reviews/dirty-god-review-1203119824/|title=Rotterdam Film Review: 'Dirty God'|last=Weissberg|first=Jay|date=28 January 2019 |website=Variety |access-date=9 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190706073855/https://variety.com/2019/film/reviews/dirty-god-review-1203119824/|archive-date=6 July 2019}} Playing the role was emotionally difficult for Knight, who said in an interview "I had quite a few breakdowns on set so all the tears that you see are real". Knight stated ''Dirty God'' changed her life entirely in helping her to cope with her burn scars. For her performance in the film, she was nominated for the [British Independent Film Award](/source/British_Independent_Film_Awards) for [Best Performance by an Actress in a British Independent Film](/source/BIFA_Award_for_Best_Performance_by_an_Actress_in_a_British_Independent_Film), and Most Promising Newcomer. The same year she was nominated for the Breakthrough Brits Award by the [British Academy Film Awards](/source/British_Academy_Film_Awards) (BAFTA). She was nominated alongside actor [Chance Perdomo](/source/Chance_Perdomo) and screenwriter [Laurie Nunn](/source/Laurie_Nunn).{{Cite news|url=https://www.irishnews.com/magazine/entertainment/2019/10/30/news/burns-survivor-vicky-knight-among-bafta-breakthrough-brits-1752321/|title=Burns survivor Vicky Knight among Bafta breakthrough Brits|date=30 October 2019|work=The Irish News|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102123651/https://www.irishnews.com/magazine/entertainment/2019/10/30/news/burns-survivor-vicky-knight-among-bafta-breakthrough-brits-1752321/|archive-date=2 November 2019}} After Knight heard she was nominated for Breakthrough Brits she started to "cry" and "screaming". She further added "[''Dirty God''] It's my first ever film and I thought I already had my dream, honestly. I am going to take every opportunity I can get". She was named "Stars of Tomorrow" by the film magazine ''[Screen International](/source/Screen_International)''.{{Cite web|url=https://www.screendaily.com/features/stars-of-tomorrow-2019-vicky-knight-actor/5140847.article|title=Stars of Tomorrow 2019: Vicky Knight (actor)|last=Gant|first=Charles|date=8 July 2019|website=Screen|access-date=9 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191109140200/https://www.screendaily.com/features/stars-of-tomorrow-2019-vicky-knight-actor/5140847.article|archive-date=9 November 2019|url-status=live}} == Personal life == Knight was previously known as Vicky Chaundy. Knight added she finds it difficult to enter the emotions concerning her scars "[I] Emailed doctors in India and Turkey, asking them to help me".{{Cite web|url=https://www.electramedia.co/blog/2019/6/6/dirty-god|title=Wearing her scars: Vicky Knight makes stunning debut in Sacha Polak's 'Dirty God'|website=ELECTRA|access-date=3 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720111933/https://www.electramedia.co/blog/2019/6/6/dirty-god|archive-date=20 July 2019|url-status=live}} She also revealed she has had suicidal ideation, she said "I was self-harming and self-neglecting. I was a mess, I hit rock bottom. This has given me the opportunity to save my own life. My scars have actually helped me, and something good has come out of something bad". She attended [Robert Clack School](/source/Robert_Clack_School), followed by [Barking and Dagenham College](/source/Barking_and_Dagenham_College) in London, England, where she studied [Health and Social Care](/source/Health_and_Social_Care).{{Cite web|url=https://www.barkinganddagenhampost.co.uk/news/crime-court/dagenham-arson-victim-returns-to-scene-on-ten-year-anniversary-1-2311635|title=Dagenham arson victim returns to scene on ten-year anniversary|last=Bartholomew|first=Emma|website=Barking and Dagenham Post |date=1 August 2013|access-date=23 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723112944/https://www.barkinganddagenhampost.co.uk/news/crime-court/dagenham-arson-victim-returns-to-scene-on-ten-year-anniversary-1-2311635|archive-date=23 July 2019}} In 2013 Knight was named "Student of the Year" by the [Association of Colleges](/source/Association_of_Colleges).{{Cite web|url=https://www.barkingdagenhamcollege.ac.uk/en/about-the-college/student-success-stories.cfm/id/3772DBDA-D647-4091-83AD992857567FFE|title=Vicky Knight|website=barkingdagenhamcollege.ac.uk|access-date=20 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190720112801/https://www.barkingdagenhamcollege.ac.uk/en/about-the-college/student-success-stories.cfm/id/3772DBDA-D647-4091-83AD992857567FFE|archive-date=20 July 2019}} Knight set up a charity, "Scar Quality", in 2013, to help those who have experienced burns improve their self-esteem. She has participated in a sponsored {{convert|28|mi|km}} walk, raising £1,000 for the charity. After winning the "Student of the Year" title, she said "It's amazing to win, I really can't describe it. My scars are something I have to live with every day, but by setting up the charity I can help others. It was hard work, but it's amazing". Knight also works as a [healthcare assistant](/source/healthcare_assistant) at [Broomfield Hospital](/source/Broomfield_Hospital) in Essex, England.{{Cite web|url=https://www.meht.nhs.uk/news/june/from-broomfield-to-the-big-screen-healthcare-assistant-vicky-stars-in-new-film/|title=From Broomfield to the Big Screen: Healthcare assistant Vicky stars in new film|website=[National Health Service](/source/National_Health_Service)|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723113403/https://www.meht.nhs.uk/news/june/from-broomfield-to-the-big-screen-healthcare-assistant-vicky-stars-in-new-film/|archive-date=23 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019}} Her interest in health care began in 2003, when she was being treated in Broomfield Hospital following the pub fire. In the event she receives no more roles in films, she has said she will continue to work as a healthcare assistant. In an interview with the [National Health Service](/source/National_Health_Service) (NHS), Knight revealed that she would like to author a book about herself. == Filmography == {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |+ ! scope="col" |Year ! scope="col" |Title ! scope="col" |Role ! scope="col" class="unsortable" |{{Abbr|Note.|Note(s)}} ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |- |2014 !scope="row" align="left"|''[Too Ugly For Love](/source/Too_Ugly_For_Love)'' |Herself | | |- |2019 !scope="row" align="left"|''[Dirty God](/source/Dirty_God)'' |Jade | | |- | 2023 !scope="row" align="left"|''[Silver Haze](/source/Silver_Haze_(film))'' | Franky | | {{Cite web|url=https://cineuropa.org/en/film/438155/ |title= ''Silver Haze'' |first= Sacha|last= Polak |date=13 February 2023|access-date=13 February 2023 |website= Cineuropa |language=en}} |- |} ==Accolades== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" |+ ! scope="col" |Year ! scope="col" |Award ! scope="col" |Category !Nominated work ! scope="col" class="unsortable" |Result ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}} |- | rowspan="3" |2019 !scope="row" align="left"|[British Academy Film Awards](/source/British_Academy_Film_Awards) |BAFTA Breakthrough Brits |{{dash}} |{{won}} |{{Cite web|url=http://www.bafta.org/supporting-talent/breakthrough-brits/breakthrough-brits-2019|title=Breakthrough Brits 2019|date=30 October 2019|website=British Academy Film Awards|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101134032/http://www.bafta.org/supporting-talent/breakthrough-brits/breakthrough-brits-2019#vicky-knight--actor|archive-date=1 November 2019|access-date=1 November 2019}} |- ! rowspan="2" scope="row" align="left" |[British Independent Film Awards](/source/British_Independent_Film_Awards) |[Best Performance by an Actress in a British Independent Film](/source/BIFA_Award_for_Best_Performance_by_an_Actress_in_a_British_Independent_Film) | rowspan="2" |''[Dirty God](/source/Dirty_God)'' (2019) |{{nom}} | rowspan="2" |{{Cite web|url=https://www.bifa.film/awards/2019/winners-nominations/|title=Nominations · BIFA · British Independent Film Awards|date=21 October 2019|website=BIFA · British Independent Film Awards|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191101135038/https://www.bifa.film/awards/2019/winners-nominations/|archive-date=1 November 2019|access-date=1 November 2019}} |- |Most Promising Newcomer |{{nom}} |- | 2023 | [73rd Berlin International Film Festival](/source/73rd_Berlin_International_Film_Festival) | [Teddy Award](/source/Teddy_Award) Jury Prize | ''[Silver Haze](/source/Silver_Haze_(film))'' | {{won}} | Scott Roxborough, [https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/berlin2023-teddy-awards-nigerian-drama-all-the-colors-in-the-world-are-between-black-and-white-1235334211/ "Berlin: Teddy Award for Nigerian Drama ‘All The Colors in the World Are Between Black and White’"]. ''[The Hollywood Reporter](/source/The_Hollywood_Reporter)'', February 25, 2023. |} == References == {{Reflist}} == External links == * {{IMDb name|id=nm9875842}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20190715123650/https://www.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/5ce28db0448b5 Vicky Knight] at the [British Film Institute](/source/British_Film_Institute){{better source needed|reason=Help request: a live link can be searched for at https://collections-search.bfi.org.uk/web/search/expert - if available, replace the archive URL with the live link. Or if none found, remove this 'better source needed' template. | date=October 2023}} {{Authority control}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Knight, Vicky}} Category:1996 births Category:Living people Category:English film actresses Category:Place of birth missing (living people) Category:Burn survivors Category:21st-century English actresses Category:British LGBTQ actresses --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Vicky Knight](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vicky_Knight) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vicky_Knight?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.