Personal details
Born:
- Birthday: 1982-12-20
- Born Place: Zambia
Susan Chardy
Susan Chardy is a British-Zambian actress and model who gained widespread recognition for her debut role as Shula in Rungano Nyoni’s 2024 film On Becoming a Guinea Fowl. The film, a surreal black comedy-drama, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, where Nyoni won Best Director in the Un Certain Regard section. Chardy's portrayal of Shula, a character who uncovers hidden family traumas during a funeral, was lauded for its emotional depth and subtlety. Born in Zambia, Chardy moved to England at the age of 10. She is fluent in Bemba and has maintained strong ties to her Zambian heritage. Before transitioning into acting, she worked as a model for brands such as Rimmel London and L'Oréal. She is also a global ambassador for the Global Fund for Children and has been involved with the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund UK. Additionally, she founded the annual “Wimby Wednesday” fundraiser. Chardy's performance in On Becoming a Guinea Fowl earned her the 2024 British Independent Film Award for Best Breakthrough Performance. She was also nominated for Best Lead Performance at the same awards.
