Honestly, if you’ve spent any time on the corner of the internet that obsesses over "aesthetic" paparazzi shots, you’ve seen the photos. There she is: Anya Taylor-Joy, looking ethereal in a trench coat, clutching a takeaway coffee, with a cigarette perched between her fingers. It has become a whole thing. People call it the "French girl" vibe, or "indie sleaze," or whatever the trending TikTok aesthetic of the week is. But beyond the blurry sidewalk shots, there's a real person who has been pretty candid about her habits.
Is Anya Taylor-Joy a smoker? Yes. She doesn’t hide it, but she isn’t exactly a billboard for it either. It’s just part of her life.
The Famous "Queen's Gambit" Survival Diet
The buzz around the anya taylor joy smoker topic really peaked when she started doing press for The Queen’s Gambit. In an interview with Tatler, she dropped a line that basically went viral instantly. She admitted that while filming three projects back-to-back—Emma, Last Night in Soho, and The Queen’s Gambit—she wasn't exactly hitting the gym and eating kale salads.
She survived on Diet Coke, cigarettes, and coffee.
"By the end of it, I was like, 'I need to eat a vegetable,'" she joked. It’s a relatable sentiment for anyone who has ever worked a 70-hour week, though maybe a bit more extreme when you’re the face of a global Netflix phenomenon. This wasn't a lifestyle choice she was bragging about; it was a survival tactic for a woman who had exactly one day off between massive film sets.
The image of Beth Harmon, the chess prodigy, often mirrors Anya’s own public persona. Both are sharp, intense, and often seen through a haze of smoke. In the 1960s setting of the show, smoking was as common as breathing. In 2026, seeing a young A-list star doing it in real life feels like a throwback. It’s a bit of a paradox. We live in an era of green juices and "wellness" influencers, yet one of the biggest stars in the world is frequently spotted with a Marlboro Gold.
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It Isn't Just for Show
Some people think celebrities only smoke for the "edge" or the "look." With Anya, it feels more like a genuine habit than a costume. You’ll see her smoking in Hyde Park while filming Furiosa, or on a balcony in Venice, or just walking down a New York street with her husband, Malcolm McRae.
It’s worth noting that while she smokes, she’s also a long-term vegetarian. She’s been one since she was eight years old. She’s even dabbled in veganism, telling Harper's Bazaar that she felt the "healthiest" when she was strictly plant-based because she had so much energy.
- Diet: Primarily vegetarian (occasional vegan).
- Morning Routine: Black coffee, no messing around.
- The Vice: Cigarettes (usually hand-rolled or standard lights).
It’s this weird mix of being ecologically conscious and health-aware while still hanging onto a pack of cigarettes. But hey, humans are complicated. You can care about the planet and still have a bad habit.
Why Does Everyone Care So Much?
Part of it is the "cool factor." There’s a segment of the internet that finds her smoking "iconic." It fits that "off-duty model" vibe that made 90s Kate Moss a legend. However, there’s also the concern. Fans worry about her voice and her skin, though she seems to be doing fine on both fronts.
She’s also been vocal about her anxiety. In interviews, she’s mentioned using things like candles and long baths to decompress. For many people, smoking is a (granted, unhealthy) way to deal with stress. When you’re filming in the desert for Mad Max or memorizing chess moves until 4 a.m., that stress is real.
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The Reality of the "Smoker" Label
Labeling someone "a smoker" makes it sound like their whole identity. For Anya, it’s a footnote. She’s an actor who has won Golden Globes and SAG awards. She’s a Dior ambassador. She’s a person who loves ballet and hip-hop dance.
Interestingly, when she plays roles like Margot in The Menu, the smoking is often used as a character beat. In that film, her character lighting up is a massive "screw you" to the fine-dining establishment. It’s a sign of rebellion. In real life, it’s probably just a way to get through a long day of press junkets.
Breaking Down the Misconceptions
There are a few things people get wrong when they search for info on her habits:
- She doesn't promote it. You won't find her posting "cool" smoking selfies on her official Instagram. It’s almost always paparazzi or "behind the scenes" shots.
- It’s not her whole diet. While the "Diet Coke and cigarettes" quote is famous, she’s also a huge fan of Italian food and miso soup.
- She's aware of the health side. She has mentioned needing to "take care of her physical being" through sleep and hydration because her work is so demanding.
What This Means for Her Public Image
In 2026, the "perfect" celebrity is becoming a bit boring. People are tired of the overly curated, "I only drink alkaline water" personas. Anya Taylor-Joy feels authentic because she has these little imperfections. She’s open about her struggles with anxiety, her weird filming diets, and yes, her smoking.
It makes her feel human.
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Whether she’ll quit eventually is anyone’s guess. Many actors do as they get older and the roles get more physically demanding. But for now, it’s just a part of the Anya Taylor-Joy package.
Moving Toward a Balanced Perspective
If you’re looking at her as a style icon, it’s easy to romanticize the habit. But it’s better to look at her as a whole person. She is a dedicated artist who puts an incredible amount of work into her craft.
If you're inspired by her, maybe stick to the black coffee and the work ethic rather than picking up the pack. Her talent is what made her a star, not the cigarette.
Next Steps for Fans and Readers:
- Check the Source: Next time you see a "smoking" photo, look at the context—is it a movie set or a private moment?
- Balance Your Habits: If you’re a smoker yourself, consider Anya’s own advice about needing "greens" and vegetables to offset a high-stress lifestyle.
- Watch the Work: Focus on her performances in The Gorge or her latest Dior campaigns to see the range she maintains regardless of her personal habits.