Princess Diana’s nephew, Louis Spencer, Viscount Althorp, is making strides in the film industry under the pseudonym Louis Lyons, marking his debut in the short film Pinch & Ouch. This 31-year-old aristocrat has chosen a subtle approach, stepping into the spotlight while prioritizing his craft over his family name.
Pinch & Ouch, a 17-minute drama written and directed by Nicole Kent, explores themes of sexual exploitation in the entertainment industry. Set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, the narrative follows a young aspiring actress named Lil who relocates to Los Angeles to study under a prestigious acting coach. However, her dreams take a sinister turn as the mentorship devolves into manipulation.
Spencer portrays Sam, a fellow student who alerts Lil to the coach’s inappropriate behavior, positioning him at the center of a story influenced by the #MeToo movement. An industry insider revealed that despite being Princess Diana’s nephew, Spencer initially kept his identity hidden, wanting to earn respect as an actor on his own merits. “Louis didn’t want to rely on his family name – he wanted to be taken seriously as an actor,” the insider noted.
Kent expressed her drive to shed light on the troubling realities of sexual coercion faced by artists. “It’s such an important film because it highlights the dangers many actors face – and reveals the warning signs to watch out for,” she stated. She praised Spencer for his performance, calling him “amazing to work with.”
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Early reports indicate that Pinch & Ouch has been attracting attention on the festival circuit for its honest portrayal of power dynamics and consent, with Spencer’s performance recognized for its empathy and restraint.
Spencer, the only son of Diana’s brother Charles Spencer and his former wife, Victoria Aitken, was raised in Cape Town, South Africa, alongside his sisters Lady Kitty, Lady Eliza, and Lady Amelia. Though distanced from royal life, he maintains strong ties with his family, including Princes William and Harry. Friends describe him as someone with a creative spirit who values hard work and privacy. “He wants to earn his place, not have it handed to him,” a source remarked.
After completing university, Spencer trained at ArtsEd in West London, a prestigious drama school that boasts a roster of successful alumni. For the past two years, he has been quietly auditioning under his chosen name. Friends emphasize that he aims for recognition tied to his talent rather than his lineage, saying, “He knows that if he went out as ‘Viscount Althorp,’ no one would see past that.”
With Pinch & Ouch marking his acting debut, Spencer has expressed a commitment to furthering his career, having signed with a UK-based talent agency. Insider sources assert his determination, saying, “He’s serious about it. He’s not chasing celebrity; he’s chasing craft.” Many believe he channels his late aunt’s instinct for empathy, utilizing that sensitivity in his performances.
