From neurotic schoolgirl to regency-era nobility: rising star Nicola Coughlan discusses the Netflix smash-hit Bridgerton and why working with Shonda Rhimes was a dream come true
It was one thing playing the smart yet skittish Clare Devlin in the British comedy Derry Girls, but Nicola Coughlan’s turn as the quiet Penelope Featherington in the Netflix smash Bridgerton was what propelled the Irish actress to true stardom. The modern take on Regency-era romance—an adaptation of Julia Quinn’s period novels—has just been renewed for a second season, meaning Coughlan and her red wig will be returning in lace-trimmed style once more.
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What first drew you to Bridgerton?
When you hear that [TV production company founded by producer Shonda Rhimes] Shondaland is making a show with Netflix you can’t not be excited by it. I had actually never read the books; I got the part after the first audition so I had very little time to process it all. When I read them, it was amazing because they gave me so many clues on how to play Penelope. The [Bridgerton] women are so forward-thinking, which drew me to the script. Because it didn’t read like a period drama, it didn’t feel dusty. The characters felt very alive.
Spoiler alert! How did you find out you were gossip columnist Lady Whistledown?
While reading book four, which focuses on Penelope and Colin [Bridgerton]. I then found fan forums online and ended up reading that my character was Lady Whistledown. I couldn’t believe it: I thought, not only have I gotten this great part, but it’s the part on this great show.
Did you get to meet [narrator] Julie Andrews? What was it like having her voice your character’s part?
I unfortunately did not get to meet Julie. We kept hoping she would come to the set. She did send me an email on my birthday, which was the most wonderful present. Having her voice my character’s part is amazing. To be in a show with her is one thing, but to share my role with her, in a way, is magical.