Admirers of the show appreciate Nicola Coughlan. - From glasses shop to "Bridgerton" production
Five years since her last pair of glasses were sold, Coughlan has catapulted herself to international stardom and serves as an inspiration to many fans. Portraying the aristocratic character "Penelope Featherington" in the popular series "Bridgerton" (Netflix), she seamlessly navigates the world of lords and ladies.
Disclaimer: This article contains potential spoilers related to the series and her character
Admirers of the successful show find solace in her enigmatic persona as "Lady Whistledown." Employing her "Society Papers," she unveils the gossip of London's elite society around 1815, much like a modern influencer during a time when carriages and waste cluttered the city's narrow streets.
At only 1.55 meters tall, her portrayal as the shadowy identity garners immense adoration. However, her journey into the limelight has been marked by its fair share of challenges. In the past, she expressed her feelings of failure in the film industry, stating, "I felt like a complete failure as an actress. The thought of failing hit me hard."
Hailing from County Galway, Nicola Coughlan persevered through several rounds of auditions and small roles in the English capital, ultimately struggling to make ends meet. "There wasn't even enough money for rent...or even a coffee."
In 2018, her breakthrough came with the series "Derry Girls." The series' setting in the 90s and personal touch resonated well with Coughlan's youthful appearance. She starred as part of the conflict-ridden Northern Ireland setting. Her secret to success lay in staying true to her authentic self, unapologetically expressing herself on set and addressing cyberbullying directed towards her physical appearance.
Actress Counters Critics
Following attacks labelling her an "overweight girl," Coughlan contributed to The Guardian with a guest article. She voiced her dismay at these shallow criticisms and stood up for her character: "Everything I've done to create my character has been reduced to a hurtful remark and a comment about my appearance. Can we stop asking women about their weight during interviews? It's painful and disheartening."
The openness of her response earned her much support on social media. However, she conceals one aspect of her personal life: the identity of her real-life romantic interest, the "lord" who has captured her heart.
Coughlan genuinely enjoys her camaraderie with "Derry Girls" heartthrob, Luke Newton (31, "Colin Bridgerton") beyond their on-screen love scenes. She quipped about the emotional bed scene, "We were just relieved," as she undeniably rules the debates surrounding her significant role.
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Source: symclub.org
