BridgertonstarNicola Coughlanhas proved her former teachers wrong.As part ofThe Hollywood Reporter’s 2021 Next Gen Talent list, Coughlan opened up about the surprising feedback she received during her drama school days.“I was told, categorically, I would never do period drama,” Coughlan, 34, said. “They told me, ‘Your face is too modern.’ ““I have no idea to this day what that means,” she added.Despite the unique criticism, Coughlan went on to land a starring role on the Netflix period drama as Penelope Featherington. In April, it was announced thatBridgertonwasrenewed through season 4.Coughlan also plays Clare Devlin on the 1990s-set sitcomDerry Girls, a series that allows her to advocate for a cause she’s passionate about.Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington in Bridgerton.LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIXNever miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.“LGBTQ rights,” she toldTHRwhen asked about a social issue she supports. “I play a gay character inDerry Girlsand I realized the responsibility of taking that on at a time when, in Northern Ireland, gay marriage still wasn’t legal.“Bridgertonpremiered on Netflix in December 2020. The popularShonda Rhimes-produced drama is based on authorJulia Quinn’sbook series of the same name.The success ofBridgertonbrought its cast overnight stardom, including for starPhoebe Dynevor.“It wasn’t until the world has gone back to normal that I have realized the enormity of the show,” Dynevor, 26, toldTHR.Series newcomerSimone Ashleyhas already seen her fair share of theBridgertoneffect. Discussing her upcoming leading turn on the hit show, the 26-year-old toldTHRit has her feeling “like a different person.“Netflix has yet to announce a season 2 return date forBridgerton.
BridgertonstarNicola Coughlanhas proved her former teachers wrong.
As part ofThe Hollywood Reporter’s 2021 Next Gen Talent list, Coughlan opened up about the surprising feedback she received during her drama school days.
“I was told, categorically, I would never do period drama,” Coughlan, 34, said. “They told me, ‘Your face is too modern.’ "
“I have no idea to this day what that means,” she added.
Despite the unique criticism, Coughlan went on to land a starring role on the Netflix period drama as Penelope Featherington. In April, it was announced thatBridgertonwasrenewed through season 4.
Coughlan also plays Clare Devlin on the 1990s-set sitcomDerry Girls, a series that allows her to advocate for a cause she’s passionate about.
Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington in Bridgerton.LIAM DANIEL/NETFLIX
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
“LGBTQ rights,” she toldTHRwhen asked about a social issue she supports. “I play a gay character inDerry Girlsand I realized the responsibility of taking that on at a time when, in Northern Ireland, gay marriage still wasn’t legal.”
Bridgertonpremiered on Netflix in December 2020. The popularShonda Rhimes-produced drama is based on authorJulia Quinn’sbook series of the same name.
The success ofBridgertonbrought its cast overnight stardom, including for starPhoebe Dynevor.
“It wasn’t until the world has gone back to normal that I have realized the enormity of the show,” Dynevor, 26, toldTHR.
Series newcomerSimone Ashleyhas already seen her fair share of theBridgertoneffect. Discussing her upcoming leading turn on the hit show, the 26-year-old toldTHRit has her feeling “like a different person.”
Netflix has yet to announce a season 2 return date forBridgerton.
source: people.com
