From Bridgerton to Derry Girls, Nicola Coughlan has become one of television&rsquo;s most beloved stars&mdash;here are six surprising things you may not know about the Irish actress.

Irish actress Nicola Coughlan may now be best known for her scene-stealing role as Penelope Featherington on <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/netflix-warner-bros-deal-value-impact-subscription-prices-tv-shows-movie-production-whats-new-on-netflix">Netflix&rsquo;s</a> hit series Bridgerton, but her rise to international fame was anything but overnight. Before stepping into corsets and Regency ballrooms, Coughlan spent years working toward her acting dream: studying literature, training at drama schools, auditioning for countless roles, and navigating the uncertainty that comes with building a career in the entertainment industry.
Her breakthrough came with the wildly popular Irish comedy Derry Girls, where she played the anxious,&nbsp;lovable Clare Devlin. The role introduced her comedic talent to audiences around the world and eventually helped open the door to her now-iconic Bridgerton character&mdash;who, as fans know, secretly moonlights as the mysterious gossip writer Lady Whistledown.&nbsp;
Since then, Coughlan has become much more than a television favorite. She&rsquo;s developed a reputation for her quick wit on social media, her outspoken advocacy on social and political issues, and her increasingly bold presence at red-carpet events and at events like <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion-week/paris-fashion-week-street-style-fall-winter-2026-outfit-inspiration-trends">Paris Fashion Week</a>. From small-town beginnings in Ireland to starring in one of the biggest streaming series in the world, her journey is full of unexpected twists, persistence, and a few surprising stories along the way.
Here are 10 fun and surprising facts you might not know about Nicola Coughlan.

<h2 style="text-align: center;">She Originally Auditioned for a Different Bridgerton&nbsp;Role</h2>

Luke Newton and Nicola Coughlan at a screening of "Bridgerton" Season 3 Part Two. Getty Images.

Before landing the role of Penelope Featherington on Bridgerton, Coughlan originally auditioned for Daphne Bridgerton. The role ultimately went to <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/phoebe-dynevor-best-fashion-moments-daphne-bridgerton-louis-vuitton">Phoebe Dynevor</a>, but producers later cast Coughlan in the pivotal role of Penelope.

<h2 id="she-edits-bridgerton-for-her-family" data-node-id="20" class="body-h2 css-1njjnow emevuu60" style="text-align: center;">She Edits Bridgerton for Her Family</h2>
<section data-embed="body-image" data-lazy-id="P0-16" data-node-id="21" class="embed" data-hydrated="1">
<div size="medium" data-embed="body-image" class="align-center size-medium embed css-y6m8k e1fodxfw4"></div>
</section>

Getty Images.

Because of the show&rsquo;s famously steamy scenes, Nicola Coughlan has joked in interviews that she makes sure her family doesn&rsquo;t see everything. The actress has said she sends relatives edited clips or versions of episodes that remove the more explicit moments from Bridgerton, explaining that watching those scenes with family would simply be too awkward.

<h2 style="text-align: center;">She Played a Teenager in Her 30s</h2>

Jamie-Lee O'Donnell, Nicola Coughlan, Liz Lewin, Louisa Harland and Saoirse-Monica Jackson for with the Sky Comedy Award for Derry Girls in 2019. Getty Images.

When Nicola Coughlan was cast as Clare Devlin in Derry Girls, she was already in her early 30s, yet she convincingly portrayed a 16-year-old schoolgirl. Her ability to capture the awkwardness, humor, and anxiety of adolescence won praise from fans and critics alike, proving her talent for bringing youthful characters to life well beyond her actual age.

<h2 style="text-align: center;">Her First Screen Role Came at Age Nine</h2>

Coughlan has said she first became fascinated with acting after watching her sister perform in a school play.&nbsp;At nine years old, she had a small role in the 1997 film My Brother&rsquo;s War. Although it was only a minor part, the experience gave her an early glimpse into the world of film production and helped reinforce her interest in acting.&nbsp;

<h2 style="text-align: center;">She Studied English and Classical Civilization Before Acting Full Time</h2>

Coughlan attended the National University of Ireland, Galway, where she studied English and Classical Civilization. Her academic focus on literature, mythology, and classical storytelling helped shape her appreciation for narrative and character&mdash;skills that would later inform her approach to performance before she went on to train professionally at drama schools in the U.K.

<h2 style="text-align: center;">She&rsquo;s a Vocal Advocate for Social Issues</h2>

Nicola Coughlan has become known for speaking openly about political and social issues she cares about. The actress frequently uses her platform to advocate for causes, including reproductive rights in Ireland and LGBTQ+ equality. She has also supported fundraising efforts and awareness campaigns for humanitarian organizations, often encouraging fans to stay informed and engaged on issues that affect marginalized communities.

<h2>She Auditioned for Stranger Things</h2>

The actress has shared that she tried out for the character Robin in the hit Netflix series <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/stranger-things-cast-then-and-now-young-photos-millie-bobby-brown-finn-wolfhard-last-episode-premiere-time-volume-3-season-5">'Stranger Things'</a>, a role that ultimately went to <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/pop-culture/maya-hawke-dating-history-boyfriends-husband-wedding-who-is-christian-lee-hutson-songs-music-age-movies-tv-shows-parents">Maya Hawke</a> when the character was introduced in the show&rsquo;s third season. Coughlan later joked that once she saw Hawke&rsquo;s performance, she realized the role had clearly gone to the right person.

<h2 id="coughlan-had-a-brief-role-in-barbie" data-node-id="24" class="body-h2 css-1njjnow emevuu60">She had a brief role in Barbie</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;"></h2>

Nicola Coughlan at the European premiere of 'Barbie'. Getty Images.

Nicola Coughlan had a brief appearance in the 2023 blockbuster <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/barbie-hyper-femininity-ultimate-act-of-feminism-coquettecore-bimbocore">'</a><a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/barbie-hyper-femininity-ultimate-act-of-feminism-coquettecore-bimbocore">Barbie'</a>, directed by <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/film-tv/best-greta-gerwig-movies-to-watch-barbie-lady-bird-little-women">Greta Gerwig</a>. In the film, she appears as&nbsp;Diplomat Barbie, one of the many Barbies who populate Barbieland alongside the lead character played by <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/margot-robbie-street-style-moments-big-bold-beautiful-journey">Margot Robbie</a>.

<h2 style="text-align: center;">She Once Considered Quitting Acting</h2>

Nicola Coughlan receives the Konbini Commitment Award at the Cannes Film Festival 2025. Getty Images.

Before her breakthrough roles, Nicola Coughlan experienced a difficult period in her career and briefly considered giving up acting altogether. After graduating from drama school, she struggled to find consistent work and faced the financial instability that many early-career actors experience. Coughlan has spoken in interviews about feeling discouraged during that time, but ultimately decided to keep pursuing acting, a decision that paid off when she was later cast in Derry Girls and eventually in&nbsp;Bridgerton.

Who is Nicola Coughlan? Surprising Facts About the 'Bridgerton' Star

Tags

Related Articles

Fashion

Nicola Coughlan's Best Red Carpet Moments

Film & TV

When Does 'Bridgerton' Season 4 Come Out?

Pop culture

The Steamiest Moments In 'Bridgerton' Season 3

Recommended posts for you

Fashion Week

All Of the Celebrities at Paris Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2026

Film & TV