Nicola Coughlan is an Irish actress who has enjoyed a meteoric rise since her debut in the TV series Derry Girls. Today, she is one of the world’s most popular actresses, thanks to her role as Penelope Featherington in the hit series The Bridgerton Chronicles. A rising star of film and television, Nicola Coughlan remains a popular figure both in Ireland and in Hollywood.
Nicola Coughlan was born on January 9, 1987 in Galway, Ireland. She grew up in a modest family, with a mother who was a nurse and a father who was an engineer. From an early age, she had a passion for theater and acting. She takes part in numerous school and local productions.
After high school, Nicola Coughlan moved to London to study acting. She studied at the Oxford School of Drama and the Birmingham School of Acting. After graduating, she began working as a professional actress.
Nicola Coughlan’s debut was a difficult one. She played a series of small roles in shorts and independent films. She also dubs for animated series. In 2012, she landed a small role in the TV series Doctors.
Nicola Coughlan in Derry Girls
In 2018, Nicola Coughlan landed the role of Clare Devlin in the Irish TV series Derry Girls.
The series was a critical and commercial success. This is a wryly humorous series about a group of young people living in Derry during the Troubles. The tone is quirky, cynical and 100% Irish. Considered a UFO, the show was a great success.
Nicola Coughlan is acclaimed for her performance. Fine, subtle and wickedly funny, she won several awards, including Best Actress in a Comedy at the British Academy Television Awards.
Nicola Coughlan in Bridgerton
In 2020, Nicola Coughlan lands the role of Penelope Featherington in the Netflix series The Bridgerton Chronicle.
The series is an international success.
Nicola Coughlan became a worldwide star. She was acclaimed for her portrayal of Penelope, a shy, introverted young woman hiding a dark secret. Considered the main cog in the series’ storyline, she delivers a highly sensitive performance.
Nicola Coughlan is a committed actress. She is a fervent defender of women’s rights and the LGBTQ+ community. She is also an ambassador for the charity Body Confidence Ireland, championing body diversity, tolerance and full acceptance.
She firmly condemns the media’s dictate to represent women in formatted proportions. For Nicola Coughlan, every woman should be proud of her body, whether she’s a size 38 or 52! For the Irish actress, it’s crucial to deconstruct clichés and fantasies about women, to enable each and every woman to love and accept herself as she is!
A lovely message!
For Nicola Coughlan, the future seems already mapped out. She is expected to appear in several projects and has already filmed for the Barbie movie. The new Bridgerton season, centered on her character, should also be a real consecration for the young woman.
Fans can’t wait to discover her new interpretations!