If you haven't heard of Nicola Coughlan yet, get ready to be obsessed. This Irish actress is taking Hollywood by storm, thanks to her scene-stealing role as Penelope Featherington in Netflix's smash hit, Bridgerton. But Coughlan's journey to stardom is anything but an overnight success story. Get ready for the untold truth about this hilarious and talented actress, from her humble beginnings in Galway to her A-list friendship with Queer Eye's Jonathan Van Ness.
Long before she was donning Regency-era gowns and navigating the scandalous world of Bridgerton, Coughlan was making a name for herself in the UK and Ireland as the lovable Clare Devlin in Netflix's Derry Girls.
But her path to success was paved with the usual struggles of a young actress trying to make it. Coughlan's acting journey began at the tender age of nine, and she spent her twenties bouncing between auditions, odd jobs, and a persistent fear of credit card declines.
"My twenties were rough," Coughlan admitted in an interview. "Being broke all the time is incredibly stressful."
Coughlan's big break came when she landed the role of Penelope Featherington in Bridgerton. But did you know that she credits Shonda Rhimes' best-selling book, Year of Yes, with helping her through the audition process?
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