Kelly Valentine Hendry, the woman behind the captivating casts of "Fleabag" and "Broadchurch," never imagined she'd be at the helm of a global phenomenon like "Bridgerton."  In fact, before the call from Shondaland came, she had never even heard of the steamy Regency romance series.

A self-proclaimed "terrible actress" with a lifelong love for the theater, Hendry stumbled into casting almost by accident.  Years of honing her craft led her to become a sought-after name in the industry, but "Bridgerton" presented a unique challenge: 

creating a believable world of lavish balls, intricate social hierarchies, and, of course, scandalous love affairs.

"I had been saying for years that I wanted to do a 'bonnet'," Hendry laughs, referring to her long-held dream of casting a period drama.  Little did she know, "Bridgerton" would become a cultural touchstone, redefining the genre for a new generation.

The casting process, she explains, was an exercise in finding actors who could embody both the elegance and the emotional depth of Julia Quinn's characters.

 It was about more than just finding the right look; it was about finding actors who could convey the longing glances, the simmering tension, and the heart-stopping passion that defined the "Bridgerton" world.

Hendry credits her team, particularly co-casting director Cole Edwards, for helping to bring her vision to life.  Together, they embarked on a search for fresh faces and established talent, ultimately assembling a cast that captivated audiences worldwide.

The article is not finished. Click on the next page to continue.