While the ton may be obsessed with the romantic entanglements of Daphne, Eloise, and the rest of the Bridgerton clan, we've become utterly captivated by another captivating character: the sharp-witted, secretly influential Penelope Featherington, brought to life by the immensely talented Nicola Coughlan.

But how much do we really know about the woman behind the flamboyant gowns and cutting quips? Prepare to be surprised, dear readers, as we delve into 12 fascinating facts about the Irish actress taking the world by storm.

1. A Star is Born (Very Early!): Forget waiting for your big break - Nicola Coughlan snagged her first acting gig at the tender age of 10! While it was an uncredited role as a little girl feeding swans in the 1997 film "My Brother's War," it seems the experience left an undeniable mark.

2. From Spectacles to Stage Lights: Even budding stars need to pay the bills. Before gracing our screens, a young Nicola worked part-time at an optician in her hometown of Galway, Ireland.

Imagine the shock on those customers' faces when they realized they were being helped by a future television star!

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