Who Is Nicola Coughlan And What Has She Starred In?
Nicolas Coughlan has cemented her name in Hollywood thanks to a plethora of on-screen roles especially in Bridgerton. The Irish aactress is known for playing standout character Penelope Featherington in the huge Netflix show. But Nicola has also starred in some movies and films that some fans probably won’t know about. Beyond her on-screen presence, Nicola is also known for her social media presence, showcasing her life outside of acting and attending red carpet events. In this post, we took a look at her upbringing and how she was eventually able to shine on screen.
Who is Nicola Coughan?
Born on January 9, 1987, in Galway, Ireland, and raised in Oranmore, Nicola is the youngest of three siblings. Her father, who served in the Irish Army, passed away in 2016, while her mother, a stay-at-home parent, supported the family.
Her love for acting began at the age of five when she saw her sister perform in a school play, which inspired her to pursue a career in drama. Nicola attended Scoil Mhuire Primary School and Calasanctius College, before earning a degree in English and Classical Civilisation from the National University of Ireland, Galway. She then trained at the Oxford School of Drama and the Birmingham School of Acting.
Roles
Bridgerton
Nicola began her career in smaller TV roles, before landing her famous role in the popular series. In series 3 it’s all about her characters Penelope’s relationship with Colin Bridgerton as they go from friends to lovers. Penelope isa shy and reserved character who hasn’t had much luch in the dating scene and is the author behind the Lady Whistledown gossip newspaper. Here are 15 shows you should watch just like Bridgerton.
Derry Girls
Nicola has starred in Derry Girls since it aired in 2018. It a wildly popular comedy series where she plays Clare Devlin. Intelligent and studious, often the Girls’ voice of reason, Clare is more intimidated than her friends by authority figures. At the end of series one, she comes out as a lesbian.
Harlots
Nicola appeared in the period drama Harlots in 2018. She played the character Hannah Dalton. Hannah is a young woman who becomes involved with the characters and events surrounding the brothels in 18th-century London. Coughlan appeared in seven episodes during the second season.
Barbie
Nicola appeared in the 2023 film Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig. She played the role of the Diplomat Barbie, one of the many Barbies living in Barbieland. Her role was relatively small.
