Fans of actor Nicola Coughlan, most well-known for her role in the hit Netflix drama “Bridgerton,” have been stunned to discover her real age is 37, despite frequently playing teenage characters in recent shows. In “Bridgerton,” Coughlan portrays the character Penelope Featherington, who is portrayed as being around 17 or 18 years old. The first season of “Bridgerton” premiered in 2020, and the third season, focusing on Penelope’s love life, is due for release soon. Coughlan also starred in the U.K. series “Derry Girls,” playing a high school student in the coming-of-age comedy which ran for three seasons starting in 2018.
The age discussion surrounding Coughlan has been reignited after her recent cover story in Harper’s Bazaar, where she discussed her age openly. Some fans laud Coughlan for her ability to defy aging, with one person commenting on social media that she “doesn’t age.” Others have criticized the surprise over her age, noting that society often erroneously views being in your late 30s as significantly older. Author Moniza Hossain chimed in to remind the public that people in their 30s and 40s do not necessarily experience dramatic physical changes like those assumed by stereotypes.
Coughlan addressed the pressures faced by women in the entertainment industry in her Harper’s Bazaar essay, acknowledging the scrutiny and pressure to maintain a youthful appearance. She expressed pride in her work, despite being fearful of public opinion and the intense focus that comes with fame. Despite the challenges of fame and the attention she receives for her age, Coughlan remains committed to her craft and the relationships built with her colleagues in the industry.
In response to the fascination with Coughlan’s age and her ability to portray younger characters convincingly, some social media users expressed admiration for her talent and versatility. They also defended her against ageist stereotypes and societal expectations about women’s appearance as they age. Coughlan has been outspoken about the difficulties of navigating fame and public scrutiny, emphasizing the importance of supporting women in the entertainment industry and challenging beauty standards.
As Coughlan prepares for the release of the new series “Big Mood,” set to stream on Tubi in April, her fans continue to show support for her work and appreciate her dedication to her craft. Through her roles in popular series like “Bridgerton” and “Derry Girls,” Coughlan has established herself as a versatile and talented actress capable of capturing audiences with her performances. Despite the challenges of fame and the pressures of the entertainment industry, Coughlan remains committed to her passion for acting and the opportunities it brings to collaborate with talented individuals in the industry.
