Fans of actor Nicola Coughlan, known for her roles in “Bridgerton” and “Derry Girls,” recently expressed surprise on social media upon learning her real age of 37. Coughlan has often played teenage characters, including Penelope Featherington on Netflix’s “Bridgerton.” The upcoming third season of “Bridgerton” will focus on Penelope’s love life. Coughlan also starred in “Derry Girls,” a U.K. coming-of-age comedy series that premiered in 2018 and ran for three seasons.
The discussion around Coughlan’s age resurfaced with her recent Harper’s Bazaar cover story, where she reflected on how her life has changed since her early days working part-time in an optician’s office in 2017. Some fans marveled at how youthful Coughlan looks for her age, with some expressing disbelief that she is really 37. However, others criticized the perception that 37 is considered old, noting that people in their 30s and 40s do not suddenly age dramatically post-30.
In her Harper’s Bazaar essay, Coughlan highlighted the pressures women in the entertainment industry face to look youthful and maintain a certain image. She acknowledged the scrutiny and fame that come with her job, but expressed pride in the work she has done and the shows she has been a part of. Coughlan is set to star in a new series called “Big Mood,” which will stream on Tubi starting April 19.
The dialogue surrounding Coughlan’s age and ability to convincingly portray younger characters reflects broader societal attitudes towards women aging in the public eye. Despite the scrutiny and pressures she faces, Coughlan remains proud of her work and the shows she has been a part of. Her upcoming projects, including the new season of “Bridgerton” and the series “Big Mood,” showcase her talent and versatility as an actor. Coughlan’s success in the entertainment industry defies ageist stereotypes and inspires fans to appreciate her talent regardless of her age.
