Nicola Coughlan has become a household name, capturing the hearts of viewers with her performances in Derry Girls and Bridgerton. Whether it’s playing the studious Clare Devlin in Derry Girls or the complicated and beloved Penelope Featherington (soon to be Penelope Bridgerton) in Bridgerton, Coughlan has proven her immense talent and versatility. However, the road to stardom has not been without its obstacles. From being body-shamed for her appearance to grappling with personal loss and professional setbacks, Coughlan has faced her fair share of struggles. Yet, through it all, her resilience, sense of humor, and deep love for acting have allowed her to emerge stronger and more determined.
In this article, we take a closer look at the heartbreaking challenges Coughlan has faced throughout her career and life, and how she’s managed to overcome them while staying true to herself.
Body Shaming and the “Bridgerton” Nude Scene
One of the most painful struggles Coughlan has dealt with during her career is body shaming. As an actress in the spotlight, she has faced criticism not just for her talent, but for her body. One of the most public instances came while working on Bridgerton, during a scene where her character, Penelope, engages in love scenes that required partial nudity. In an interview with Stylist, Coughlan revealed that she took control of the situation, asking to be “very naked” in a particular scene. She explained, “There’s one scene where I’m very naked on camera, and that was my idea, my choice. It just felt like the biggest ‘f*** you’ to all the conversation surrounding my body; it was amazingly empowering.”
Despite her efforts to reclaim her narrative, Coughlan was still confronted with intrusive comments about her appearance. “I remember this really drunk girl once talking to me in a bathroom being like, ‘I loved Bridgerton because of your body,'” she recalled in an interview with Elle. “And started talking about my body, and I was like, ‘I want to die. I hate this so much.'” This moment, though deeply hurtful, didn’t stop her from standing her ground.
Coughlan’s decision to use her platform to reclaim control over how she is perceived is a testament to her strength. She continues to advocate for body positivity, and by embracing her body on screen, she has empowered not just herself but other people who may face similar judgment.
Age Shaming in Derry Girls
Another struggle Coughlan faced was age shaming, especially when she was cast as the 16-year-old Clare Devlin in Derry Girls at the age of 30. While she brought a level of authenticity and depth to the character, Coughlan had to deal with comments from critics who thought her age was too far removed from the role she was playing.
However, Coughlan took it all in stride, responding in a Teen Vogue interview, “It’s super funny to me to see that [discourse] because I’ve never hidden my age. In acting, it’s all about suspension of disbelief. I always use the same comparison: Ian McKellen isn’t a wizard. I’m not a 19-year-old aristocrat from the 19th century. It’s all made up.”
For Coughlan, playing a teenager in Derry Girls wasn’t just about physical age—it was about the emotional essence of her character. She remarked, “I am so lucky I get to do [this career], because pretty much my whole 20s, I didn’t get to do it.” Despite the occasional age-related critique, Coughlan remains grateful for the opportunities she’s had, and her portrayal of Clare remains a fan-favorite.
Sexual Harassment as a Teenager
Perhaps one of the most harrowing experiences Coughlan has shared was an instance of sexual harassment she experienced as a teenager. In a candid post on X (formerly Twitter), Coughlan revealed that a respected older director had suggested she perform naked during an acting competition. She had gone to the director for advice on what to expect during the competition, only to be told, “If I really wanted to impress him, I should perform naked.”
This unsettling encounter is one of the many difficult experiences that Coughlan has encountered throughout her career. In a society where power imbalances are rampant, especially in the entertainment industry, Coughlan’s experience highlights the harsh realities many women face. Despite this, she has continued to push forward in her career, refusing to let such incidents define her.
Mishaps on the Set of Bridgerton
Working on Bridgerton was not without its challenges for Coughlan, either. The costumes and setting of the show, while beautifully designed, often proved tricky to navigate. Early in season 1, Coughlan struggled with the corsets and heels she had to wear, leading to a few physical mishaps. During one scene, she lost her balance and fell, leading to several embarrassing moments where she found herself unable to walk properly. In a This Morning interview, she explained, “I completely toppled over and landed on the ground.”
But perhaps the most memorable incident occurred on her first day of shooting. While carrying a parasol—an accessory that could be considered harmless—Coughlan tripped and accidentally stabbed her co-star Claudia Jessie (who plays Eloise Bridgerton) in the hand, drawing blood. Thankfully, the two are still close friends, and Coughlan’s ability to laugh at herself helped her navigate these on-set mishaps.
The Paparazzi’s Invasion of Her Privacy
As her fame grew, Coughlan was forced to contend with the invasive nature of paparazzi and the loss of her privacy. She described how unsettling it was to have strangers follow her around, documenting her every move. “Imagine if you had an evening at the pub and then you walked around, talking, having a lovely time. And a few days later, you see pictures of that. The violation is immense,” Coughlan shared with The Guardian.
The relentless pursuit of her private life left Coughlan feeling violated and stripped of her personal autonomy. She also dealt with the strange rumors that accompanied her fame, such as the speculation that she was secretly dating her co-star Luke Newton (Colin Bridgerton).
Despite this, Coughlan continues to be an advocate for her privacy, reminding fans that behind the public figure is a real person who deserves respect.
The Loss of Her Father
One of the hardest experiences for Coughlan occurred when her father passed away just five days before she landed her breakthrough role in Derry Girls. She recalled, “He sadly didn’t know I ever got it. It’s sad he never got to see it.”
Coughlan’s father was a significant part of her life, and his loss weighed heavily on her as she embarked on her career. Though she continues to achieve remarkable success, she often feels the absence of her father, especially during pivotal moments like winning a BAFTA. The emotional toll of her father’s death remains a bittersweet part of her success.
Struggling with Depression and Exhaustion
During the most difficult times in her career, Coughlan also faced a period of depression. After moving back to Ireland in her late 20s, she found herself stuck in a difficult cycle of audition droughts and financial struggles. “I couldn’t get out of bed. I felt like I failed at everything,” she confessed. With the weight of her financial debt and the emotional toll of not landing a role, Coughlan was at her lowest point.
Despite the darkness, Coughlan slowly recovered with the support of her friends and family. Her sister played a pivotal role in helping her through this difficult period, pushing her to keep moving forward.
Additionally, Coughlan has openly discussed the overwhelming exhaustion she faced while working on multiple projects at once, including Bridgerton and Big Mood. “I was so tired I’d just start crying randomly,” she admitted. Balancing the demands of a growing career with her mental and physical well-being took its toll, but Coughlan’s commitment to her work and her love for acting kept her going.
Nearly Losing Her Life in a Freak Accident
Perhaps one of the scariest incidents of Coughlan’s life occurred when a concrete block crashed through the ceiling of her rental apartment just seconds after she had stepped out of the shower. The close call left her shaken, but she was left to deal with an uncooperative landlord, who failed to send a qualified engineer to check the property’s safety.
The situation highlights just how much Coughlan has had to navigate, not just in her career but in her personal life as well. Despite this terrifying incident, she remains resilient, continuing to move forward with her life and work.
The Long Road to Success
Through all of these struggles—body shaming, personal loss, professional setbacks, and personal challenges—Nicola Coughlan has proven time and again that she is a force to be reckoned with. From the depths of depression to the triumphs of Derry Girls and Bridgerton, she has emerged stronger and more determined than ever. As her career continues to rise, her unwavering love for acting and her commitment to her craft keep her grounded.
Despite everything she’s faced, Coughlan has persevered and remains a source of inspiration for countless fans. As she continues to captivate audiences with her incredible talent and vulnerability, there’s no telling just how far her star will rise.
