Nicola Coughlan, known for her captivating performances as Claire Devlin on the cult favorite Derry Girls and as Penelope Featherington on the hit series Bridgerton, is set to star in the highly anticipated 2024 Christmas special of Doctor Who. Coughlan takes on the role of Joy, who navigates the Time Hotel after finding a secret doorway, encountering danger and dinosaurs along the way.
The actress's meteoric rise to fame is one marked by determination and resilience. Born on January 9, 1987, in Galway, Ireland, Coughlan grew up with her stay-at-home mom and father, who served in the army, alongside her two older siblings. After graduating from the National University of Ireland with degrees in English and Classical Civilisation, she pursued acting at the Oxford School of Drama and Birmingham School of Acting, hoping to break through the competitive entertainment industry.
It wasn't until 2017, when her role as Clare Devlin on Derry Girls aired, launching her visibility and acclaim. Before this breakthrough, Coughlan faced considerable hardship, admitting to feeling like "the worst failure in the world. Like I’d wasted time. I was pitying myself: ‘Why did you think you could do this?’" The actress recalled working part-time at an optician's shop, struggling financially and struggling with self-doubt. "It’s not long since I’ve been able to go and buy a coffee and not have a panic attack. So I reckon I’ll have a few more years of thinking ‘I hope I have some money in my bank account'", she confided, illustrating the long shadows of her earlier struggles.
After Derry Girls concluded its run in 2022, Coughlan's star continued to rise. She showcased her versatility with roles across genres, including her acclaimed portrayal of Penelope Featherington on Bridgerton, where her character continued to evolve and play integral roles in the series' narrative arcs. Her performances have not gone unnoticed, as Coughlan was even named one of Vogue's best-dressed women of 2021, solidifying her status as both an actress and style icon.
Despite her newfound fame, Coughlan has not forgotten her roots. She frequently returns to her hometown of Oranmore, where she moved back to her family home after what she described as "the worst time of her life" living in London. On the podcast Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness, she revealed the loneliness and struggles she faced during her time there, saying, "I had the worst time of my life. It sucked so hard. I found it difficult. I was so lonely when I moved." This reflection highlights her grounded nature amid the glitz and glamour associated with stardom.
Coughlan's personal life has also garnered attention, particularly her rumored romantic involvement with actor and producer Jake Dunn. The pair were spotted together at events, fueling speculation about their relationship. Coughlan’s friends include several A-listers, one of whom is Jonathan Van Ness, highlighting her growing influence and sociability within Hollywood.
Besides Doctor Who, Coughlan is set to appear in the adaptation of Enid Blyton's classic tale The Magic Faraway Tree, which only adds to the excitement surrounding her future endeavors. Her career is characterized by continuous growth and determination, proving her layered talents and multifaceted personality as she fully embraces the spotlight.
Now age 37 and reflecting on her past, Coughlan embodies the saying of rising against the odds. Not long ago, she felt she was at rock bottom, oscillated between deep financial woes and self-doubt, but has transformed these experiences to propel her toward new heights. From the cozy community of Oranmore to the vast landscapes of the entertainment industry, Nicola Coughlan's story remains one of strength, resilience, and relentless aspiration.
With several upcoming projects and expectations of continued success, it is clear she's not heading back to the opticians anytime soon; instead, she's comfortably solidifying her place as one of today's standout actresses.
