Bridgerton Star on Body Shaming in Hollywood

Irish actress Nicola Coughlan, widely recognized for her role as Lady Whistledown in Netflix's Bridgerton, has candidly discussed the intense scrutiny of her body. In a recent interview, Coughlan, who portrays Penelope Featherington, recalled deeply unsettling encounters related to her physique. She described a particularly jarring experience with an intoxicated individual who made inappropriate comments about her body in a bathroom, leaving her mortified.

Coughlan, who typically fluctuates between a size 8 and 10, expressed frustration at being categorized as 'plus size' by some, questioning the industry's standards. She highlighted the bizarre nature of this label, especially when she was actively exercising and had lost weight for a role, noting that a corset she wore was a size 8. The actress also shared her disinterest in body positivity as a personal passion, emphasizing that her focus lies elsewhere.

Reflecting on her career since her breakout role in Derry Girls, Coughlan stated that immense dedication to her work, including months away from family, is often reduced to discussions about her physical appearance. She is set to star as Silky the fairy in the upcoming film 'The Magic Faraway Tree,' a role for which she expressed great excitement, hinting at a trailer release soon.