The ‘Bridgerton’ Star Honored for Her Global Impact on Television
Nicola Coughlan, the Irish actress who has charmed audiences worldwide with her roles in Derry Girls and Bridgerton, is set to receive the prestigious Canal+ Icon Award at the Canneseries Festival 2025. This honor recognizes her outstanding contributions to television and her ability to captivate audiences across genres and borders. As she prepares to accept this accolade, Coughlan’s journey from struggling actress to international star serves as an inspiring testament to resilience, talent, and hard work.
A Star Born in Galway
Born in Galway, Ireland, in 1987, Nicola Coughlan’s path to stardom was anything but smooth. Growing up in Oranmore as the youngest of three siblings, she discovered her love for acting at the age of five after watching her sister perform in a school play. Despite her passion, the road ahead was filled with challenges.
Coughlan pursued her craft by studying at the Oxford School of Drama and the Birmingham School of Acting. However, like many aspiring actors, she faced years of rejection and financial struggles. During her twenties, she took odd jobs—including working at a frozen yogurt shop and an optician’s office—while performing in small plays and auditions that often led nowhere.
Her big break came in 2018 when Coughlan was cast as Clare Devlin in Channel 4’s Derry Girls. The critically acclaimed sitcom about a group of teenagers growing up during the Troubles in Northern Ireland became an instant hit, with Coughlan’s portrayal of the neurotic yet lovable Clare winning over audiences and critics alike.
From ‘Derry Girls’ to Regency London
While Derry Girls made Nicola Coughlan a household name in Ireland and the UK, it was Netflix’s Bridgerton that catapulted her to global stardom. Cast as Penelope Featherington—later revealed to be the sharp-tongued gossip columnist Lady Whistledown—Coughlan brought wit, charm, and depth to a character who initially appeared as a wallflower.
By Season 3 of Bridgerton, Penelope had stepped into the spotlight with her own love story alongside Colin Bridgerton (played by Luke Newton). This pivotal season not only showcased Coughlan’s range as an actress but also earned her nominations for prestigious awards like the Screen Actors Guild Awards and IFTA Film & Drama Awards.
Reflecting on her rise to fame, Coughlan once noted the stark contrast between her early career struggles and her current success: “Three million people watched Derry Girls, and 82 million watched Bridgerton. It’s a whole different ball game.”
The Canneseries Honor: A Well-Deserved Recognition
The Canneseries Festival is renowned for celebrating excellence in television from around the world. By awarding Nicola Coughlan the Canal+ Icon Award, the festival acknowledges not only her exceptional talent but also her ability to resonate with audiences on a global scale.
This recognition comes after an incredible year for Coughlan, who has continued to diversify her portfolio with roles in projects like Channel 4’s dark comedy Big Mood and Greta Gerwig’s blockbuster Barbie. Her versatility as an actress—shifting seamlessly between comedy, drama, and historical fiction—has solidified her status as one of television’s most dynamic performers.
In a statement about receiving the award, Coughlan expressed gratitude for being recognized at such a prestigious event: “To be honored by Canneseries is beyond anything I could have dreamed of when I started out as an actor. It’s a celebration not just of my work but of all the incredible people I’ve collaborated with along the way.”
A Voice Beyond Acting
Nicola Coughlan is more than just an actress; she’s also a vocal advocate for important social issues. From speaking out against body shaming in Hollywood to addressing mental health struggles openly, she has used her platform to inspire others and challenge industry norms.
Coughlan has also been unafraid to engage with political topics, including sharing her thoughts on global conflicts like the Israel-Hamas war. Her willingness to speak candidly about these issues has endeared her even more to fans who admire not just her artistry but also her authenticity.
What’s Next for Nicola?
As Nicola Coughlan prepares to accept her Canneseries honor on April 12, fans are eager to see what lies ahead for this multi-talented star. She is confirmed to return for Season 4 of Bridgerton, where Penelope Featherington will undoubtedly continue captivating viewers with her sharp wit and evolving storylines.
Beyond Bridgerton, insiders suggest that Coughlan is exploring opportunities in both film and stage productions—a nod to her roots in theatre before finding fame on television. With every project she takes on, one thing is clear: Nicola Coughlan is just getting started.
A Legacy in Progress
From Galway stages to Netflix screens and now the Canneseries spotlight, Nicola Coughlan’s journey is a masterclass in perseverance and passion. As she accepts one of television’s most prestigious honors, she stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring actors everywhere: proof that talent combined with determination can break down any barrier.
With accolades piling up and new opportunities on the horizon, Nicola Coughlan continues to redefine what it means to be a modern-day icon—one role at a time.