Nicola Coughlan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nicola Coughlan
Coughlan in 2021 for Vogue Taiwan
Born	Nicola Mary Coughlan (1987-01-09) 9 January 1987 (age 38) Galway, Ireland
Education	Calasanctius College
Alma mater	NUI Galway Oxford School of Drama Birmingham School of Acting
Occupation	Actress
Years active	1997–present
Notable credit(s)	Derry Girls Bridgerton

Nicola Coughlan (born 9 January 1987) is an Irish actress. She is famous for playing Clare in the TV show Derry Girls. She also plays Penelope Featherington in the popular Netflix series Bridgerton.

Early Life and Dreams

Nicola Coughlan was born in Galway, Ireland, on 9 January 1987. She grew up in a place called Oranmore. When she was just five years old, she watched her older sister in a school play. That moment made Nicola decide she wanted to be an actress too!

She went to Scoil Mhuire for primary school. Later, she attended Calasanctius College for her secondary education. Nicola studied English and Classical Civilisation at the National University of Ireland, Galway. After that, she trained to be an actress in England. She studied at the Oxford School of Drama and the Birmingham School of Acting. Today, she lives in London.

Becoming an Actress

Starting Out (2004–2017)

Nicola Coughlan had a small, uncredited role in a film called My Brother's War in 1997. She was only 10 years old then. In 2004, she got a part in a short comedy film, The Phantom Cnut. She also did voice work for animated TV shows.

At one point, Nicola faced some tough times. She had to move back to Ireland and worked part-time at an optician. But she kept trying for acting roles. She got a main role in a play called Jess and Joe Forever. This play first opened in London in September 2016.

Big Roles and Fame (2018–Present)

In 2018, Nicola got a big role in Derry Girls. This TV show is a comedy about teenagers in Derry, Northern Ireland, in the 1990s. Nicola played Clare Devlin, one of the main characters. The show became very popular after it was released on Netflix.

That same year, she also acted in .... This was a TV show set in London in the 1700s. Nicola also performed in a play called The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in London's West End. The Evening Standard newspaper even called her one of the "Rising Stars of 2018."

In 2019, Nicola was cast in the Netflix series Bridgerton. This show started in December 2020. She plays Penelope Featherington, a young woman from a new rich family in Regency era London. Her role in Derry Girls was smaller in the third season because she was busy filming Bridgerton.

Nicola has also appeared in other exciting projects. In 2022, she was in an audio play of Oliver Twist. In 2023, she starred in the comedy film Seize Them!, which is set in the Dark Ages. She also had a brief appearance as Diplomat Barbie in the movie Barbie.

In 2023, Nicola played Queen Victoria in a Christmas special for the TV show Dodger. She also had a main role in the Channel 4 comedy Big Mood. In 2024, she starred in the Doctor Who Christmas special, "Joy to the World". She played Joy Almondo alongside Ncuti Gatwa as the Fifteenth Doctor.

Nicola will also star in an upcoming drama-thriller film called Love and War. In this movie, she plays a woman who travels to Syria to find her daughter.

Helping Others

Charity and Advocacy Work

Nicola Coughlan uses her fame to help others and speak up for important causes. In 2020, she joined her Derry Girls co-stars and actress Saoirse Ronan for a special fundraising show. This event raised money for people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In July 2020, Nicola sold one of her dresses to raise money. She raised €5,000 for the Laura Lynn Hospice. This hospice helps children in Ireland who need special care.

In 2022, when the third season of Derry Girls was released, Nicola spoke out against plans to privatize Channel 4. She posted a picture on Instagram to support a petition to keep the channel public.

Nicola also signed a letter called 'Artists for Palestine'. This letter asked for a ceasefire in conflicts and spoke about humanitarian needs. In July 2024, she helped raise over $2 million for Urgent Gaza Relief and Recovery. This campaign helps people in the Gaza Strip.

Film and TV Roles

Film

Television

Audio Roles

Theatre Roles

Awards and Nominations

See also

In Spanish: Nicola Coughlan para niños