Nicola Coughlan is an Irish actress known for her comedic and dramatic roles. She gained recognition for playing Clare Devlin in the popular sitcom "Derry Girls," which aired from 2018 to 2022. She further expanded her fanbase with her role as Penelope Featherington in the acclaimed Netflix period drama "Bridgerton," which premiered in 2020 and continues to run.
January 1987: Early Life and Education
After her birth in January 1987, Coughlan grew up in Oranmore, Ireland, and discovered her passion for acting at the age of five. She pursued her education at Scoil Mhuire, Calasanctius College, and the National University of Ireland, Galway. She later honed her acting skills at the Oxford School of Drama and Birmingham School of Acting in England.
January 1987: Nicola Coughlan is born
Nicola Coughlan was born in January 1987 in Galway, Ireland.
1997: Early Acting Role
At the age of 10, in 1997, Nicola Coughlan had an uncredited role in the action thriller film 'My Brother's War'.
2004: Coughlan Begins Acting Career
In 2004, Nicola Coughlan began her professional acting career with a role in Tom Collins' short film 'The Phantom Cnut'.
2005: Voice Acting in The Fairytales
Coughlan contributed voice work to the animated series 'The Fairytales' from 2004 to 2005.
2008: Voice Acting in Summer of the Flying Saucer
Nicola Coughlan provided voice work for the animated film 'Summer of the Flying Saucer' in 2008.
2010: Voice Acting in Simsala Grimm II
Coughlan lent her voice to the animated film 'Simsala Grimm II: The Adventures of Yoyo and Doc Croc' in 2010.
2011: Voice Acting in Thor: Legend of the Magical Hammer
In 2011, Coughlan did voice work for the animated film 'Thor: Legend of the Magical Hammer'.
2012: Appearance in Doctors
Coughlan made a brief appearance in the soap opera 'Doctors' in 2012.
2013: Appearance in Svengali
Nicola Coughlan made a brief appearance in the musical comedy film 'Svengali' in 2013.
September 2016: Breakthrough Role in Jess and Joe Forever
In September 2016, Coughlan landed her breakthrough role as Jess in the play 'Jess and Joe Forever' at the Old Vic in London after responding to an open casting call.
2018: Rising Star and Derry Girls' Success
In 2018, Nicola Coughlan was recognized as one of the 'Rising Stars of 2018' by the Evening Standard. 'Derry Girls' gained international recognition after its release on Netflix in December of that year.
2018: Coughlan Addresses Body Scrutiny
In 2018, Nicola Coughlan wrote an article for The Guardian, criticizing the unfair scrutiny of women's bodies in theater criticism.
2018: Coughlan's Career Takes Off
Nicola Coughlan's career gained momentum in 2018 as she began her role as Clare Devlin in the sitcom 'Derry Girls'. She also appeared in the period drama 'Harlots' and made her West End debut in 'The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie'.
February 2019: Coughlan Supports Abortion Rights
In February 2019, Nicola Coughlan participated in a demonstration in London advocating for the decriminalization of abortion in Northern Ireland.
2019: Coughlan Cast in Bridgerton
Nicola Coughlan was cast in the Netflix series 'Bridgerton' in 2019.
2019: Coughlan Responds to Daily Mirror Comment
In 2019, Nicola Coughlan publicly responded to a comment made by the Daily Mirror about her appearance at the British Academy Television Awards.
June 2020: Derry Girls Sketch for COVID-19 Relief
On June 26, 2020, Nicola Coughlan and her 'Derry Girls' co-stars performed a comedy sketch for the RTÉ fundraising special 'RTÉ Does Comic Relief', which raised funds for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
July 2020: Coughlan Raises Funds for Children's Hospice
Nicola Coughlan auctioned off a dress in July 2020, raising €5,000 for the Laura Lynn Hospice, a children's hospice in Ireland.
December 2020: Bridgerton Premieres
The Netflix series 'Bridgerton', featuring Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington, premiered in December 2020.
2020: Coughlan Stars in Bridgerton
Nicola Coughlan's role as Penelope Featherington in the Netflix period drama 'Bridgerton' premiered in December 2020, further propelling her career forward.
2021: Coughlan Addresses Comments on Weight
Following the 2021 Golden Globe Awards, Nicola Coughlan used Twitter to address comments made about her weight.
April 2022: Coughlan Protests Channel 4 Privatization
Nicola Coughlan publicly opposed the attempted privatization of Channel 4 in April 2022 upon the release of the third series of 'Derry Girls', using her platform to raise awareness and encourage support for a petition against the move.
November 2022: Coughlan in Oliver Twist Audio Adaptation
Nicola Coughlan appeared in a Sam Mendes-produced Audible audio adaptation of 'Oliver Twist' in November 2022.
2022: Derry Girls' Final Season and Bridgerton Scheduling Conflicts
In 2022, the third and final season of 'Derry Girls' aired. Coughlan's role was reduced due to scheduling conflicts with 'Bridgerton'.
2022: Reduced Role in Derry Girls
Nicola Coughlan's role in the third series of 'Derry Girls', which aired in 2022, was significantly cut back due to scheduling conflicts with 'Bridgerton' and the coronavirus pandemic.
November 2023: Upcoming Roles in Doctor Who and Big Mood
In November 2023, it was announced that Nicola Coughlan would appear in the 2024 'Doctor Who' Christmas special. She also has an upcoming lead role in the Channel 4 sitcom 'Big Mood'.
2023: Seize Them! and Barbie
In 2023, Nicola Coughlan starred in the comedy film 'Seize Them!' and made a brief appearance in the film 'Barbie'.
2024: Doctor Who Christmas Special
Nicola Coughlan is set to appear in the 2024 'Doctor Who' Christmas special.