What The Bridgerton Cast Looks Like In Real Life

When the first season of "Bridgerton" dropped on Christmas Day 2020, it quickly became an international sensation, launching several young actors to stardom and cementing itself as one of the most binge-worthy dramas of the streaming era. What made the Netflix show such a big hit? The set designs and costumes are lush and colorful, and the soundtrack blends classical music with contemporary pop hits, creating a world that feels both regal in its historical aspects and futuristic in its aesthetic flair. The soapy writing, in keeping with the style of Julia Quinn's novels (upon which the show is based), keeps viewers entertained throughout, but there are just enough flashes of deeper character arcs to assuage feelings of total superficiality.

More than anything, though, "Bridgerton" became a smash hit because of its phenomenal cast. A romance show can only be as good as its two leads, and Phoebe Dynevor and Regé-Jean Page absolutely nailed their end of the bargain in Season 1. They were surrounded by a large ensemble of equally compelling characters, from the other Bridgerton siblings to established social figures like Queen Charlotte and Lady Danbury. The overall chemistry of the cast gives the whole series a sense of unity that pulls audiences into Shonda Rhimes' Regency-era world. But what do the stars of the show look like out of those fancy costumes? Read on to find out.

Phoebe Dynevor was already a veteran of television by the time she was cast as Daphne Bridgerton. Her first prominent role was on the BBC drama "Waterloo Road," which also once featured her "Bridgerton" co-star Regé-Jean Page. After that, she had recurring roles on shows like "Prisoners' Wives," "Dickensian," "Younger," and "Snatch," building an impressive resume before she even turned 25. However, none of those performances earned her the same kind of recognition as her leading turn in "Bridgerton" did — the Netflix show established Dynevor as one of the preeminent young stars of the industry.

If Daphne as a character doesn't work, then "Bridgerton" as a show doesn't work. Fortunately, with Dynevor in the role, that was never going to be an issue. Her work as Daphne is enrapturing and deeply compelling, giving the show's first season the beating heart that carries it from beginning to end. In Dynevor's hands, Daphne becomes a nuanced lead, giving viewers a preview of the kinds of performances she'll no doubt be delivering in the future now that she's made such a name for herself. Daphne's return in "Bridgerton" Season 2 helps add some extra dimension to the character, showing her impressive skills as a leader and her acute understanding of human behavior.

Towering over all the drama of "Bridgerton" is Queen Charlotte, played exquisitely by Golda Rosheuvel. A veteran of both the stage and screen, Rosheuvel has broken ground in several major productions over the years, such as when she played the eponymous lead role in a queer rendition of Shakespeare's Othello. "It's amazing to be a black gay actress playing a gay role," she said of the production during an interview with Liverpool Queer Collective. Before "Bridgerton," her television credits included big shows like "Casualty," "Torchwood," "Luther," and "EastEnders." She also had a small part as the Fremen Shadout Mapes in Denis Villeneuve's "Dune."

As Queen Charlotte, Rosheuvel is as commanding as she is elegant. She imbues the monarch with heart and feeling — largely tied to her relationship with her ailing husband — but she never loses sight of the inherent fun of the character. Charlotte is a queen who adores gossip and loves being right, two traits that lead to all kinds of drama on the Netflix show. Rosheuvel's performance brought the character to life so vividly that Netflix ordered a prequel series to explore Charlotte's past. Her real-life aesthetic is a bit less extravagant than that of her "Bridgerton" character, but Rosheuvel is no less imposing and awe-inspiring on the red carpet.

Blunt, dutiful, and a bit self-righteous, Viscount Anthony Bridgerton makes a lot of mistakes in the Netflix show, but he also grows and eventually becomes a much better person. Jonathan Bailey plays Anthony masterfully through all his different moods and stages, lending an emotional depth to the character that makes him sympathetic even in his worst moments. Bailey truly shines in "Bridgerton" Season 2, where Anthony's romance with ton newcomer Kate Sharma takes center stage.

A veteran of the British stage and screen, Bailey has had major roles in shows like the hit crime procedural "Broadchurch," the BBC mockumentary sitcom "W1A," and the Phoebe Waller-Bridge dramedy series "Crashing," among many others. He's also a talented musical performer, holding an Olivier Award for his West End performance in the 2018 revival of Stephen Sondheim's "Company" and boasting several other prominent stage appearances scattered across his career. Bailey's regular appearance isn't all that different from that of the viscount, although you would never see Anthony Bridgerton with that much facial hair. We dread to think what the ton would say if he went out in public with so much stubble.

For most of "Bridgerton" Season 1, Nicola Coughlan plays Penelope Featherington as a meek and unassuming young woman. By the time the credits roll on the season finale, the audience is in on Penelope's big secret — that she is the notorious gossip writer Lady Whistledown. After Season 1, Coughlan gets to stretch a lot more in the role of Pen, balancing the expectations put on her by her family and the rules of society with her illicit endeavors as the ton's most influential voice.

Apart from "Bridgerton," Coughlan is best known for her starring role in the Channel 4 comedy series "Derry Girls," which follows a group of young friends during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. Her other TV roles include appearances in the period drama "Harlots" and "Doctors." Coughlan has also strayed beyond the realm of scripted television on several occasions, with guest appearances on reality shows like "RuPaul's Drag Race UK" and "Taskmaster." Out of her "Bridgerton" costume and makeup, Coughlan looks a good deal different, and it will be interesting to see how her portrayal of Penelope evolves as the show continues.

Just as Lady Violet Bridgerton had already lived quite a life by the start of "Bridgerton" Season 1, Ruth Gemmell had quite a career on screen before being cast in the Netflix drama. Gemmell has appeared in several feature films over the years, with her most famous turn coming opposite Colin Firth in the 1997 rom-com "Fever Pitch" (not to be confused with the 2005 remake starring Drew Barrymore and Jimmy Fallon). Most of Gemmell's acting work has been on TV, however, with major roles in the likes of "EastEnders," "Utopia," and the Sam Mendes-produced horror series "Penny Dreadful."

On "Bridgerton," Gemmell brings grace and fire to her performance as the eponymous family's respected matriarch. The widowed mother of eight children, Lady Violet is forced to be both a loving mother and a vigilant viscountess, balancing her responsibilities as a respected member of society with her familial obligations. That's not always an easy task, and Gemmell handles the emotional ups and downs of Lady Bridgerton's journey like a pro. Like many of the stars who play the show's high society members, Gemmell looks a bit less extravagant and a little more down-to-Earth out of her period costume.

Though Colin Bridgerton is a bit meeker than his two older brothers, his journey still intrigued viewers — he's a quiet and contemplative young man trying to figure out what he wants from life. Luke Newton plays the role with great nuance and poise, balancing Colin's introverted nature with his occasional propensity for youthful rashness. Though most of his storyline in "Bridgerton" Season 1 involves his courtship of Miss Marina Thompson, Colin's big-picture arc is tied to his relationship with Penelope Featherington, and his onscreen chemistry with Nicola Coughlan is a true highlight of the show.

Earlier in his career, Newton starred in the British teen drama "The Cut" and the Disney Channel series "The Lodge," in which he played the leading role of Ben Evans. Newton has also appeared in the likes of "Doctors" and the Jeremy Piven-led series "Mr Selfridge," a period drama about the founder of the famous London department store. The actor's real-life look is pretty similar to his appearance as Colin Bridgerton, but with far fewer coattails.

Boxer-turned-entrepreneur Will Mondrich is one of the more unique characters in "Bridgerton," played skillfully by relative unknown Martins Imhangbe. Will is introduced as a close friend of Simon Basset in Season 1, and the two are often shown sparring together while discussing their personal lives. In Season 2, Will owns and operates a gentleman's club — a business he kick-started with money earned from a thrown fight. Throughout the show, Will struggles with his obligations to his family and his own sense of pride, providing a compelling respite from all the balls and courting rituals.

A seasoned stage actor, Imhangbe has spent most of his career performing in productions across the London theater scene, collecting credits on everything from Shakespeare to Arthur Miller plays. He looks remarkably like his "Bridgerton" character in real life, which should make him easy to recognize for any fans who get to see his talents live.

The younger of the two Sharma sisters introduced in "Bridgerton" Season 2, Miss Edwina makes a big impact on the ton by becoming Queen Charlotte's "diamond" of the season. Charithra Chandran plays the character with complexity and grace, embodying the various forces at war in Edwina's heart. She isn't the main romantic lead of Season 2, but Edwina's story arc is compelling, one that sees her confronting her societal conditioning and actively working to secure the future she wants for herself.

Chandran had only been acting on screen for a little while when she was cast in "Bridgerton." Her first major role was as Sabina Pleasance in Amazon's "Alex Rider" series, but Netflix's Regency drama has been a major breakout for her. After such a stellar performance, Chandran should be a staple of the industry for years to come. She looks a bit older in real life than she does as Miss Edwina, which makes sense given the notable age gap between the actor and the character.

Shelley Conn plays Lady Mary Sharma in "Bridgerton," the mother of Kate and Edwina who first enters the story in Season 2. Mary is something of a background figure in the story because Kate takes up most of the family's societal responsibilities, but Conn does an excellent job of adding dimension and intrigue to the character through her physical acting in particular. An outcast from her own family, Mary has a lot of skeletons in the closet to sort through when she returns to England, giving "Bridgerton" fans yet another deeply textured character to fall in love with.

Conn's TV resume is lengthy and impressive, with notable roles in shows like "Terra Nova," "Mistresses," "Liar," "The Lottery," and "Good Omens." On the big screen, she's appeared in films like "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "Ripley Underground." In general, Lady Mary is styled in a more understated way than the other ladies of the "Bridgerton" ton. As such, Conn doesn't actually look too different in real life, rocking a simple but elegant look.