From “Derry Girls” to “Bridgerton” to “Barbie”, Nicola Coughlan has quickly become a household name over the past few years.
But the 37-year-old, who leads the third season of Netflix’s steamy period piece, didn’t have an easy climb to the top. In fact, Coughlan struggled to break into acting at all.
“So much is put on the notion of the overnight success,” she said in a 2020 interview with Stylist. “I never wanted to pretend that’s who I was.”
When she first moved to London from her native Galway, Ireland to pursue acting, Coughlan didn’t last long. She struggled to balance making enough money to afford her rent with making the time to go to auditions.
In a Radio Times interview last month, she explained that “it was miserable” having virtually no money left between her rent, bills and travel expenses.
Money doesn’t make you happy, but many people don’t know how awful financial stress is.
Nicola Coughlan
“Moving to London was hardcore because I was really broke,” she said. “I was in debt. I had to work every hour of the day to afford to live there – but that meant I had no time to audition.”
On top of that, she was competing for roles with people who came from wealthier backgrounds and didn’t need to worry as much about where their next rent payment was going to come from while hustling for acting gigs.
“There are a lot of people at drama school that come from inherited wealth and it’s an easier ride. I had to pay my way,” she said. “Money doesn’t make you happy, but many people don’t know how awful financial stress is. You can’t think about anything else.”
Eventually, she gave up and moved back to Galway where she worked at an optician’s office. She kept her eyes open for opportunities, and jumped on the chance to audition for a play at London’s Old Vic Theatre, where she landed the role. From there, she landed an agent and got her big break on “Derry Girls”.
Coughlan said she wants people to know that the “neat way of telling things” can often be anything but.
“In reality, it was a year from doing the rehearsal reading, to the play being put on, to me then signing with my agent, to then getting Derry Girls,” she told Radio Times. “I had to go back to work in the optician’s in the gaps! Nothing happened quickly.”
News
Meghan Markle warning as insider reveals ‘gloves are off’ with rumours of next bombshell
The Sussexes were snubbed from an invite to Balmoral Castle, which may have been the last straw for Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. The couple may have hit their last straw (Image: Getty) Meghan Markle has been open with struggles of mental…
Prince William and Harry’s feud continues leaving King Charles with a tough decision to make
It appears that Prince William and Harry are no closer to reconciling their bitter feud, despite their father, King Charles, holding onto hope. A well-known royal author has revealed that King Charles is “extremely sad” over the ongoing rift between his sons. As he continues cancer treatment, King Charles is more…
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal titles at risk as King convenes Balmoral summit
If Harry were to lose his Prince title that would mean Archie and Lilibet could also lose theirs, but they would be able to use the Dumbarton titles while their parents will be known simply as the Sussexes. Prince Harry and Meghan…
Ultra rare footage of King Charles’ Christening from 1948 showing four generations of the royal family is found at thrift shop for less than £7
A man has revealed how he discovered ultra rare footage of King Charles‘ Christening in a thrift shop – for less than £7. Ronald Baxter Jr, 59, from Charleston, South Carolina, has been collecting since he was 10 years old and…
Kate Middleton ‘made phone call’ to Meghan at King’s request to ‘clear the air’ after Royal racism claims
Kate Middleton contacted Meghan Markle to address racism allegations after Omid Scobie’s book, claims insider. Kate Middleton reportedly contacted Meghan Markle following the explosive allegations of racism levelled against the royal family including her. The Duchess of Sussex had claimed that…
Prince William Just Sported a New Look That Was Previously Discouraged — and Sparked Tension with Prince Harry
The Prince of Wales, who appeared in a new video with Princess Kate, hasn’t been seen with facial hair since 2008 Prince William is experimenting with a new look this summer, one that has been at the center of a hairy…
End of content
No more pages to load