23 "Bridgerton" Cast Members In Their First Major Role Vs. On The Show Vs. In Real Life

Basically, the Bridgerton cast has always been pretty perfect.

1. Jonathan Bailey's first role in 1997:

ITV

Jonathan's first TV appearance was in an episode of Bramwell when he was 9 years old. He went on to appear in several TV shows and movies, like Alice through the Looking Glass, Leonardo, W1A, Broadchurch, and more. Jonathan also starred in Phoebe Waller-Bridge's Crashing and Michaela Coel's Chewing Gum before Bridgerton. In 2019, he won an Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical for his work in Company.

Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton in Bridgerton:

Netflix

Jonathan Bailey in real life:

Jeff Spicer / Getty Images

Alongside starring in Bridgerton, Jonathan has also appeared as a guest judge on RuPaul's Drag Race: UK Versus the World, and he appeared on The One Show. Right now, he's starring in a production of Cock on the West End with Taron Egerton. 

2. Simone Ashley's first role in 2016:

CBBC

Simone's first role was as Zuhra in two episodes of the TV series Wolfblood. From there, she went on to appear in several movies and shows, like Detective Pikachu, Broadchurch, Doctors, and more. In 2019, she landed her breakthrough role as Olivia Hanan in Netflix's Sex Education. 

Simone Ashley as Kathani "Kate" Sharma in Bridgerton:

Netflix

Simone Ashley in real life:

John Phillips / WireImage / Getty Images

3. Phoebe Dynevor's first role in 2009:

BBC / Via youtu.be

Phoebe's first major role was as Siobhan Mailey on the TV series Waterloo Road. She then went on to appear in Prisoners' Wives, Dickensian, Snatch, and more before she landed the role of Clare on Younger opposite Sutton Foster, Hilary Duff, Nico Tortorella, and more. Also, Phoebe's mom is Sally Dynevor, who is best known for her long-running role as Sally Webster in Coronation Street.

Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne Bridgerton in Bridgerton:

Netflix

Phoebe Dynevor in real life:

Steve Granitz / FilmMagic / Getty Images

Phoebe has a ton of projects coming up after Bridgerton Season 2. She's set to star in two TV shows, Exciting Times and Call My Agent, and she'll star in several movies: Bank of Dave, I Heart Murder, and The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne. In 2021, she also made her feature film debut in The Colour Room opposite Matthew Goode.

4. Regé-Jean Page's first major role in 2010:

Warner Bros

Okay, before Regé appeared as "Wedding Guest" in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, he did appear in numerous TV shows, but finding photos of those roles is hard. He appeared in Gimme 6 — you can kind of spot him in this clip, but the footage is too grainy for a good pic — and Casualty @ HolbyCity before his blink-and-you'll-miss-him Harry Potter appearance. He then went on to have a recurring role on Waterloo Road before landing a starring role on Shonda Rhimes' short-lived series For the People.

Regé-Jean Page as Simon Basset in Bridgerton:

Netflix

Regé-Jean Page in real life:

Rich Fury / Getty Images for Vanity Fair

After starring in Bridgerton Season 1, Regé notably hosted a memorable episode of Saturday Night Live in 2021. In terms of upcoming projects, he can be seen in the Russo brothers' Netflix film The Gray Man alongside Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Ryan Gosling, Jessica Henwick, Alfre Woodard, Billy Bob Thornton, and more.

5. Nicola Coughlan's first role in 2004:

De Facto Films / Via youtu.be

Nicola's first role was in a short film called The Phantom Cnut in 2004. She then went on to appear in an episode of Doctors before landing a main role in Harlots as Hannah Dalton in 2018. That same year, Nicola also began starring as Clare in the hilarious Derry Girls. 

Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington in Bridgerton:

Netflix

Nicola Coughlan in real life:

David M. Benett / Getty Images

Nicola's most notable project after Bridgerton Season 2 will be the final season of Derry Girls. In December 2021, Nicola shared a sweet polaroid and two rainbow pins with the message, "Goodbye Derry Girls, it's been quite a ride."

6. Claudia Jessie's first role in 2013:

Nickelodeon / Via youtu.be

After starring in a short film, Claudia's first major acting credit was in two episodes of the beloved children's series House of Anubis. She then went on to star in Doctors, WPC 56, Line of Duty, Vanity Fair, Porters, and more before landing her starring role on Bridgerton in 2020.

Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton in Bridgerton:

Netflix

Claudia Jessie in real life:

Studio 10 / Via youtu.be

Outside of Bridgerton, Claudia can be seen in the upcoming miniseries Bali 2002 and the short film Night and Day.

7. Luke Thompson's first role in 2014:

Shakespeare's Globe / Via youtu.be

Luke's first film role was actually in a recording of Shakespeare's Globe: A Midsummer Night's Dream (2013), where he played Lysander. He went on to appear in several stage recordings and numerous plays before landing his first feature film role as an officer in Christopher Nolan's Dunkirk in 2017. Luke also starred in the TV series In the Club as Simon from 2014 to 2016.

Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton in Bridgerton:

Netflix

Luke Thompson in real life:

John Phillips / WireImage / Getty Images

Alongside his work in Bridgerton, Luke appeared in the film Misbehaviour with Keira Knightley, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Jessie Buckley, Greg Kinnear, and more. 

8. Luke Newton's first major role in 2011:

ITV / PBS

Okay, so Luke got his start in 2010 on TV as Luke Attwood in the drama series The Cut, but clips of the show are hard to find. So, one of his first TV appearances after The Cut was in 2011, when he appeared on an episode of Mr. Selfridge. Then, Luke guest-starred on Doctors before landing a starring role on the Disney Channel series The Lodge, which he starred in from 2016 to 2017. 

Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton in Bridgerton:

Netflix

Luke Newton in real life:

Lia Toby / Getty Images

9. Charithra Chandran's first role in 2021:

IMDb TV

Charithra got her start on TV only a year or so before Bridgerton Season 2 was released. She starred in Alex Rider Season 2 as Sabina, whose father is writing a book on Damian Cray. She appeared in a short film before getting her starring role as Edwina on Bridgerton.

Charithra Chandran as Edwina Sharma in Bridgerton:

Netflix

Charithra Chandran in real life:

Lia Toby / Getty Images

As of right now, you'll be able to watch Charithra in an upcoming web series called Pillow Talk. But I have a feeling we'll be seeing more of her in other things after her performance in Bridgerton.

10. Adjoa Andoh's first role in 1990:

BBC One

Adjoa's first acting role was in 1990 when she starred on EastEnders as Karen for 10 episodes. Then, she went on to appear in numerous TV shows, such as Casualty, Doctor Who, M.I. High, and more. Most notably, she starred as Brenda Mazibuko opposite Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon in Invictus in 2009. Aside from film and TV, Adjoa is an accomplished stage actor and has appeared in leading roles with the Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre, and more.

Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury in Bridgerton:

Netflix

Adjoa Andoh in real life:

David M. Benett / Getty Images

Alongside her starring role in Bridgerton, Adjoa recently appeared in The Witcher as Nenneke.

11. Ruth Gemmell's first major role in 1997:

Channel 4 Films

After appearing in a few TV episodes, Ruth's first big role came in 1997 when she starred in Fever Pitch opposite Colin Firth. After this, she went on to appear in countless TV shows such as Waking the Dead, EastEnders, Utopia, Penny Dreadful, and Home Fires before starring in Bridgerton. She's also an accomplished stage actor, who has appeared in several plays, including Macbeth and King Lear at the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Ruth Gemmell as Violet Bridgerton in Bridgerton:

Netflix

Ruth Gemmell in real life:

Harry Livingstone / Getty Images

Outside of Bridgerton, Ruth appeared on the British children's TV series My Mum Tracy Beaker in 2021.

12. Golda Rosheuvel's first role in 2001:

Sterling Pictures

Golda's first role came in 2001 when she appeared in the movie Lava. She then went on to appear in episodes of numerous TV shows, like Casualty, Torchwood, Luther, Coronation Street, EastEnders, and more. And, in 2016, she starred opposite Florence Pugh in Lady Macbeth. Golda is also an accomplished stage actor, having appeared in productions of Porgy and Bess, Macbeth, Jesus Christ Superstar, and more.

Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte in Bridgerton:

Netflix

Golda Rosheuvel in real life:

John Phillips / WireImage / Getty Images

Aside from starring in Bridgerton, Golda starred as Shadout Mapes in Dune opposite Timothée Chalamet, Zendaya, Oscar Isaac, Rebecca Ferguson, and more. She also appeared on an episode of Death in Paradise.

13. Polly Walker's first role in 1990:

ITV / Via youtu.be

After appearing in a few TV episodes, Polly's first major role was in the TV movie Lorna Doone alongside Sean Bean and Clive Owen in 1990. She then went on to appear in numerous movies and shows like Patriot Games, Emma, and more before landing her leading role as Atia of the Julii in Rome. Her work on Rome even earned her a Golden Globe nomination. Polly also appeared in Mr Selfridge, Warehouse 13, The Mentalist, Caprica, and more.

Polly Walker as Portia Featherington in Bridgerton:

Netflix

Polly Walker in real life:

John Phillips / WireImage / Getty Images

Besides starring as Portia in Bridgerton, Polly also appeared in Netflix's Cursed in 2020 as Lady Lunete. 

14. Will Tilston's first role in 2017:

Fox Searchlight Pictures / Via youtu.be

Before Bridgerton, Will's first starring role was in Goodbye Christopher Robin in 2017. He starred as a young Christopher Robin alongside Domhnall Gleeson, Margot Robbie, Kelly Macdonald, and more.

Will Tilston as Gregory Bridgerton in Bridgerton:

Netflix

Will Tilston in real life:

David M. Benett / WireImage / Getty Images

15. Florence Hunt's first role in 2020:

Netflix

Just before starring in Bridgerton, Florence made her first on screen appearance as a young Nimue in Netflix's short-lived series Cursed.

Florence Hunt as Hyacinth Bridgerton in Bridgerton:

Netflix

Florence Hunt in real life:

Rachel Hunt / Getty Images

16. Bessie Carter's first role in 2007:

BBC One

Bessie's first role was in 2007 when she appeared in Cranford alongside Judi Dench, Tom Hiddleston, Michelle Dockery, Jodie Whittaker, and her parents, Imelda Staunton, who is most widely recognized for her role as Dolores Umbridge in the Harry Potter films, and Jim Carter, who you probably know best as Mr. Carson from Downton Abbey. Bessie also appeared in Les Misérables, Howards End, and Beecham House before starring in Bridgerton.

Bessie Carter as Prudence Featherington in Bridgerton:

Netflix

Bessie Carter in real life:

Lia Toby / Getty Images

17. Harriet Cains' first major role in 2013:

BBC Three / BBC America

After appearing in shows like Doctors and Hollyoaks, Harriet's first major starring role came on the zombie series In the Flesh, where she played Jem Walker. She also appeared in several short films and went on to guest star in several other TV shows.

Harriet Cains as Philipa Featherington in Bridgerton:

Netflix

Harriet Cains in real life:

Lia Toby / Getty Images

18. Kathryn Drysdale's first role in 2001:

BBC Two / Via youtu.be

After appearing in some TV episodes, Kathryn's first major role came in 2001 when she was cast as Louise in Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps. She went on to star in 70 episodes of the series from 2001 to 2009. Kathryn also appeared in numerous other TV shows and movies like Vanity Fair, Doctor Who, Tripping Over, Bottersnikes & Gumbles, The Windsors, and more. 

Kathryn Drysdale as Genevieve Delacroix in Bridgerton:

Netflix

Kathryn Drysdale in real life:

David M. Benett / WireImage / Getty Images

In terms of upcoming projects, Kathryn will appear in several movies and TV shows like Bets & Bester, Relationships, When They Come For Me, and The Mud Hut.

19. Shelley Conn's first major role in 2005:

Warner Bros

After appearing in episodes of TV shows like Merseybeat, Casualty, Down to Earth, and more, Shelley landed her first major role as Princess Pondicherry in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. From there, she went on to star in TV shows like The Innocence Project, Party Animals, Mistresses, Terra Nova, Liar, The Rook, The Irregulars, and more.

Shelley Conn as Mary Sheffield Sharma in Bridgerton:

Netflix

Shelley Conn in real life:

Dave J Hogan / Getty Images

After Bridgerton, you'll be able to watch Shelley in Good Omens Season 2 alongside David Tennant and Michael Sheen.

20. Rupert Young's first role in 2004:

ITV

Rupert's first big role was as Josh in Dirty Filthy Love opposite Michael Sheen. He then went on to appear in Doc Martin and other TV shows before landing his breakthrough role as Sir Leon on Merlin. Rupert has also starred in episodes of Shameless (UK), Doctor Who, and The White Queen in recent years. 

Rupert Young as Jack Featherington in Bridgerton:

Netflix

Rupert Young in real life:

John Phillips / WireImage / Getty Images

In 2019, Rupert originated the role of Larry Murphy in the West End production of Dear Evan Hansen. His work in the musical earned him an Olivier Award nomination for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical in 2020.

21. Martins Imhangbe's first major role in 2019:

National Theatre Live / Via youtu.be

After a small role in a film in 2013, Martins' first big role came in 2019 in a filmed production of National Theatre's The Tragedy of King Richard the Second where he played Bagot/Duke of Aumerle. Martins is an accomplished stage actor who has appeared in productions of Lionboy, Death of a Salesman, Richard II, Othello, and more. 

Martins Imhangbe as Will Mondrich in Bridgerton:

Netflix

Martins Imhangbe in real life:

John Phillips / WireImage / Getty Images

22. Ruby Barker's first role in 2017:

CBBC

Ruby's first role in 2017 was playing Daisie on the fifth season of Wolfblood. From there, she appeared in a few episodes of Doctors in 2017 and 2019, and the film How to Stop a Recurring Dream in 2020.

Ruby Barker as Marina Thompson in Bridgerton:

Netflix

Ruby Barker in real life:

David M. Benett / Getty Images

Aside from her one episode of Bridgerton during Season 2, you can see Ruby in the upcoming film Baghead, which is currently in post-production.

23. And finally, Julie Andrews' first major role in 1957:

CBS / Everett Collection

After starring in an episode of Ford Star Jubilee in 1956, Julie made her first major appearance as Cinderella in Rogers and Hammerstein's Cinderella. From there, her two roles that followed were Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music. She earned an Academy Award for Best Actress in 1965 for her work as Mary Poppins. Of course, she also starred in countless Broadway productions, like My Fair Lady, Camelot, and Victor/Victoria. And her film career has continued to be memorable, namely with roles in The Princess Diaries and The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.

Julie Andrews as Lady Whistledown in Bridgerton:

Netflix

Okay, I know we never SEE Julie Andrew's on Bridgerton, but how can you not mention her vital contribution to this seres?! I mean, I can't imagine anyone else voicing Lady Whistledown.

Julie Andrews in real life:

Isabel Infantes / PA Images / Getty Images

Aside from Bridgerton, Julie has also lent her voice to the various Despicable Me movies, with another one set for 2022. She also co-created and appeared in the Netflix children's series Julie's Greenroom in 2017.