What the Bridgerton Cast Looks Like in Real Life
Without all those Regency-era costumes.
Bridgerton—the Shonda Rhimes-produced period romp, based on Julia Quinn's beloved series of romance novels—is one of Netflix's biggest shows.
"There is something beautiful about watching the obstacles [in Bridgerton] and knowing that it's going to be okay," star Luke Newton tells T&C. "That says a lot to the escapism of the show. When the show first dropped, it was during lockdown, a lot of people needed that." He adds, "This show is so successful because people know that they're going to have a wild ride and then they're going to get a beautiful outcome at the end."
Each season has introduced new characters—in season three, fresh faces include Marcus Anderson, Lady Danbury's brother (played by Daniel Francis) and Lord Debling (Sam Phillips), a love interest for Penelope—but the core cast of the Bridgerton and Featherington families, plus other key figures of the Ton (Queen Charlotte, Lady Danbury, and more), have remained the same since the first season.
Below, meet the whole cast of the ensemble show from seasons one through three, and see what they look like when not in Bridgerton's lavish costumes.
Watch Bridgerton on Netflix
Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte
Rosheuvel, known for her work as a stage actress in Britain and for guest roles on TV shows like Luther and Silent Witness, lords over high society as Queen Charlotte.
Julie Andrews as Lady Whistledown
The inimitable Julie Andrews voices Lady Whistledown, the notorious author of a gossip sheet that drives much of Bridgerton's drama.
Ruth Gemmell as Lady Violet Bridgerton
Actress Ruth Gemmell, known for her work in Fever Pitch (1997), EastEnders, and more, takes on the role of Lady Violet Bridgerton, the Bridgerton family's well-meaning matriarch.
Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton
Jonathan Bailey (Broadchurch, Crashing) plays Anthony Bridgerton, the Bridgertons' eldest son and—as the family's patriarch has died—its default leader.
Luke Thompson as Benedict Bridgerton
Luke Thompson (Misbehavior) plays Benedict Bridgerton, the family's somewhat lost second son.
Luke Newton as Colin Bridgerton
Actor Luke Newton, known for his roles in Disney show The Lodge and UK series The Cut, plays Colin Bridgerton, the kindhearted third Bridgerton brother.
Phoebe Dynevor as Daphne Bridgerton
Phoebe Dynevor, best known as Younger's Clare, plays Daphne Bridgerton, the first Bridgerton daughter to enter the marriage market. Dynevor unfortunately won't be in season three, but possibly will return for future Bridgerton seasons.
Claudia Jessie as Eloise Bridgerton
Claudia Jessie is no stranger to period dramas, having played Amelia Sedley in 2017's TV miniseries Vanity Fair. In Bridgerton, she takes on the role of Eloise Bridgerton, the clan's wisecracking, second-eldest daughter.
Regé-Jean Page as Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings
Regé-Jean Page (Sylvie's Love, For the People)is the actor behind Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings—a childhood friend of Anthony Bridgerton's and the heartthrob of the first season. (Though sadly, he has left the series.)
Adjoa Andoh as Lady Danbury
Adjoa Andoh, a celebrated stage actress known to TV and film audiences for her turns in Invictus and Silent Witness, plays the lightly mischievous Lady Danbury, a mother figure to the Duke of Hastings.
Simone Ashley as Kate Bridgerton
Simone Ashley (Sex Education) plays Anthony Bridgerton's love interest, Kate Sharma, in season two. In season three, she's the happily married Viscountess Bridgerton.
Nicola Coughlan as Penelope Featherington
Nicola Coughlan, the breakout actress known for her role in Derry Girls, plays Penelope Featherington, a close friend of Eloise Bridgerton's and the youngest Featherington daughter. Her love story with Colin Bridgerton takes center stage in the third season.
Polly Walker as Portia Featherington
Veteran actress Polly Walker (Clash of the Titans, Emma) portrays Portia Featherington, a domineering mother with a taste for extremely bright clothing.
Bessie Carter as Prudence Featherington
Bessie Carter (Beecham House) plays Prudence Featherington, one of the Featherington daughters struggling to find eligible (and willing) bachelors.
Harriet Cains as Phillipa Featherington
Harriet Cains (Marcella) plays Phillipa Featherington, the second of Violet's husband-seeking daughters.
Hannah Dodd as Francesca Bridgerton
Hannah Dodd joined the cast in season three as Francesca Bridgerton, the introverted yet confident sixth Bridgerton child.
Jessica Madsen as Cressida Cowper
Jessica Madsen plays mean girl Cressida, who gets an expanded story arc in season three.
Sam Phillips as Lord Debling
Sam Phillips (whom you may recognize from The Crown) stars in season three as Lord Debling, a suitor who courts Penelope.
Daniel Francis as Marcus Anderson
Daniel Francis (Small Axe, Stand Close) joins season three as Lady Danbury's brother, Marcus, who has feelings for Violet Bridgerton.
Hannah New as Lady Tilley Arnold
Hannah New, best known for her roles in Black Sails and The Time in Between, joins season three as Lady Tilley Arnold, a love interest for Benedict.
Chloe is a News Writer for Townandcountrymag.com, where she covers royal news, from the latest additions to Meghan Markle’s staff to Queen Elizabeth’s monochrome fashions; she also writes about culture, often dissecting TV shows like The Marvelous Mrs Maisel and Killing Eve.
Everything We Know About The White Lotus Season 3
Matthew McConaughey Has a Yellowstone Spin-off
Does Violet Bridgerton Ever Remarry?
Why Isn't Edwina in 'Bridgerton' Season 3?
