Nicola Coughlan is an Irish actress celebrated for her sharp comedic timing, heartfelt performances, and standout roles on both British and international screens. Rising to fame as Clare Devlin in Derry Girls and becoming a global favourite as Penelope Featherington in Netflix’s hit series Bridgerton, she has quickly become one of the most recognisable talents of her generation.
With award nominations from the SAG Awards and the BAFTAs, Nicola continues to shine across television, film, and theatre.
In this article, we’ll explore her early life, family background, career journey, personal life, and everything that has shaped her into the star she is today.
Early Life & Education, Parents
Nicola Coughlan was born on 9 January 1987 in Galway, Ireland, and grew up in the nearby town of Oranmore. The youngest of four children, she was raised in a warm, supportive household. Her father, Martin Coughlan, served in the Irish Army and worked on UN peacekeeping missions, while her mother, Beatrice, was a stay-at-home parent.
Nicola discovered her love for acting at just five years old after watching her sister in a school play. She attended Scoil Mhuire Primary School and later Calasanctius College before earning a degree in English and Classical Civilisation from the National University of Ireland, Galway. Determined to pursue acting professionally, she completed further training at the Oxford School of Drama and the Birmingham School of Acting, setting the foundation for her successful career.
| Full Name | Nicola Mary Coughlan |
| Date of Birth | 9 January 1987 |
| Place of Birth | Galway, Ireland |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Parents | Father: Martin Coughlan
Mother: Beatrice Coughlan |
| Partner | Jake Dunn |
| Siblings | Nicola, Kieran, And Clodagh |
| Education | Calasanctius College |
| Alma mater | NUI Galway; Oxford School of Drama; Birmingham School of Acting |
| Net Worth | $2–3 million |
| Social Media | Instagram – XTwitter |
Net Worth, Religion & Ethnicity
As of 2025, Nicola Coughlan’s net worth is estimated at $2–3 million, earned through her television roles, brand collaborations, and international success with Derry Girls and Bridgerton.
She is Irish and comes from a white ethnic background, with strong cultural roots in Galway. Nicola was raised in a Catholic household, like many families in Ireland, though she keeps her personal beliefs private. Overall, her heritage and upbringing remain an important part of her identity and public story.
Personal life, Partner & Relationships
Nicola Coughlan’s relationship with Jake Dunn has remained mostly low-key, but it is widely reported that the pair have been together since around 2019. Jake, who works outside the entertainment spotlight, has been seen accompanying Nicola to events and supporting her career. Although Nicola prefers to keep her private life away from the public eye, their long-term relationship is known to be steady and supportive.
Alongside this, Nicola has been very open about her experiences in the industry, from age-related comments to body shaming, and she continues to speak confidently and humorously about these challenges. Through it all, her relationship with Jake Dunn has been a quiet, grounding presence as she navigates fame and growing global recognition.
Height, Weight & Physical Appearance
Nicola Coughlan is petite in stature, standing at around 5 feet 1 inch (155 cm), which adds to her youthful on-screen presence. She is estimated to weigh around 55 kg (121 lbs). Nicola has blonde hair, often styled differently for her roles and blue eyes.
Career Details
Nicola Coughlan’s career journey is a story of persistence, talent, and a remarkable rise to international fame. She began acting young, appearing in small film and voice roles throughout the 2000s while continuing her training at drama schools. After graduating, she faced financial struggles and moved between London and Ireland several times, even working at an optician’s office before landing a breakthrough stage role in Jess and Joe Forever.
Her major turning point came in 2018 when she starred as Clare Devlin in Derry Girls, a series that quickly became a cultural hit and introduced her to a global audience when it arrived on Netflix. That same year, she made her West End debut and earned praise for her performance in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie.
Nicola’s recognition grew even further when she was cast as Penelope Featherington in Bridgerton, which premiered in 2020. The show became a worldwide success, and her leading storyline in season three earned her multiple award nominations, including Screen Actors Guild and IFTA nods. She continued building a strong screen presence through roles in Harlots, comedy podcasts, BBC radio series, and numerous guest appearances.
From 2023 onward, Nicola expanded into films, television specials, and major voice-acting projects. She starred in Apple TV+’s The Velveteen Rabbit, appeared briefly in Barbie, and played Queen Victoria in a Disney+ Christmas special. In 2024, she led the acclaimed Channel 4 series Big Mood, receiving her first BAFTA Television Award nomination and widespread praise for her performance.
Coughlan has since become one of the most influential contemporary performers. She graced the cover of TIME, was named in Variety’s Power Women list, and earned spots on multiple “best performances of the year” roundups. Her career reflects versatility, resilience, and a strong voice both on-screen and off, making her one of today’s most admired and dynamic performers.
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