Nicola Coughlan, the actress best known for Derry Girls and Bridgerton, has built a reputation for speaking her mind on political issues, refusing to stay silent on Gaza, abortion and trans rights even under considerable pressure. 'True activism has to cost you something,' she said in a recent interview, highlighting the potential loss of fans and followers.
Currently starring in The Playboy of the Western World at the National Theatre, Coughlan discussed the contradictions of Irish identity and the legacy of colonisation. 'It’s such a small country and the amount of creativity that comes out of Ireland is really extraordinary,' she told the Guardian, citing Paul Mescal and Barry Keoghan as examples. She also lamented not being able to speak Irish fluently, feeling ashamed that she cannot use her native language.
Coughlan also addressed the phenomenon of parasocial fandom, with diehard fans waiting outside the stage door daily. She noted that people often try to explain Irish history to her, or congratulate her for having a leftwing female president, to which she corrects them that Ireland has had three female presidents and that Michael D Higgins was also leftwing. The actress, who stands at just 5ft, remains unfazed by societal expectations of a starlet's appearance.
