Nicola Coughlan is an Irish actress best known for her roles in the television series 'Derry Girls' and 'The Bridgertons.'Coughlan was born in Galway, Ireland in 1986. She began her acting career at a young age, performing in local theater productions and taking part in drama classes. Coughlan attended the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology, where she studied acting and graduated in 2008.After graduation, Coughlan moved to London to pursue her acting career. She made her professional debut in the theater production of 'The Lieutenant of Inishmore' at the Noël Coward Theatre. Coughlan also appeared in several other stage productions, including 'The Beauty Queen of Leenane' and 'The Lonesome West.'In 2016, Coughlan landed her breakout role in the Channel 4 comedy series 'Derry Girls.' The show, which is set in Northern Ireland during the 1990s, follows a group of teenage friends as they navigate the political and social landscape of their home country. Coughlan played the role of Clare Devlin, a witty and sharp-tongued member of the group. The show was a critical and commercial success, and Coughlan's performance was widely praised.Following the success of 'Derry Girls,' Coughlan went on to star in several other television shows and films. In 2018, she appeared in the BBC mini-series 'The Miniaturist,' and in 2020, she starred in the Netflix period drama 'The Bridgertons' as Penelope Featherington.In addition to her acting career, Coughlan is also an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and is an active supporter of the charity Stonewall. She is also known for her activism in raising awareness about issues such as body positivity and mental health.Overall, Nicola Coughlan is an actress who has made a name for herself in the entertainment industry with her talent and hard work. With her roles in popular shows such as 'Derry Girls' and 'The Bridgertons,' she has captured the hearts of audiences around the world and has established herself as a versatile and talented actress. Coughlan continues to be a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry and has a bright future ahead.