During the first season of Shondaland's hit Netflix series Bridgerton, you may remember that we brought you the Bridgerton Cast Questionnaire, which introduced you a bit more intimately to the many women and men who make up the characters of the hit Shondaland show. It was a part-serious, part-silly question-and-answer rundown that shed some light on what makes these actors tick and what makes their characters tock. This year, we’ve brought the Questionnaire back, naturally, to make sure you’ve got your peacocks in a row as Bridgerton’s second season ramps up for its premiere on Friday, March 25.
There is much to be anticipated with this season’s Bridgerton, but probably nothing more so than the duo at the forefront, Kate Sharma and Anthony Bridgerton. Or better known as “Kanthony.”
From Shondaland and creator Chris Van Dusen, the second season of Bridgerton follows Lord Anthony Bridgerton (played by Jonathan Bailey), the eldest Bridgerton sibling and a viscount whose responsibilities to his family seem to be his only priority as he sets out to find a suitable wife to carry on the Bridgerton name. Anthony’s search for a debutante who meets his impossible standards seems ill-fated — until Kate (Simone Ashley) and her younger sister, Edwina Sharma, along with their mother, arrive from India. When Anthony begins to court Edwina, Kate discovers the true nature of his intentions (let’s just say a real love match is not high on his priority list) and decides to do everything in her power to stop the union.
The two strangers quickly become embroiled in a season-long battle of the minds and hearts, and it’s no surprise to anyone (except them!) that their disagreements reveal a deeper connection — but can two people whose similarities vex each other so much, and who challenge each other on every single point from family values to horse breeds, come together despite it all?
Here, we ask Bailey and Ashley some pertinent questions about their characters and about themselves.
What do you have in common with your character?
JONATHAN BAILEY: A huge love of family.
What do you not have in common with your character?
JB: A crippling fear of bees.
What’s your favorite time of day and why?
JB: Morning, when everything is fresh, zesty, and possible.
SIMONE ASHLEY: I love mornings. I tend to be an early riser — I like to enjoy the quiet hours before getting swept away with whatever I am up to for the rest of the day. Coffee rituals, early morning dog walks, catch-up calls with friends from different parts of the world, breakfast!
What’s your character’s favorite time of day and why?
JB: 8:30 p.m. at the Gentleman’s Club with a brandy in hand and a late-night plan to head across town to meet a certain someone.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
JB: I love a mountain climb. I hiked to Everest base camp in 2018.
When was your first time riding a horse?
JB: I remember a particularly traumatic horse-riding lesson on a family holiday — this French riding school seemed to think learning to ride without stirrups would help technique, but the only thing it seemed to help me with was singing a high C.
SA: I rode for the first time in Wales with friends, no saddle, but we went very slowly. That was years ago — my first proper riding experience was whilst training for Bridgerton. I loved it, and I would always look forward to it.
What outlandish pet would you have if you lived in the Regency era?
JB: I’d have a couple of Labrador ducks and set up a sanctuary for them, let them have a massive Bridgerton-sized family, and ultimately prevent their 1870s extinction. I just love ducks.
What musical instrument do you play?
JB: Clarinet and piano.
Feathers or bows?
JB: Feathers.
Diamonds or pearls?
JB: Neither. Glitter.
Do you prefer to watch drama or comedy? Or perhaps your favorite is another genre altogether?
JB: All genres, but someone else needs to choose the program for me; otherwise, I’ll spend the evening watching trailers, getting nervous, and then passing out and snoozing till morn.
What advice would you give someone who wants to act?
SA: Trust your own instincts. Be open to growth. Be curious about the world around you. Be curious about relating to people.
Who was the person who most influenced you and how?
JB: I had a couple of incredible teachers who pushed me to think outside of the box. But I’m mostly influenced by anyone who kindly battles through stigma and lazy societal pressures and expectations.
What is the most exciting part of your work?
JB: The travel, the people, the sense of possibility. The best thing in life, I think, is to be surrounded by people who are passionate, and this industry thrives on passion.
Is there a character in the series, who is not your own, whom you are drawn to or can relate to, and why?
JB: Gregory, the youngest Bridgerton boy. Will Tilston, who plays him, is my hero. In real life, I’m the youngest with three older sisters, so I feel seen in Will’s performance. And he’s just such a dude.
SA: I’ve always been drawn to Eloise! I think her character is incredible, both in the books and on-screen — I think Claudia [Jessie] is an incredible actress.
Valentina Valentini is a London-based entertainment, travel, and food writer and also a Senior Contributor for Shondaland. Elsewhere she has written for Vanity Fair, Vulture, Variety, Thrillist, Heated, and The Washington Post. Her personal essays can be read in the Los Angeles Times, Longreads, and her tangents and general complaints can be seen on Twitter at @ByValentinaV.
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