Since Lady Whistledown is all about judging a book by its cover (or a rumor), we figured it might behoove the fans to get to know the cast of Shondaland’s newest period drama, Bridgerton, more intimately. With the series now streaming on Netflix, we’ve concocted a part-serious/part-silly question-and-answer rundown so that you can find out what makes these actors tick and what makes their characters tock.
You've gotten to know a bit more about Daphne Bridgerton, played by Phoebe Dynevor, and Simon Basset, played by Regé-Jean Page, but given today is the Bridgerton premiere we thought it befitting of a royal salute.
Queen Charlotte, played by Golda Rosheuvel, is a force of will who both loves and despises with equal amounts of passion. Really, she probably just wants everyone to end up happily ever after, since that’s been such a difficult quest in her own life with the sickly King George III. Read on to find a bit more about Rosheuvel and her royal character counterpart.
What do you have in common with your character?
GOLDA ROSHEUVEL: Cream teas, country houses, and the English countryside.
What do you not have in common with your character?
Fashion — those corsets are hell. I don’t know how those women did it. Respect!
What’s your favorite time of day and why?
The secret mornings…when you wake and no one else is up.
What’s your character’s favorite time of day and why?
Half-past-six in the evening, right when the party begins.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I’m mad about country music.
At one point, Penelope is told to put down her book else she “confuse her thoughts.” Let’s show Lady Featherington what’s what — what is your favorite book and why?
The Secret Garden, because my mother read it to me as a child and it stuck.
Have you ever ridden a horse? Describe that first time, or a particularly memorable moment riding.
I grew up around horses, riding a lot. My cousin had them and still does. I often go for a hack. I just love the feeling of their power, their strength. It’s really thrilling!
What outlandish pet would you have if you lived in the Regency era?
An ostentation of peacocks.
What musical instrument do you play?
I’m a singer, so my voice is my instrument.
There were many furry and feathered guest stars on the show. Any fun moments with them?
The Queen’s dogs had minds of their own. Sometimes they could make scenes difficult to shoot, but we wouldn’t have had it any other way.
Who inspires you?
For my soul: my Family. For work: Sarah Lancashire, Viola Davis, Hugh Sachs, Siobhan Finneran, Ruth Gemmell, and Kerry Washington.
Who was the person who most influenced you and how?
My mother was a great woman. She was kind, powerful, formidable, loved life, loved people. If I’m half of what she was, I’m doing great.
What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you recently?
I’m terrible at remembering names, so it’s always very embarrassing when introducing me to new people.
Valentina Valentini is a London-based entertainment, travel and food writer for Vanity Fair, Vulture, Variety, Thrillist, Heated and many more. Her personal essays can be read in the Los Angeles Times, Longreads, and The Washington Post. Her tangents and general complaints can be seen on Twitter at @ByValentinaV .
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