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. To this effect, 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.
And now that we’ve had the chance to watch some (all?!) of Bridgerton over this much-needed break from 2020, we’ve got another trip down character lane for you.
Claudia Jessie plays Eloise, second in line to our dear Daphne Bridgerton. But though they are close in age and kinship, they can certainly butt heads at times. Eloise is terrified of the marriage mart and is desperate to expand her world views and education. And as you can see, Jessie shares a lot with Eloise in terms of keeping broad horizons. Too bad she never did find out who that Lady Whistledown was, though!
What do you have in common with your character?
CLAUDIA JESSIE: I would like to think I am as quick-witted as her! However, I’m not so sure. I love how funny Eloise is and comedy really is my greatest love, so playing her was a dream.
What do you not have in common with your character?
I’m probably not as confident or as sure of myself as Eloise comes across. I most certainly wasn’t at her age. Although, I think we do get to see a more vulnerable side to her along the way. I love her ambition and how comfortable she is in her own skin.
What’s your favorite time of day and why?
For me, I’d have to say early morning. I’m talking super early, perhaps even when it’s still a bit dark outside. I love starting my days early and I also love the stillness of that time and how everything hasn’t quite started; slow and quiet. [Like Phoebe Dynevor, Regé-Jean Page, Jonathan Bailey and Golda Rosheuvel!]
What’s your character’s favorite time of day and why?
I think Eloise would prefer the evenings, so that she could spend time alone in the garden either thinking, reading or writing.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I have been practicing Buddhism strongly for almost 14 years now. It has been in my life since I was a child. It’s definitely the core of my life.
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?
Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris is the funniest thing I have ever read. I have read it many, many times and it never fails to make me laugh out loud and cheer me up.
What outlandish pet would you have if you lived in the Regency era?
I’m such a dog lover, I’d have to go for that! Not so outlandish, but maybe I could give it a fancy name to add a bit more Regency flair.
There were many furry and feathered guest stars on the show. Any fun moments with them?
The queens many, many dogs were always so brilliant to be around. One day it was super chilly, and we were filming outside. The dogs were so fussed over and wrapped up warm. Nothing cuter than seeing a dog in a blanket.
Who inspires you?
I’ll always say my mum. She is the most resilient person I’ve ever known. And I’d also say that any kind of person who thinks of bettering the future, even if they themselves won’t directly benefit from it. People who plant trees knowing they will never enjoy the shade from them — those are the kinds of people who inspire me the most.
What advice would you give to someone who wanted to act?
It’s slightly cliche but, I think a good idea is to see your career in acting as a marathon, not a sprint. Let things grow organically whilst putting in the hard work with patience. Also, and most importantly, try to create a life as vast as possible, so that you don’t end up defining yourself by your job. Things come and go, and things don’t always turn out the way we wanted them to. We don’t want our self-esteem to hinge on things that are outside of ourselves.
Do you prefer to watch drama or comedy? Or perhaps your favorite is another genre altogether?
I’ve always loved comedy and my gut reaction is to say that. However, I’m obsessed with documentaries. All types.
What was the most embarrassing thing that happened to you recently?
I recently tried to salvage a candle and read online that if you hold a hot hairdryer over it for a little while, it should get back to normal. But I ended up basically covering my kitchen, my hairdryer and myself in hot wax. I’m still getting rid of bits of wax to this day. Don’t make the same mistake!
What was the best day of your life?
Moving onto my canal boat! I had been working on it for such a long time and saved for so long to get it. My first night on the boat consisted of me and my mum unpacking everything until the early hours of the morning, whilst drinking a lot of wine.
What do you consider your best achievement?
Persevering in work. I have the greatest agent in the world, and he has always rooted for me. He has been there for me as a friend, too. I am incredibly lucky to work with him. He has taught me patience and has supported me in getting rid of any fears I’ve ever had about my job. And it’s paid off massively.
What in your opinion is the most exciting part of the work?
The actual performance part, which I’m sure most people would say that. I love acting. I love it. So being on set and working off other actors is the most exciting thing in the world to me.
If you weren’t an actress/actor, what do you think you’d be?
I think I’d be drawn to the world of psychotherapy. I think that would probably be a common answer from actors. I think it comes from a general fascination with human beings.
Is there a character in the series, that is not your own, that you are drawn to or can relate to and why?
I love Violet Bridgerton. I think she is funny, caring, and also a bit of a badass. That also has a lot to do with how beautifully Ruth [Gemmell] plays her. But she really feels like the heart or anchor for me.
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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