Nicola Coughlan is an Irish actress renowned for her standout performances as Clare Devlin in Channel 4’s hit series Derry Girls and as Penelope Featherington in Netflix’s popular show Bridgerton.
Profile Summary
Full Name | Nicola Mary Coughlan |
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Date of Birth | January 9, 1987 |
Place of Birth | Galway, Ireland |
Nationality | Irish |
Partner | Jake Dunn (confirmed relationship, 2025) |
Occupations | Actress |
Net Worth | Approximately $2 million |

Early Life and Education
Born on January 9, 1987, in Galway, Ireland, Nicola grew up in the town of Oranmore alongside her two older siblings. Her passion for acting was sparked at the age of five after watching her sister perform in a school play.
She attended Scoil Mhuire for primary school and Calasanctius College for secondary education. Nicola pursued higher education at the National University of Ireland, Galway, earning a degree in English and Classical Civilisation.
She further honed her acting skills at the Oxford School of Drama and the Birmingham School of Acting in England.
Career
Nicola’s career breakthrough came in 2018 when she was cast as Clare Devlin in Derry Girls, a comedy series that gained widespread acclaim on Channel 4 and Netflix.
She rose to international prominence with her role as Penelope Featherington in the Netflix period drama Bridgerton (2020–present). Her film credits include Svengali (2013), Barbie (2023), and Seize Them! (2024).
Additionally, she has appeared in television series such as Harlots and Big Mood, and launched the podcast Whistle Through the Shamrocks in 2021.
Personal Life

Nicola tends to keep her personal life private. In early 2025, she publicly confirmed her relationship with British film producer Jake Dunn, whom she had been dating since mid-2024. She is not married and has no children.
Net Worth
Nicola Coughlan’s estimated net worth ranges between $1 million and $5 million, accumulated through her acting roles and endorsement deals.
Filmography
- Derry Girls (2018–2022) as Clare Devlin
- Bridgerton (2020–present) as Penelope Featherington
- Svengali (2013)
- Barbie (2023)
- Seize Them! (2024)
- Harlots (TV series)
- Big Mood (TV series)
Awards and Nominations
Although specific awards have not been widely reported, Nicola has earned critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase for her performances, particularly in Derry Girls and Bridgerton, establishing her as a rising star in the industry.