Nicola Coughlan, known for her roles in "Derry Girls" and "Bridgerton," is set to join the cast of the popular Disney+ comedy "Only Murders in the Building." The announcement positions the Galway-born actress among an ensemble that includes Steve Martin, Selena Gomez, and Martin Short for the show's sixth season, which will be set in the UK. This casting marks another significant addition to Coughlan's growing resume.
Alex Taylor, Coughlan's former voice tutor at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire's School of Acting, where she earned a Master's degree in 2011, expressed that he is "not surprised" by her continued success. While he admitted he could not have foreseen her current level of stardom, Taylor emphasized that Coughlan has "forged her own success" through dedication and talent. He noted that while he worked with her to help her fulfill her potential, her true blossoming as an actress has occurred post-graduation.
Taylor recalled Coughlan as a "very lovely person" during her time in drama school, describing her as having a great sense of humor, being spontaneous, fun, and serious about her craft. He contrasted this with some young actors who can be "difficult," "diva-like," or "defensive." Taylor stated that being a likable, friendly, open, and responsive individual is crucial in the industry, as talent alone is not always enough to secure opportunities.
He also pointed to Coughlan's strategic use of her social media presence, particularly her strong following on Instagram, as a factor in her career advancement. Taylor recalled an incident in 2018 where Coughlan effectively responded to a negative review that commented on her appearance. This public interaction, he suggested, contributed to her significant social media following, which can be influential when competing for roles alongside equally gifted actors.
Coughlan's career trajectory has seen her rise to prominence following her role in the Netflix series "Bridgerton." She also had a role in the film "Barbie" and is set to appear in "The Magic Faraway Tree." Her "Derry Girls" castmates have also seen significant career developments, with Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Louisa Harland, Jamie-Lee O'Donnell, and Dylan Llewellyn all securing notable roles in television and film since the show concluded.
Taylor, who has 40 years of experience as a drama tutor, was particularly impressed by Coughlan's performance in "Bridgerton," including scenes that he described as challenging. He felt her freedom and expressiveness in those scenes demonstrated her acting capabilities and contributed to her recognition as a serious performer. He expressed confidence that she will continue to achieve success in her career.