Bridgerton’s New Lead Simone Ashley Talks Representation and More
In her recent interview with Glamour Magazine, Simone Ashley talks about sexism, feminity, and representation. Simone Ashley landed the role of Kate Sharma in the hit series Bridgerton. In the show, she catches the eye of the eldest son Anthony Bridgerton.
Simone Ashley shared how she felt she wasn’t represented in period dramas, as well as the power of representation on-screen has. Ashley explained, “I didn’t really watch period dramas as much because I felt like I couldn’t relate to them, maybe because I couldn’t see myself within one. And then, Bridgerton came along.”
Being raised in a first-generation Indian-American home, Ashley’s parents did not understand her artistic abilities at first, but they soon became supportive. “My parents were quite protective over me. They’re first generation. They came from India to this country, so they didn’t really have a life where they could choose to be whatever they wanted to be. My mum in particular, she was so supportive taking me to my singing lessons and dance classes.”
It’s the most anticipated Netflix launch of the year – the return of #Bridgerton for S2 – here its new leading lady Simone Ashley, talks about the perils of corset-wearing, the importance of representation & how she’s braced for the show to change her life. pic.twitter.com/SgRttfMSdS
— British GLAMOUR (@GlamourMagUK) March 10, 2022
Ashley stated that she doesn’t think that she could’ve complied with the period. As a feminist, she feels that women have more freedom than ever, but we still need to push the movement forward. “A lot has changed,” for women, but “there’s still lots of room for development. I probably have dealt with a lot of sexism in my life. I don’t really feed any energy into it, and maybe there’s a problem in that? Maybe there are things happening that I should acknowledge, and should let affect me?”
She also mentions the power of the #MeToo Movement. “Don’t be afraid to be difficult. It’s a word that we hear a lot these days, ‘Oh, she’s being difficult or tricky,’ when, actually, maybe someone’s just following their instincts and speaking out for themselves, and I think why not? Why wouldn’t you? It’s not a bad thing. You’re just taking care of you.”
Ashley stated that her character in Bridgerton is headstrong, which has been good for her in real life. She is learning through her character Kate how to have emotions but how to contain her feelings, which to her is personal growth.
Miss Kate Sharma, your objectives may appear to be one way, but rest assured, this Ton has a way of verifying all– even to oneself. pic.twitter.com/luJz6Y4Gck
— Bridgerton (@bridgerton) March 10, 2022
The new star is opening the doors for new actresses and role models to other young women like her. A positive mindset and perseverent has been her best friend. As an actress, she aspires to break down the barriers of colorism in the entertainment industry. She will do this by taking more diverse roles typically unrelated to her culture. Simone Ashley is definitely an actress we will not forget.
