'Bridgerton' cast: everything you need to know about the stars of the Netflix hit

The Bridgerton cast contains a mixture of fresh faces and more well-known stars.

Netflix’s adaptation of Julia Quinn’s eight-part book series is an exhilarating, visually-stunning watch, and it’s hard not to get hooked on the ‘will they, won’t they?’ romance of leads like Phoebe Dynevor's Daphne Bridgerton and Regé-Jean Page's Duke of Hastings, plus a whole host of other amusing characters including meddling Queen Charlotte, and the secretive Lady Whistledown. 

If like us, you're at the edge of your seat waiting for Bridgerton season 2, which returns to Netflix on March 25, we've got something to tide you over until the big day. Here’s everything you need to know about the stellar cast behind the streaming hit, with some facts about the actors donning those 19th-century Regency-style costumes... 

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Everything to know about the 'Bridgerton' cast:

Who plays the Queen on 'Bridgerton'? 

Golda Rosheuvel plays Queen Charlotte in the Bridgerton series, a highly-influential and hilarious character recognizable from her towering, powdered wigs. 

Rosheuvel, 52, is known for roles in Lady Macbeth (2016) and Silent Witness (2008-2019).

Was Queen Charlotte Black or white?

There is a theory that Queen Charlotte was Black. Netflix’s decision to cast Roshevel, an actress of Guyanan descent—as well as other Black actors—was "very much a conscious choice, not a blind choice", Julia Quinn, the author of the Bridgerton book series on which the TV show is based, told The Times.

According to historian Mario de Valdes y Cocom, the German queen, who married into the royal family after wedding King George III in 1761, was descended from a bi-racial branch of the Portuguese royal family. According to the theory, this is traced back to 13th-century ruler Alfonso III, who had a mistress, Madragana, who was a Moor from North Africa.

Quinn has noted "many historians" argue Queen Charlotte, born Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, had "some African background."

Who plays Daphne Bridgerton in 'Bridgerton'?

Daphne Bridgerton is played by Phoebe Dynevor. The 26-year-old actress stars as season one's young, angel-faced protagonist—declared the "diamond" of the season by the approving Queen Charlotte—who captures the attention of many-a-suitor. 

While still a rising star, Dynevor has previously starred in comedy-drama Snatch (2017-2018) and Dickensian (2015-2016). 

Who plays the Duke of Hastings?

Simon Bassett, the Duke of Hastings, is played by Regé-Jean Page. Page, 34, a British-Zimbabwean actor, plays the handsome love interest of Daphne. Is his face familiar? Previous acting roles include television mini-series Roots (2016) and sci-fi flick Mortal Engines (2018).

Who plays Penelope Featherington?

Penelope Featherington, a fellow debutante of Daphne’s, is played by Nicola Coughlan—already known to many as the 35-year-old actress behind Clare Devlin on the hit Channel 4 series, Derry Girls.

Who plays Anthony Bridgerton?

Jonathan Bailey plays Anthony Bridgerton, the protective older brother of Daphne. The British actor, 33, has starred in the 2016 Channel 4 dramedy Crashing and the ITV crime drama Broadchurch (2013-2017).

Who plays Siena Rosso in 'Bridgerton'?

The actress giving life to Siena, the Ton's opera singer and Anthony's mistress, is none other than English actress Sabrina Bartlett. Previously she's featured in Da Vinci's Demons, Knightfall and Game of Thrones.

Who plays Eloise Bridgerton? 

Eloise is the second eldest daughter in the Bridgerton family. Unlike her sister Daphne, she has no interest in marriage or the idea of being someone's "wife" and instead has a passion for writing. She's played by British actress Claudia Jessie, who is known for TV roles as Annie Taylor in the third BBC One series of WPC 56 and Amelia Sedley in the ITV series Vanity Fair. 

Who plays Benedict Bridgerton? 

The second eldest of the eight Bridgerton siblings, Benedict isn't a particular focus in the first season. However, something tells us we'll be seeing a lot more of him in upcoming seasons after witnessing him be introduced to sexual liberation and potentially exploring his own sexuality. He is played by actor Luke Thompson, who starred in Dunkirk. 

Who plays Lady Danbury? 

Lady Danbury was a dear friend of the Duke of Hastings' mother, Sarah. When Sarah died shortly after giving birth to her son and her husband, the former Duke of Hastings rejected his son for being an "imbecile" as he struggled with speech, Lady Danbury raised him as her own. She is played by British actress Adjoa Andoh. 

Who plays Kate Sharma?

Simone Ashley is making her highly anticipated debut on the show in season 2 as Kate Sharma, Anthony's new love interest. She will be a focal point in the new season, taking over the prime spot from Daphne and Simon as she embarks on a romance with the eldest Bridgerton brother. 

Prior to this role, Simone played Olivia Hanan in Netflix's Sex Education and has also had a few smaller TV roles over the past few years including an appearance on the hit British crime drama, Broadchurch. 

Who plays Kate's sister, Edwina Sharma?

Kate isn't the only Sharma joining the show this season. Her family will also be making an appearance. Her sister, Edwina Sharma, is played by Charithra Chandran. The British Indian actress previously portrayed Sabina Pleasance on Amazon Prime Video's Alex Rider but her background is mainly in musical theatre. Though we have no doubt her Bridgerton gig will pave the way for many more TV and movie appearances. 

Who plays Kate's mother, Mary Sharma?

Head of the Sharma clan, Mary Sharma is the mother of Kate and Edwina. She is portrayed by Shelley Conn, who has had a long career appearing in a number of US and British shows over the years. Most notably she played lead roles in BBC Two's Party Animals and Fox's Terra Nova as Ashika Chandirimani and Dr. Elisabeth Shannon, respectively. She also appeared in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory back in 2005.