Associated Press Breakthrough Entertainer: Ashley finds her voice
Simone Ashley was busy working and traveling when “Bridgerton” debuted on Netflix in December 2020 and was an immediate smash with viewers. The Shonda Rhimes-produced series about the romantic pursuits of a large family in Regency-era London wasn’t on Ashley’s radar. So, when the audition for season two came about, she didn’t quite grasp what a big opportunity lay before her.
In hindsight, it worked to Ashley’s benefit that she wasn’t fully aware of what a high-profile project “Bridgerton” would be, so it didn’t overwhelm or distract her during the audition process.
“A lot of the time when you audition for something, there is a bit of pressure and you can’t help but feel emotionally invested and get your hopes up and all of those things that every actor goes through. This one all happened in like 10 days, and I just didn’t really understand what was happening,” she said.
Ashley got the role of Kate Sharma, a fiercely independent, sharp, protective older sister who wins the heart of Anthony Bridgerton, played by Jonathan Bailey. It’s Ashley’s charisma, charm and grace that
make her one of The Associated Press’ breakthrough entertainers of 2022 alongside Iman Vellani, Tenoch Huerta, Stephanie Hsu and Danielle Deadwyler and others.
Although she was already a working actor when she got the job and best-known for the Netflix series “Sex Education,” Ashley realizes filming season two of “Bridgerton” was a “once in a lifetime” experience she can never duplicate. “I don’t think I’ll ever be able to approach a project with that kind of obliviousness, because there will always be a slight expectation and pressure now.”
She’s also intent to enjoy the ride and “just have fun with it. It’s a very fun industry that we’re in. It’s a lot of hard work, but, you know, it’s the entertainment industry.”
Some memorable experiences from this past year include attending her first Met Gala, where she was dressed by Jeremy Scott and met Maggie Rogers, one of her favorite musicians. She went to the Grand Prix in Monaco. Then there was the time at the BAFTAs when she was approached by education and human rights activist Malala Yousafzai.
Success has only incentivized Ashley to keep working to meet the variety of opportunities that are now all possible. She’s looking to 2023 with a clear understanding of her goals. There are “exciting” projects on the horizon, she says, which she can’t speak about, including the live-action “Little Mermaid” movie starring Halle Bailey.