Bessie Carter on How “Bridgerton’”s Prudence Featherington Compares to Her “Outrageous” Character (Exclusive) 

Bessie Carter Draws Parallels Between Bridgerton’s Prudence Featherington and Her ‘Outrageous’ Character

In a recent exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Bessie Carter, known for her role as Prudence Featherington in ‘Bridgerton’, discussed how her character in the new BritBox series ‘Outrageous’ compares to Prudence. The talented actress shared insights into her experiences portraying these contrasting roles and the unique challenges and joys they bring.

Carter, who stars as the renowned British novelist and socialite Nancy Mitford in ‘Outrageous’, revealed that embodying this character felt like a natural fit for her. She expressed a deep connection to Nancy Mitford, citing personal ties that date back to her early life. The actress shared, “Throughout my life, I’ve been connected to Nancy Mitford. I went to the same school as her. I was born in the hospital she worked at during the war, and I narrated her audiobook four years before getting the part. So I knew a lot about her.”

The opportunity to bring Nancy Mitford to life onscreen in ‘Outrageous’ resonated profoundly with Carter. She described the experience as serendipitous, emphasizing that upon reading the script, she immediately felt a strong understanding of the character. Carter reflected, “It was one of those scripts that I read and I knew exactly how to do it — without sounding arrogant. I was like, ‘I know her mind.’ So it felt weirdly kismet.”

Amidst the excitement of portraying Nancy Mitford, Carter acknowledged the significance of the character’s bold and pioneering nature. She commended Mitford for writing under her own name at a time when it was uncommon, highlighting her rebellious spirit with the assertion, ‘Why can’t I do that?’. Carter expressed her admiration for such courage and determination, underscoring the impact of Mitford’s groundbreaking work.

Drawing comparisons between her roles in ‘Bridgerton’ and ‘Outrageous’, Carter noted the distinct differences in her characters, Prudence Featherington and Nancy Mitford. While she found playing the snobbish Prudence to be a fun departure from her usual self, embodying Nancy posed a unique challenge due to the emotional depth and vulnerability required. The actress shared, “The Prudence snobbery, I suppose, is fun to play because you are never like that. So you get a chance to be. ‘Imagine if I got to say stuff like this.'”

Carter delved into the contrasting dynamics of the two period dramas, highlighting the authenticity and punky energy of ‘Outrageous’ in contrast to the grandeur of ‘Bridgerton’. She described the series’ fast-paced and humorous tone, reflecting the eccentricity of the Mitford sisters in the tumultuous backdrop of the 1930s. The actress praised the attention to detail in the show, especially in the costumes, which added a touch of realism to the narrative.

As the daughter of esteemed actors Imelda Staunton and Jim Carter, Bessie Carter has carved out her path in the entertainment industry with remarkable performances in diverse roles. Her portrayal of Nancy Mitford in ‘Outrageous’ promises to captivate audiences with a blend of authenticity, wit, and charm, showcasing her versatility as a performer. The series, now streaming on BritBox, offers viewers a glimpse into the captivating world of the Mitford sisters and their unconventional lives during a transformative era.