Simone ashley: from bridgerton to brooklyn – a new chapter unfolds
Simone Ashley, the name that captivated audiences with her portrayal of Kate Sharma in Bridgerton, is rapidly establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with, and her latest ventures prove it.
A whirlwind of film, music, and a german obsession
Speaking with startling clarity into her Zoom camera, Ashley revealed a surprisingly deep connection to Germany – a fondness sparked by a chance encounter with her best friend, Pia, in Munich. Just weeks after a whirlwind London photoshoot for Vogue Germany, she’s already gearing up for a demanding schedule, headed straight for strength training in preparation for the Brooklyn Half Marathon – a personal challenge she’s embracing with fierce determination.
April promises to be a momentous month for the actor and musician, marked by the release of her debut EP, Songs I Wrote in New York, and the world premiere of The Devil Wears Prada 2, where she’ll embody Amari, Meryl Streep’s formidable Miranda Priestly’s assistant. Ashley’s wardrobe for this event – a Dior jacket with a peplum and gold buttons, a mini skirt, and plaid pumps – speaks volumes about her evolving style and the confidence she's cultivating.
Her breakout role in Sex Education initially thrust her into the spotlight, launching her career into stratospheric heights, earning her accolades like a place on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and a coveted spot on Time 100 Next. But at 31, Ashley isn’t resting on her laurels; she’s actively charting a new course, and Vogue Germany’s exclusive interview offers a glimpse into this exciting transition.
“You can't share much about your role yet,” Vogue Germany inquired, “but can you tell us what it was like to work with all those film legends?” Ashley’s response was enthusiastic, recalling her time spent primarily with Meryl and Stanley, highlighting the invaluable lessons she absorbed simply by observing their craft. “They’re just masters of their craft; they’ve been doing this for years and years and years. This movie changed my life in the sense that I had one of the best summers of my life, working with David [Frankel, the director] and Aline Brosh McKenna [the producer and screenwriter] and all the producers and the crew, and being in New York.”
Beyond the glamour of Hollywood, Ashley’s life is anchored by her passion for music. She credits a childhood training in classical singing, music theory, and piano as the foundation for her creative pursuits. “Music was the first thing I did before acting,” she explained. “But I always, always wanted to make music. I think I just didn’t want it to seem like it was a hobby. I wanted to make a body of work with a narrative, and I really wanted to take it seriously.” The EP, Songs I Wrote in New York, is a deeply personal reflection on her experiences in the city, punctuated by a cover version of Sananda Maitreya’s “Sign Your Name.”
“It’s literally the title,” she stated, “It’s songs that I wrote in New York, apart from one.” The collection is a testament to the transformative power of a new environment, capturing the joy and happiness she found during her summer in New York. “Life is actually very normal. So when you have the days where you’re like wow, I can’t believe this is happening. I had that last summer, and I just wanted to document it in a way where I could just remember it forever.”
Ashley’s recent relocation to New York, fueled by her burgeoning music career and a desire for new experiences, is a defining characteristic of her current trajectory. She’s embraced the city’s frenetic energy, finding inspiration in its vibrant culture and diverse community. Her style, as evidenced by her Versace ensemble – a striped sleeveless sweater, embossed trousers, belt, gold pumps, and two-tone bag – reflects her bold and eclectic sensibilities.
Looking back on her rapid ascent, Ashley expressed a profound sense of gratitude. “To the world, it seems like it was something that happened very quickly. But for me, it’s something I’ve been working on since I was 18.” Briderton served as a catalyst, sparking a momentum that continues to propel her forward. “There are years where you kind of keep your head down and you work, and there are years when you’re more visible.” And as she embarks on a new chapter, Ashley is clear about her priorities: to remain grounded, to challenge herself, and to embrace the unpredictable beauty of life.
Currently filming A24’s Peaked, alongside Emma Mackey and Laura Dern, Ashley’s schedule is undeniably demanding, yet she approaches it with a palpable excitement. “I’ve been working so hard for the past year, I would say,” she admitted. “It actually feels a bit emotional. Last year, I went through some personal stuff. Then I got The Devil Wears Prada 2, I moved to New York, and I was filming. In January, I was traveling for work, in eight cities within four weeks. I finished my music in February. Now I’m promoting the music and the movie, and I’m on a different photoshoot every day. I’m filming a movie with A24 at the moment in New York.”
“What keeps you going?” Vogue Germany asked. Ashley paused, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. “I have to be really disciplined at the moment, and do it for myself—and really just enjoy it. I love my early thirties—I think there’s something really sexy about it. And this press tour, and this press release for the movie and the music is so different from anything that was as big, which was Bridgerton. This is just as big as the Bridgerton one. I was much younger.”
As for her aspirations, Ashley envisions a future where she can dedicate herself to music, step away from the constant demands of the Entertainment industry, and find solace in the simple pleasures of life. “Ideally, I would love to just be in New York this summer and finish writing the rest of my album, and just have a very relaxed schedule. That’s gonna be hard some days; when you’re constantly going, it can be really overwhelming sometimes to have a quiet period, but I think I need that.”
“Ultimately,” she concluded, a genuine smile gracing her lips, “I’m just grateful for the journey, for the opportunities, and for the people who have supported me along the way. And frankly, that’s all that really matters.”