Bust Magazine Golda Rosheuvel 08 01 23 110 RGB 8ff45

‘Bridgerton’s’ Golda Rosheuvel, Talks About New Series ‘Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story’

by Jamia Wilson

Renowned for expertly capturing the essence of the Regency era, Golda Rosheuvel has been celebrated for her elegant portrayal of Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz on Bridgerton, Netflix’s record-breaking historical-romance series executive produced by Shonda Rhimes. When I catch up with her on vacation in Cyprus on Zoom, it’s a gorgeous day, and Rosheuvel, 53, is adorned in a chic black turban, radiating the same magnetic presence she commands on screen.

Not long before our chat, it was announced that an eight-episode limited series, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, would be premiering in the spring of 2023 on Netflix, depicting the young monarch’s ascension and putting Rosheuvel’s character front and center. It was a shrewd move by producers, possibly capitalizing on the public’s interest in the British monarchy’s current power couple, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Like Meghan Markle, the real Queen Charlotte was also a multiethnic woman who married into the British royal family—a direct descendent from Margarita de Castro y Sousa, a Black branch of the Portuguese royal house.

Genealogical research into Charlotte’s origins only helped heighten the attention already surrounding Rosheuvel’s portrayal of Queen Charlotte since Bridgerton premiered in 2020. The London-based actor, who now resides with her partner—playwright Shireen Mula—connects her childhood growing up in Guyana and the U.K. with a Guyanese priest father and a white British mother to her ability to resonate with audiences across cultures. “I’m a human being born to a beautiful white woman and a beautiful Black man, and to represent my biracial heritage is something that I’m proud of,” she says. “Coming from two human beings from different backgrounds is not talked about much.” Rosheuvel describes her upbringing as “one of music, storytelling, having lots of people over for dinner, and listening to my parents and their friends talk with laughter and language.” She goes on to explain that her vibrant, diverse community and home life enabled “a very easy transition into acting.” “Between ‘Action’ and ‘Cut’ is the most magical place for me,” she continues. “It feels so natural, alive, unique, and intimate.”

“Between ‘Action’ and ‘Cut’ is the most magical place for me. It feels so natural, alive, unique, and intimate.”

For Rosheuvel, sometimes life truly imitates art, even when her character lived two centuries ago. She says that her mother’s very genteel British background gave her deep insight into her role on Bridgerton. “I was brought up on afternoon teas and horseback riding and being dragged around England to visit manor houses, which is incredible now because that’s where we film,” she says. “Having that knowledge while playing a woman embroiled in this English countryside atmosphere and sensibility is thrilling. It’s great to celebrate that side of my heritage.”

“I was brought up on afternoon teas and horseback riding and being dragged around England to visit manor houses.”

Although her passion for acting began with her school’s drama productions, Rosheuvel’s versatile talents as a teen also included a wide range of sports, namely hockey, netball, swimming, and javelin. Now, she says, she’s grateful for her sporty background, since the strength she developed helps her manage the giant wigs she wears, sometimes for over 10 hours at a time, to play Queen Charlotte. “One of the wigs on Queen Charlotte broke the heaviness record,” she reveals. “There’s a beautiful story to that, so I won’t give too much away, but watch out for it.”

Bust Magazine Golda Rosheuvel 08 01 23 239 RGB a7e6ePhoto by Chantel King. Stylist: Georgia Medley; Makeup: Kenneth Soh; Hair: Dionne Smith

Before she wraps up our chat to enjoy her holiday, Rosheuvel shares how, despite once being told by a director never to come out as LGBTQ+, she’s always stayed committed to preserving her authenticity. “To be able to stand and believe in yourself, even if it’s scary, is important,” she tells me. “Especially in the world we’re living in now—being authentic, truthful, kind, and generous to yourself will be reflected in your decisions.”

Top photo by Chantel King. Stylist: Georgia Medley; Makeup: Kenneth Soh; Hair: Dionne Smith

You may also like

Get the print magazine.

The best of BUST in your inbox!

Subscribe to Our Weekly Newsletter

About Us

Founded in 1993, BUST is the inclusive feminist lifestyle trailblazer offering a unique mix of humor, female-focused entertainment, uncensored personal stories, and candid reporting that tells the truth about women’s lives.

©2023 Street Media LLC.  All Right Reserved.