How Simone Ashley Is Reinventing The Rom-Com Heroine

“I want to see more rom-coms that have women that look like me, women that look like you, in the forefront,” the actor tells HuffPost’s Ellen Lee in an exclusive interview.

Simone Ashley has long been redefining expectations in the entertainment industry. From “Sex Education” to her groundbreaking portrayal of Kate Sharma in “Bridgerton,” the British actor has steadily forged her own path in Hollywood— challenging stereotypes and paving the way for more nuanced South Asian representation. (Watch the video interview above.)

“I want to see more rom-coms that have women that look like me, women that look like you, in the forefront,” Ashley tells me.

Ashley’s path hasn’t been without obstacles. Early in her career, she found herself pigeonholed into roles dictated by the color of her skin. “When I was younger, in my late teens and early 20s, I was always up for the dorky Indian girl that had strict parents and wasn’t the romantic interest,” she recalls.

Her portrayal of Kate Sharma in “Bridgerton” marked a significant step forward— not just for her career, but for South Asian representation in mainstream media. As the eldest Sharma sister, Kate is a sharp-witted, fiercely independent woman who protects her family and meets her match in Anthony Bridgerton.

Period dramas have long been dominated by Eurocentric narratives, but Shonda Rhimes and “Bridgerton” showrunner Jess Brownell took an inclusive approach to the Netflix series. Ashley was intentional about ensuring authenticity in Kate’s character and cultural background.