TV & Movies
And why Violet Bridgerton is so very far away from her reality.
Spoilers forBridgertonSeason 2 ahead.
At this point, it seems everyone has watchedBridgerton.
Yet, Ruth Gemmell, who portrays matriarch Lady Violet Bridgerton, is somewhat detached from the frenzy.
In fact, she found it bonkers when she realised just how big the first series had become.
I dont do social media, so I had no idea, she tells me.
The sheer scale of it was an indication that this was something quite extraordinary, she explains.
Ive been on some big jobs, but never as a fundamental part of the whole thing.
This was a welcome change of pace for Gemmell, but by no means a shock.
The first eightBridgertonbooks written by Julia Quinn are predominantly about the children, and how they each found love.
But theres a ninth book, where you get to see Violets history, she tells me avidly.
I always knew those stories were there, so I anchored [my] Violet on them.
In one particularly harrowing flashback scene, we see a recently widowed Violet giving birth to her youngest child.
But he doesnt ask Violet oh, no, he asks the man of the house: her son.
Its a gruelling moment for a young Anthony, too.
How did she navigate filming this scene, I ask?
I felt the need to get the physicality right first, Gemmell explains.
I have no children, so I needed it to be as true as it could be.
However, the pair had a slight setback when they were rehearsing the scene.
There was a glass window, and everyone was walking past, she laughs.
It was really embarrassing trying to give birth whilst the world was going on outside.
Luckily, Gemmell and Bailey had already established a close on-set relationship.
Hes an amazing actor, and incredibly generous.
It just so happens that Gemmells first in-person audition involved an interaction with Bailey.
The actor cherished the moment because she felt the power within it.
I loved that, it really amused me.
Shes a force to be reckoned with, Gemmell says of Andoh, before elaborating on their real-life kinship.
I know very little, Gemmell says, coyly.
It follows the Queen, Violet, and Danbury, as well as their younger selves.
Im intrigued to meet her.
Itll be hilarious, she muses.
The actor is, however, keen to rule herself out of the running.
That would requirelotsof Vaseline on the lens, she quips.
This article was originally published onMarch 28, 2022
