Arsema Thomas, after sending audition tapes to to play young Lady Agatha Danbury in her prequel series , Queen Charlotte while studying for an MA in Fine Arts in London. But she knew she wanted the role, even without watching a show that has captivated fans around the world.
Catch people,” Thomas told THR. Black women have written characters like this. Usually, if she supports the main narrative, she doesn’t have a 3D narrative of her own – she only exists in the protagonist’s realm. Seeing this woman who is so captivating, so enigmatic – but in a way that doesn’t detract from her complexity, but adds to it in a beautiful way… I was like, ‘I want to be this woman, when i grow up. ‘ ”
Prequel from Bridgerton producer Shonda Rhimes delves into the young Queen Charlotte (India Ria Amarteifio) takes the stage . Lady Danbury, described by Thomas as a “competent, strong, resilient woman” by Adjoa Andoh in Bridgerton, Thomas said she worked with Andoh to create a Flashing back and forth between the Bridgerton universe. This 28 year old actress also works closely with – Year-old Cyril Nri, who plays Lord Danbury, and scenes between Agatha, intimate coordinator of sexuality, and her character’s much older husband.
But Thomas had a lot to prepare for the role. Thomas is American, but kept a British accent throughout all of her auditions. “Shonda didn’t know I was until three months into filming. American. She definitely thinks I’m British,” she said. 
Thomas still interviewing before production “They were all women in extremely difficult circumstances who didn’t hold a grudge or hold a grudge against the system, but understood that there was a purpose that was bigger than their own comfort,” she said. This is something that Agatha really leverages. She is driven by principles, values, morals and ethics, and this idea of equality in its simplest form. It’s not something I was born with, so I need to call out to the women in my life. Also, she’s of African heritage, and I wanted to include her throughout the show.
Much of Thomas’ previous work has been in school plays, and she says those projects didn’t really prepare her for a role as nuanced as Mrs. Danbury Prepare. “Those weren’t the most satisfying,” Thomas admits. “I feel like a lot of drama schools I’ve been to tended to ignore a lot of racialized students, so I wasn’t really prepared to play someone who so accurately included The role of my experience. I think that’s the beauty of black women writing black female characters themselves. A separate issue of The Hollywood Reporter Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe .
