The popular Netflix series, adapted from Julia Quinn’s novels, has enthralled viewers since its premiere with its lavish depiction of Regency-era romance and intrigue.
Amid the glittering ballrooms, intense love stories, and intricate social dynamics, one enigmatic figure has consistently intrigued everyone: Lady Whistledown.
The sharp-witted, secretive gossip columnist whose scandalous papers stir up waves throughout the town has become a pivotal figure of fascination.
And now, the recent disclosure of the actress behind Lady Whistledown’s voice has completely stunned fans.
Lady Whistledown, the mysterious narrator of Bridgerton, seems to know everything about everyone and isn’t shy about sharing the juiciest details, no matter who gets caught up.
Her column, Lady Whistledown’s Society Papers, is always buzzing among the elite of Bridgerton’s Regency Era London, and it also serves as the show’s narration.
While the ‘Bridgerton’ books reveal the anonymous writer’s identity as Penelope Featherington, the historical romance drama chose to conceal her identity by using a different voice actor.
Despite Eloise’s proximity to the real Lady Whistledown throughout Bridgerton, she never suspects her closest friend – envisioning Lady Whistledown as an older, more dignified figure.
Therefore, the selection of the voice actor for the role embodies this secrecy perfectly…
Even after Lady Whistledown’s identity is unveiled, it serves to underscore the separation between her dual personas in the drama.
This technique isn’t unprecedented in television. Another notable example is Gossip Girl, which aired from 2007 to 2012 and centered around a high school where a gossip columnist, the eponymous Gossip Girl, stirred up all the drama.
In Gossip Girl, Kristen Bell provided the voice for the narrations, while the identity remained a mystery until the series finale, revealing that Dan Humphrey (played by Penn Badgley), an unexpected choice, was behind it all along.
Similarly, Bridgerton has employed this same narrative device with Lady Whistledown.
After discovering the voice behind Lady Whistledown, people have taken to social media to express their surprise.
One fan writes: “I can’t believe I didn’t recognize her voice!”
Another asks: “Why did everyone gatekeep this info???”
“I was today years old,” jokes somebody else.
In case you weren’t aware, Julie Andrews is the voice behind Lady Whistledown.
Andrews is widely known as a household name associated with classic cinema.
From her unforgettable roles in The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins to her more recent appearances in Despicable Me and The Princess Diaries, Andrews’ illustrious career spans decades and encompasses various genres.
However, her role in Bridgerton as the narrator behind Lady Whistledown’s mysterious letters has been a surprising revelation for many viewers.
Bridgerton’s showrunner, Chris Van Dusen, previously disclosed that Andrews was the top choice for the role.
He revealed to OprahMag.com: “We offered her the part, sent her the scripts, not thinking anything would really come of it. But surprisingly she read the scripts and fell in love with them.”
In contrast to the rest of the cast, who film their roles in the U.K., the 88-year-old records her voiceovers from a studio in the U.S.
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