Video: Simone Ashley shares what you might not know about her
Simone Ashley likes to look at the big picture. Her life mantra is to "play the long game and have a long-term perspective on things," she tells us, in the latest episode of our video franchise What You Don't Know About Me. "Whatever might be happening right now, do what is best in the long run."
That forward-thinking mentality is what's propelled her to take the next step in her career. The 29-year-old, who is best known for her role as Kate Sharma in the Netflix juggernaut Bridgerton, is expanding her skillset and has stepped behind the camera for the first time, both producing and starring in a new romantic comedy, Picture This. "This is the first time I've produced a movie, so that came with a lot more involvement than it traditionally would if I were just part of the cast," she shares of her experience behind-the-scenes on the Prime Video film, during a conversation at The Londoner hotel. "I had so much fun, learned lots and I'm so grateful."
In Picture This, which is streaming now, Ashley plays Pia, a single and struggling photographer running a failing studio. Then, as her sister prepares for marriage and her mother urges her to partner up, a spiritual guru predicts that Pia will meet the love of her life among her next five dates. What ensues is a hilarious yet heartfelt quest for love and connection.
Ashley cites the film as a career highlight, but adds that "every single project, no matter how big or small, has changed my life in such an amazing way". Her past credits include Sex Education and The Little Mermaid, while she will be reprising her role in Bridgerton for the much-anticipated fourth season.
On the best piece of career advice she's received, she says "always focus on your craft and developing it. If you ever feel distracted by the noise or any insecurities you might have, just always make it about your work."
If she's struggling with motivation, she says she'll sit down in front of a film that inspires her. Such as? "Kill Bill. Since I was a little girl, that movie inspired me to go chase my dreams because I thought Uma Thurman playing that kind of character was inspirational and it made me feel like a badass whenever I watched it. So, if I ever need a bit of motivation, I watch Kill Bill."
Ashley is also making a name for herself in fashion and beauty circles; she's a regular on the front rows of Fashion Week and a beauty ambassador for L'Oréal Paris, and she lists the likes of Grace Jones, Iman and Sade as her fashion icons. "They're powerful women of colour that I really look up to and I just think they look so elegant," she shares.
As for beauty must-haves? "A good moisturiser or face oil. I love my L'Oréal lipglosses; even if I'm not wearing make-up, if I put a bit of lipgloss on, it's like putting on a pair of hoops. You just feel put-together."
On what she hopes viewers take away from Picture This, Ashley says, "I hope people watch the film and just feel happy, have a laugh and feel uplifted. That's all I wanted to do with this movie. I think sometimes, the simpler the better. It's just a classic rom com."
'Picture This' is streaming on Prime Video now. This video interview was shot on location at The Londoner hotel.
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