Ruth Gemmell, the British actress renowned for her portrayal of Violet Bridgerton in Netflix's hit series Bridgerton, has offered a rare glimpse into her personal life following her marriage to an 'old friend' over a decade ago. The 58-year-old star, who quietly tied the knot in 2015, has transitioned from her previous home in east London to a serene village in the Midlands, embracing a more secluded existence away from the public eye.
A Tranquil Escape from the Spotlight
In a candid interview with The Telegraph, Gemmell expressed her contentment with this quieter lifestyle, describing herself as having become 'a sleepy old country bumpkin'. She elaborated on her newfound passions, which include gardening, bird watching, leisurely walks, and visits to the local pub. This shift marks a significant change from her earlier years in the bustling capital.
Marriage to a Non-Actor Brings Joy
Gemmell particularly emphasised the joys of being married to a man who is not involved in the acting profession. She highlighted the contrast in their perspectives when attending theatre performances, noting that her husband appreciates the show for what it is, rather than questioning why he wasn't considered for a role. 'It's lovely being married to a man who isn't an actor,' she remarked, adding that going to the theatre with someone who says, 'Wasn't that good?' instead of 'Why wasn't I seen for that part?' is a refreshing experience.
Reflections on Past Relationships
This marriage follows Gemmell's high-profile divorce from Irish actor Ray Stevenson in 2005, after eight years of marriage. The couple first met on the set of the TV drama Band of Gold in 1995. Stevenson, known for his role in Thor, tragically passed away on May 21, 2023, at the age of 58, just four days before his 59th birthday. He died in Italy after being hospitalised while filming the action movie Cassino in Ischia.
Violet Bridgerton's Romantic Developments
As Bridgerton makes its highly anticipated return to Netflix, the Regency-era romance drama continues to captivate audiences with its steamy scenes and intricate plotlines. In the latest season, Gemmell's character, Violet Bridgerton, finds herself exploring new romantic interests, moving beyond her role as a matriarch focused on her children's love lives.
In the fourth episode, approximately 52 minutes in, Violet hosts a romantic evening with Marcus, Lady Danbury's brother. With the assistance of the unflappable housekeeper, Mrs. Wilson, played by Geraldine Alexander, the pair share a passionate encounter. Despite Marcus's initial inclination to 'take things slowly', Violet persuades him to get undressed, leading to intimate moments where they are seen smiling widely in bed and sharing passionate kisses.
The Future of Bridgerton
With only four episodes of the new series released so far, the next four are scheduled to arrive on February 26. This season focuses on Luke Thompson's character, Benedict Bridgerton, the free-spirited second eldest brother, as he discovers love with Sophie, portrayed by Yerin Ha, the illegitimate daughter of an Earl forced into servitude. Additionally, fans can look forward to the return of series three couple, Colin and Penelope, played by Luke Newton and Nicola Coughlan.
Given the series' reputation for romantic and sensual content, the new instalment promises to deliver plenty of steamy scenes, aptly described as putting 'the sin into Cinderella'. As viewers immerse themselves in the drama, Gemmell's own life story adds a layer of real-world resonance to the fictional tales of love and loss unfolding on screen.
