Photo credits: Simone Ashley Instagram.
Simone Ashley—the British talent who has taken the world by storm—is best known for her captivating role as Kate Sharma in Bridgerton. Her journey traces a path from a quiet Surrey upbringing to international stardom. In this Monaco Voice feature, we delve into her rise, her subtle ties to Monaco, and the secrets behind her success and vibrant approach to life.
A Journey from Surrey to Stardom
Born Simone Ashwini Pillai on March 30, 1995, in Camberley, Surrey, to Tamil Indian parents, Ashley grew up in a household where academia was prized over the arts. Yet, her passion for creativity—nurtured through classical music, opera, and piano—set her on a different path. Defiant and determined, she left school at 16 to pursue acting, a decision that led her from small roles in Wolfblood and Broadchurch to global fame as Kate Sharma in Netflix’s Bridgerton Season 2, released in 2022. Her portrayal of the fierce yet tender viscountess opposite Jonathan Bailey won hearts worldwide and earned her a spot on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Europe list.
Photo credits: Simone Ashley Instagram.
Ashley’s career has since soared with versatility: from voicing a role in 10 Lives to playing Indira in Disney’s 2023 The Little Mermaid, starring in the rom-com Picture This, and joining Brad Pitt in the upcoming F1 film. At 29, she’s not just a star—she’s a trailblazer, bringing her Tamil heritage to the forefront of an industry.
Monaco: A Stage for Her Shine
Ashley’s connection to Monaco isn’t rooted in residency but in moments that echo the principality’s blend of elegance and adrenaline. In May 2022, she attended the Monaco Grand Prix, a star-studded event that perfectly suits her poised yet dynamic presence. It was here she met Constantin “Tino” Klein, her former partner and a motorsport enthusiast, sparking a romance that lasted until early 2025.
Photo credits: Simone Ashley Instagram. Simone Ashley and Tino Klein.
Her bond with Monaco deepened in June 2024, when she returned to receive the International Golden Nymph for Most Promising Talent at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival. Stepping onto the red carpet at the Grimaldi Forum, Ashley accepted the award with the same quiet confidence that defines her screen presence. For Monaco, a place that celebrates both artistry and ambition, Ashley’s visits feel like a homecoming of spirit.
Secrets of Life and Success
What drives Simone Ashley’s meteoric rise? Her “secrets” are less about mystique and more about authenticity and effort. “I’ve had to work twice as hard,” she told the Daily Mail in 2022, reflecting on the challenges of breaking into acting as a woman of color. Rejection has been a companion - but she refuses to let it define her. “I never let it hit my heart,” she shared with Vanity Fair in 2025, a testament to her resilience.
Her approach to life is equally grounded. Recently embracing her “single era” after parting ways with Klein in January 2025, Ashley told BBC’s Woman’s Hour, “I’m focusing on me and my inner confidence.”
Photo credits: Simone Ashley Instagram. Simone Ashley for Vanity Fair.
Success, for Ashley, stems from courage and representation. Inspired by Dev Patel’s career, she seeks roles that defy stereotypes, like her rom-com lead in Picture This. “I wanted to be the leading lady and represent more women that look like me as that kind of Bridget Jones character,” she told Vanity Fair.
A Monaco Muse in the Making
Picture Simone Ashley in Monaco: sipping an espresso at Café de Paris, her sleek silhouette framed by the Mediterranean. Her secrets—resilience, authenticity, and embrace of her heritage—fit the principality’s narrative of bold elegance. As she prepares for her next chapter, from the racetracks of F1 to her upcoming music debut, Ashley remains a figure Monaco can claim as a kindred spirit: a woman who shines brightest when she dares to be herself.