Booking a role on Bridgerton is a top-secret matter. Victor Ali was starring in the West End revival of The Glass Menagerie alongside Amy Adams when he learned he would be playing John Sterling in season three. He couldn't stop smiling — and Adams noticed.
"She said, 'Go on, tell me what's going on,'" Ali recalled to Buster. "I was like, 'I got Bridgerton. '" She said, 'Oh my gosh, you got Bridgerton ! '"
Apparently, it was fortuitous that Adams was able to keep the secret, because Ali's arrival was always meant to be a surprise for many people. (Spoilers for the sixth Bridgerton book, " When He Was Evil . ")
Unlike the other lovers in the Regency Romance series, John Stirling, Earl of Kilmartin, had no book written specifically for him. He died shortly after marrying Francesca Bridgerton (Hannah Dodd), and the rest of the book follows how (and with whom) she moved on after her loss.
Ali discovered this sad development while going down the rabbit hole of the Late Night Bridgerton wiki page. "I was like, OK, obviously I read that wrong ," the 28-year-old said. "He died? I found a part in the book where John died in his sleep. I was like, what? No! "
Of course, if there's a silver lining for a star-crossed character, it's that you do your best to make them feel alive. In Ali's brief time in the first part of season three, fans have fallen in love with John and Francesca's quiet chemistry -- unlike the angsty Bridgerton couple.
"I think John enjoyed every moment," said the London actor, whose resume includes "Belfast, " "The Man Who Fell to Earth" and "Last Light." "In every prom scene, he's dancing, laughing, drinking with his family, playing games, walking down the road with Fran. When it happens, it happens."
Although he quickly became a fan favorite, it was the low-key nature of Ali's time on the show—a Regency-era soft launch, if you will—that paved the way for Bridgerton's rise to stardom.
"I can still go out, ride my bike, walk along my favorite roads, buy flowers, go to the magazine store, have coffee," said Ali, who also auditioned for Edwina Sharma's " Suitor Lord Lumley. Like I still have that balance. "
Learn more about Alli in the Bustle Booth questionnaire below.
in a noisy stall
What was your coffee order?
Americano.
What weather locations are saved on your phone?
Berlin, Paris, Venice, Mykonos, Rhode Island, Los Angeles, New York, Lubbock.
Favorite overused movie line?
"Run, Forrest, run!"
What was your favorite cartoon as a child?
Tom and Jerry.
What’s a movie or TV show that you’re currently obsessed with?
challenger.
If you had to be on a reality show, what would you choose?
Traitors.
Karaoke songs you often listen to?
“Don’t Stop Believing” – Journey.
What has inspired you recently?
My two nieces. They are incredible.
How would you like people to describe you?
"Have you ever met Victor? Well, you should. Isn't he really cute?"
