IN CONVERSATION WITH FLORENCE HUNT

interview by JANA LETONJA

Numéro Netherlands Digital presents British actress Florence Hunt. Florence is known for her role as Hyacinth Bridgerton the Emmy award winning Netflix series ‘Bridgerton’, which will return for its third season on 16th May. Her most recent acting endeavour is a co-leading role in the feature film ‘Queen at Sea’ alongside acclaimed actors Juliette Binoche and Tom Courtney. She is starring in this exclusive fashion editorial captured by Debora Brune.

Florence, fans got to know you as Hyacinth in the highly popular series ‘Bridgerton’. What can we expect from Hyacinth’s storyline in this upcoming season?
Well, Hyacinth has grown up even more this season, but she still holds the same values and loves to terrorise Gregory just as much. With the two love stories happening simultaneously, Hyacinth is absolutely enthralled with all the love in the air. And obviously, we can expect more of the lively family dynamic, which are the scenes I most look forward to. 

With each season focusing on the love story of one of the eight Bridgerton siblings, have you ever already thought of the leading role in the season awaiting you and what it would mean for you?
Absolutely. I’ve read my book, twice, because I cannot wait for the day Hyacinth takes the limelight, especially as I’ve been with this character since I was eleven years old, and feel so connected to her, so to see her find the love she’s always dreamed about is truly exciting. 

Being on this journey through Daphne’s, Anthony’s and now Colin’s love stories, which one is your personal favourite and why?
I couldn’t say. All the stories are completely their own story, so it’s so hard to compare.

What can we expect generally from the third season, from the drama and fashion standpoints, compared to previous seasons?
John and all of his amazing team in the costume department created the most beautiful Bridgerton looks, which is one of the best parts about this job, wearing dresses of the period, yet still everyone wants to wear one today. And I think everything is more dramatic in a period dress.

How did you get cast on ‘Bridgerton’ and what do you love most about working on the project?
I actually remember my audition like it was yesterday. I was 11 years old, meeting the creator Chris Van Dusen, and doing a scene for this untitled project. Now that was 6 years ago and I still can’t believe how lucky I am. I work with some of the best in the industry, the kindest and most talented people, who are truly my family, as corny as that sounds. And I get to play such a fun character.

How would you say your career started to blossom since ‘Bridgerton’?
I feel I’ve learnt so much from the cast and crew, and I like to take their advice and kindness into all the other projects I do. I’ve also been so lucky to meet amazing people along the way, which makes you feel at home in the industry.

What got you passionate about acting and made you pursue it as a career?
I’ve always performed since I was very young, doing local theatre clubs and school performances, where I just fell love with the whole acting thing. I did my first professional acting job at age of seven and have known from the second I got onto set that this is all I wanted to do, which sounds very eager for a seven-year-old, but it’s true.

You are also passionate about fashion. What do you love the most about fashion and what role does fashion play in your life?
I spend far too much time on Pinterest, looking at 90s catwalk photos and outfit inspo. I’ve always loved fashion, but especially since lockdown where I used to make my own clothes because we couldn’t go out and buy them. I still wear some of the pieces I made. I love that fashion is so subjective, you can wear what makes you happy, knowing that others are doing the same and it’s just so fun. There are no limits.

What are your career goals for the future?
There’s so many different film types and genres I’ve always wanted to do. I have always said I would love to do a psychological thriller in particular. But honestly, I just hope acting always makes me this happy, because that’s the most important part. 

What can you share with us about your other upcoming projects?
I have a few things bubbling, which I can’t say a lot about. However, I did shoot a film recently called ‘Queen At Sea’ by Lance Hammer, starring Juliet Binoche, where I play a character who experiences an uprooting of her life while navigating friendships and relationships. It was so fun to film and I can’t wait for that to come out. 

TEAM CREDITS:
talent FLORENCE HUNT
photography DEBORA BRUNE at DILLER GLOBAL
styling SANDRA SOLÉ
makeup SARA HILL at THE WALL GROUP
hair BEN TALBOTT at THE WALL GROUP
production DEBORA BRUNE & LEA BÜTEFISCH
photography assistant LUKAS KRAUS
styling assistant RAFAELLA GIRALDO
cinematography JÁNIK VON WILMSDORFF
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director & interview JANA LETONJA