Michelle Mao Embraces the 'Bridgerton' Villain Role

The actor discusses playing Rosamund Li in season 4 of the hit Netflix series and her new independent film 'Zi'.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Michelle Mao, a 27-year-old actress, landed the role of Rosamund Li, one of the antagonists in the fourth season of the hit Netflix series 'Bridgerton'. Mao, a self-proclaimed 'Bridgerton' stan, had to work on her British accent for the role but was prepared for potential backlash from passionate fans of the show. Between the two parts of season 4, Mao also traveled to Sundance for the premiere of her independent film 'Zi', directed by Kogonada. Mao's journey into acting began as a hobby in her childhood in Hong Kong and Beijing, but she realized her true calling while taking classes at a playhouse in Berkeley, California.

Why it matters

Mao's experience playing an antagonist in the hugely popular 'Bridgerton' series provides insight into the challenges and rewards of portraying complex, morally ambiguous characters in high-profile projects. Her transition from a hobby-turned-passion for acting to landing major roles in both television and independent film also showcases the diverse paths aspiring actors can take to achieve success in the industry.

The details

Mao was immediately able to identify the 'Bridgerton' scene she was asked to audition for, thanks to her deep fandom of the show. After several rounds of auditions over nearly six months, she landed the role of Rosamund Li, the eldest stepsister of the season 4 lead character Sophie. Mao had to work on perfecting her British accent for the role, which she had never done before. The show's executives prepared Mao and her co-star Katie Leung, who plays another antagonist, for potential backlash from passionate fans. While Mao did receive some negative feedback, she has mainly viewed the response positively, as it means she effectively portrayed a complex, flawed character.

  • Mao landed the role of Rosamund Li in 'Bridgerton' season 4 after nearly six months of auditioning.
  • Parts one and two of 'Bridgerton' season 4, featuring Mao's performance, were released in 2026.
  • Mao traveled to Sundance in early 2026 for the premiere of her independent film 'Zi', which was shot in Hong Kong the previous fall.

The players

Michelle Mao

A 27-year-old actress who landed the role of Rosamund Li, one of the antagonists in season 4 of the Netflix series 'Bridgerton'. Mao's journey into acting began as a hobby in her childhood in Hong Kong and Beijing, but she realized her true calling while taking classes at a playhouse in Berkeley, California.

Rosamund Li

The eldest stepsister of the season 4 lead character Sophie, and one of the antagonists in 'Bridgerton' season 4.

Katie Leung

An actress who played the role of Lady Araminta Gun, another antagonist in 'Bridgerton' season 4, alongside Mao.

Kogonada

The director of the independent film 'Zi', in which Mao starred and which premiered at Sundance in 2026.

Sophie

The lead character in 'Bridgerton' season 4, whose stepsister Rosamund Li is one of the antagonists.

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What they’re saying

“At the beginning of shooting, the showrunner Zoomed with all of us individually and was like, 'You need to be prepared. We have resources, especially for you and Katie being the antagonists, and because people are so passionate about these characters, they might vent their frustration.'”

— Michelle Mao, Actress (WWD)

“I always did, but I have even more respect now for actresses who play antagonistic characters because there's so much heavy lifting having to be done with you creating a fleshed out enough character, and filling in the gaps of why this person became the way they are — because a villain is never a villain to themselves.”

— Michelle Mao, Actress (WWD)

What’s next

Mao will be taking on a new, undisclosed role that will require her to be in the best shape of her life, which is very different from her 'Bridgerton' character.

The takeaway

Michelle Mao's experience playing the antagonist Rosamund Li in the hit Netflix series 'Bridgerton' highlights the challenges and rewards of portraying complex, morally ambiguous characters in high-profile projects. Her journey from a hobby-turned-passion for acting to landing major roles in both television and independent film showcases the diverse paths aspiring actors can take to achieve success in the industry.