Bessie Carter, known for her role in Bridgerton and now starring in the BritBox period drama Outrageous, recently opened up about a key non-negotiable when it comes to dating — and how it ties directly to her relationship with her parents, actors Imelda Staunton and Jim Carter.
A Sense of Humor Is a Must
In an exclusive chat with PEOPLE in 10, the 31-year-old actress shared that a great sense of humor is at the top of her list when it comes to choosing a romantic partner.
“If you’ve got a crackin’ sense of humor, you’re gonna be fine,” Bessie said, adding that her parents also highly value humor. “They got a crackin’ sense of humor,” she said with a smile.
Humor, she added, is essential for her in any kind of relationship — romantic or otherwise. “So, yeah, if you can crack a joke, you’ll be absolutely fine,” Bessie noted, suggesting that anyone who hopes to fit into her life (and by extension, her family) had better come prepared with some wit.
Fame Doesn’t Change Everything
Despite being the daughter of two celebrated actors — Staunton, known for The Crown and Harry Potter, and Carter, famed for Downton Abbey — Bessie says her friends and dating life aren’t heavily influenced by their fame. “Most of my friends are so over it in the nicest way,” she said. “They’re just my parents to them, which is really nice.”
Her down-to-earth take on her family dynamics helps keep her grounded, even as her career continues to grow alongside theirs.
Working with Her Mom on Stage
While she’s been making headlines for Outrageous, Bessie is also currently acting alongside her mother in a West End revival of Mrs. Warren’s Profession. The play, written by George Bernard Shaw in the 1800s, is being presented with a modern twist, something Bessie described as “shockingly modern.”
Of the experience working together, she said, “There’s so much understanding between us,” adding that the relationship is “comfortable” and fulfilling. “We’ve always wanted to work together,” she said. “There’s a comfort in the fact that I’m like, ‘Oh, it’s mom.’”
Growing Up in a Family of Performers
In a previous interview with Tatler, Bessie reflected on what it’s like to pursue the same career as her famous parents. “They know what life as an actor is,” she said.
“They know how all-consuming it is.” Because of that shared experience, she added, they understand the emotional and physical toll the job can take — and they respect her boundaries.
She explained that they wouldn’t expect her to chat after a long day on set because they understand what those days entail. “We just know the game,” she said.
Bessie Carter may come from acting royalty, but she brings her own charm, wit, and grounded perspective to her rising career. Whether it’s setting boundaries, choosing partners who can make her laugh, or collaborating with her talented parents, she’s paving her own way in the industry.
With Outrageous now streaming on BritBox and her West End performance earning praise, Carter is continuing the family legacy — with a few personal rules of her own.
