If you’ve been binge-watching Hulu’s post-apocalyptic political thriller Paradise, you’ve probably found yourself both intrigued and unsettled by the character of Agent Jane Driscoll.
Played by Nicole Brydon Bloom, Jane is the kind of role that sticks with you, sweet and unassuming at first, then revealing layers of complexity that leave you questioning everything.
But who is the actress behind this breakout performance? Let’s dive into Nicole Brydon Bloom’s journey, from her early days to her current status as one of Hollywood’s most talked-about talents.
Nicole Brydon Bloom in Paradise: The Role That Changed Everything
Nicole Brydon Bloom stars as Secret Service Agent Jane Driscoll in Hulu’s Paradise, a series created by Dan Fogelman (the mastermind behind This Is Us). Set in a post-apocalyptic world, Paradise follows a group of survivors living in a high-tech bunker after a global catastrophe.
Jane Driscoll, Bloom’s character, starts off as the quiet, junior agent, someone you’d least suspect of causing chaos. But as the season unfolds, Jane’s true nature is revealed in a twist that shocked fans and critics alike.
Without giving too much away, let’s just say Jane isn’t your typical hero. She’s a sociopath, a villain, and a character so well-played that you can’t help but be fascinated by her every move.
Bloom has spoken openly about how much she loved playing such a complex role. In interviews, she’s mentioned that Fogelman hinted early on that Jane was more than meets the eye, which only made her more excited to take on the challenge.
“It was definitely very shocking, but also made me want the role so much more, because how fun to play a character who’s far more complex than she appears in the first few episodes,” she told CBR.
The show’s second season, which premiered in February 2026, has only deepened Jane’s mystery, solidifying Bloom’s place as a standout in the ensemble cast alongside Sterling K. Brown and Shailene Woodley.
From Journalism to Acting: A Personal Journey
Born on March 23, 1994, in Chicago, Illinois, Nicole Brydon Bloom is the daughter of Melanie and the late David Bloom, a respected NBC News journalist who tragically passed away in 2003 while covering the Iraq War.
Nicole was just nine years old at the time. Growing up in a household that valued storytelling, she initially followed in her father’s footsteps, enrolling at Elon University as a journalism major. But her passion for acting soon took over, and she switched her focus, graduating with a degree in acting in 2017.
Her early career included guest roles on popular shows like Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and The Affair, but it was her lead role in the 2019 horror film 1BR that first put her on the map. Since then, Bloom has steadily built her resume, balancing indie projects with high-profile TV roles.
The Gilded Age: Stepping into the Spotlight
Before Paradise, Bloom made waves as Maud Beaton in HBO’s The Gilded Age. Maud, a cunning socialite and con artist based on the real-life swindler Cassie Chadwick, was a fan favorite.
Bloom’s portrayal was so compelling that she returned for the show’s third season, proving her ability to bring depth and nuance to period dramas. She also played Caroline Stuyvesant, a beguiling heiress, in the series’ second season, showcasing her range as an actress who can shift seamlessly between sweet and sinister.
Love and Life Off-Screen
Nicole’s personal life has been just as eventful as her career. She began dating actor Justin Theroux in early 2023, and the couple quickly became one of Hollywood’s most talked-about pairs.
They got engaged in August 2024 during a romantic trip to Italy and tied the knot in March 2025 in Tulum, Mexico. Despite a 23-year age difference, their relationship has been the subject of much media attention, especially after they announced in December 2025 that they’re expecting their first child together.
Nicole Brydon Bloom’s Filmography: What Else Has She Been In?
Beyond Paradise and The Gilded Age, Bloom has appeared in a variety of projects:
- We Were the Lucky Ones (2024): A historical drama where she played Caroline, a role that further highlighted her dramatic chops.
- 1BR (2019): A horror film that marked her first major lead role.
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (2019): A guest appearance that helped her gain early recognition.
- The Michael J. Fox Show (2013): One of her first on-screen roles.
Up next, Bloom is set to star in the independent drama Handle with Care, directed by Matthew James Thompson, where she’ll play Reese, the soon-to-be ex-wife of the lead character.
Why Nicole Brydon Bloom Stands Out
What makes Bloom so compelling isn’t just her acting skills, it’s her ability to choose roles that challenge both herself and her audience. Whether she’s playing a manipulative socialite, a secret service agent with a dark side, or a vulnerable heiress, she brings authenticity and depth to every character.
Her background in journalism and her personal connection to storytelling (thanks to her father’s legacy) give her a unique perspective, making her performances all the more engaging.
As Paradise continues to captivate audiences and The Gilded Age remains a critical darling, there’s no doubt that Nicole Brydon Bloom is an actress to watch. With her star on the rise, we can’t wait to see what she does next.
So, what’s your take? Have you watched Paradise on Hulu yet? And which of Nicole Brydon Bloom’s roles is your favorite?