Ruby Barker is ready to spill the tea, and boy, is it piping hot! The 26-year-old actress, better known as Marina Thompson from the steamy world of Bridgerton, recently let it all out during an appearance on the LOAF Podcast. And what was the topic of discussion, you ask? Well, she’s taking on none other than Netflix and Shonda Rhimes’ production powerhouse, Shondaland. Buckle up; this is going to be a bumpy ride!
So, our girl Ruby didn’t hold back one bit. She revealed that she went through not one but two epic “psycho” experiences. No, we’re not talking about her venturing into the wild world of psychological thrillers; we’re talking about two full-blown psychotic breaks. One of these meltdowns happened shortly after filming wrapped in 2019, and the other, in 2022.
What’s even more mind-boggling is that Ruby claims she received absolutely zilch in the support department from the big bad wolf of streaming, Netflix. Nope, not even a virtual hug or an emoji heart. And as for “aftercare,” well, that was as elusive as a unicorn at a coffee shop. Not exactly the royal treatment one would expect after becoming an overnight sensation.
Ruby spilled the beans about her post-Bridgerton hospital visit, which, by the way, was about as secret as the Queen’s stash of chocolate biscuits. Why the secrecy, you ask? Well, apparently, they wanted to keep it on the down-low because the show was about to drop. Heaven forbid anyone realizes a cast member needed a little TLC.
And it gets better (or worse, depending on how you look at it). During the filming of Bridgerton, Ruby claims she was spiraling down a rabbit hole of torment. Her character was isolated, ostracized, and living under circumstances that made you cringe. Did Netflix and Shondaland lend a helping hand or send her an encouraging virtual high-five? Absolutely not. Not a peep, not an email, not even a pigeon carrying a “how are you?” scroll.
As the countdown to Bridgerton’s premiere continued, Ruby found herself fresh out of the hospital, with her Instagram followers skyrocketing and a boatload of obligations. Her life was changing faster than you can say “gossipy Regency ball,” and yet, no support in sight. Talk about being left out in the cold, or in this case, the frosty ballrooms of the Bridgerton universe.
It seemed like Ruby had a metaphorical invisible gun to her head, forced to promote the show with a smile on her face. After all, Bridgerton is all about bubbles and fun, and she didn’t want to be the party pooper who potentially jeopardized her future job prospects. You go, girl, but we’re here to say it’s high time someone gave Ruby a hand – a literal one, not a metaphorical one.
Ruby Barker’s Netflix and Shondaland odyssey is not the glittery, dazzling fairytale we imagined. It’s more like a rollercoaster ride with more twists and turns than a Bridgerton plotline. Let’s hope her next adventure in showbiz comes with a bit more royal treatment and a lot less drama!