Kenyan actor Lenana Kariba has revealed the behind-the-scenes story of how he secured his role in Netflix’s hit series BridgertonSeason 4, giving fans a glimpse into the surprising and somewhat mysterious process that brought him to the global stage.
Speaking about his journey, in an interview on Monday, February 16, 2026, Kariba explained that it all started with living in the United Kingdom, which made it possible for him to both live and work there.
Unlike the more informal casting processes common in Nairobi, he signed up with professional casting agencies in the UK to access legitimate opportunities.
When he first auditioned, Kariba noted that he had no idea the role he was trying out for was part of Bridgerton. “They tried to keep it very quiet,” he said. “Even the name of the project had a code name. They don’t tell you that you’re shooting for Bridgerton. They just give you a script or a set of actions for the audition.”
After a series of auditions, Kariba says he was contacted by the production team, who invited him for fittings. Even then, he still didn’t know the full context of his role.
“When I got to the fitting, they were measuring my head for a wig, and I had no idea what was happening,” he recounted. “They put on the wig and costume, and I still didn’t know I was going to play a Royal Footman.”
Realising the Role
The actor explained that it was only after he left the fitting that he began researching the role online.
“I looked it up and realised, oh, Royal Footman. Then I told my wife, and she said, ‘Babe, that’s Bridgerton.’ I was like, no way. She was right, there was no other show doing a period piece like this,”he said.
After being called back and officially informed that the role was part of Bridgerton Season 4, Kariba joined the set, marking a major milestone in his acting career. “Next thing you know, I’m on the set of Bridgerton. It’s wild,” he said.
Kariba also encouraged fans to re-watch Bridgerton Season 4 Part 1 to spot him in the background and hinted that his role would expand in Part 2.
Bridgerton is among Netflix’s most watched and talked‑about series, known globally for its Regency‑era romance, lavish costumes and diverse storytelling.
Season 4 debuted its first half on Thursday, January 29, 2026, with Part 2 set to premiere on February 26, 2026, each part featuring four episodes.
This marks another achievement in Kariba’s growing career. Having built his acting portfolio in Kenya through television shows like Changing Times, Saints, and Lies That Bind, as well as films such as House of Lungula and How to Find a Husband.
