There's a certain magnetic pull to Jonathan Bailey. It goes beyond his undeniable charm and captivating performances. Perhaps it's the wickedly enigmatic tension he creates on-screen, the kind that almost makes you feel bad for his screen partners, because there's no way they're walking off set without being in a state of unrequited love.
From captivating audiences in the intimate confines of London's theatre scene to gracing the screens of Netflix's record-breaking phenomenon, Bridgerton and, most recently, charming our socks off with his singing and dancing in Wicked, Bailey's career trajectory is a testament to his dedication, and ever-evolving talent. Luckily, it's not just fans who have a soft spot for Bailey. His recent Critics Choice Award win for his leading role in Fellow Travellers showcases his remarkable versatility, taking on the role of telling the story of LGBTQIA+ liberation from the 20th century, transcending all cinematic genre's.
Whether he's commanding the room as Viscount Anthony Bridgerton, or tearing up the dance floor of the Ozdust Ballroom as Fiyero, it's safe to say Bailey has earned a pace in the hearts and minds of a global audience — but who is the man behind the characters? If you're still unfamiliar, or simply want to know more about him, allow us to enlighten you.
Who is Jonathan Bailey?
Jonathan Stuart Bailey was born 25 April, 1988 – making him a Taurus – is an English actor most known for his role in Netflix's popular Regency-period Bridgerton series, where he plays one of the titular Bridgerton siblings: Lord Anthony Bridgerton. Bailey snagged the coveted role while he was starring in the West End revival of Company in 2018, for which he took home a Best Supporting Actor Olivier Award in 2019.
However, Bailey says that if he hadn't succeeded as an actor he would have become a teacher. “If I wasn’t an actor, I think I’d love to be a primary school teacher,” Bailey said in a recent inerview. “I mean, I think all teachers are basically modern-day heroes. And I love going to see my niece in her nativities at school. I always think they’re just so sweet and lovely. Watching the next generation of Baileys grow up, you just realise how informative those years are and I think being a part of that is pretty special.”
2024 was a mammoth year for Bailey, professionally, with the third season of Bridgerton being released to the world, and his long-awaited role as Prince Fiyero in the highly anticipated Wicked musical film adaptation.
He's best known for Bridgerton, but what else has he been in?
Most known for his performance as Viscount Bridgeton, Bailey has been on stage and screen for quite some time, before he landed his lordship. Starring alongside Fleabags Phoebe Waller-Bridge in Crashing, British Tv Show's Chewing Gum and W1A, his most recent role, is co-leading with Matt Bomer in the Fellow Traveler. On stage, Bailey has performed across theatres in London, cast in productions such as Cock alongside Taron Egerton in 2022, winning his Olivier award for his supporting role in Company the musical in 2018.
And of course, on the big screen, 2024 saw him act (and sing and dance) alongside Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivro, Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum in Wicked.
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What's his next movie?
Never one to take a break, Bailey's next role is in Jurassic World Rebirth, opposite Scarlett Johansen. Universal Studios have said little, but have spoke the release date for the film will be the 7th of February 2025.
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Jonathan Bailey's style
Bailey is also making a splash off-camera and on red carpets, serving up some fashion-forward looks we simply need to talk about. Since catapulting to fame, he's worked with some major luxury fashion houses – attending fashion shows in Paris for Loewe, tennis grand slam matches with Ralph Lauren and last year's Met Gala with Tom Ford. Below, check out some of our favourite Jonathan Bailey style moments so far.
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Wearing Giorgio Armani and Omega.
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At the Golden Globes, wearing Givenchy.
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On Late Night with Seth Meyers.
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Wearing his special-edition LOEWE t-shirt, which supports LGBTQ+ non-profits.
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In LOEWE, before the Met Gala.
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Exiting The Ambassadors Theatre, 2022.
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Attending The Mercy world premiere in London.
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At the Loewe Menswear Fall Winter 22 show in Paris, wearing Loewe.
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Attending the Loewe Foundation Studio Voltaire Award last year.
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At the Ralph Lauren SS24 runway show during New York Fashion Week.
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At his first Met Gala in Tom Ford.
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During press for his film Fellow Traelers with co-star Matt Bomer.
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On This Morning show.
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Having a ball at Pride in London, 2019.
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At the 2023 French Open, wearing Lacoste.
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Attending Canada Goose x London's Flagship Opening and 60th Anniversary at Canada House in 2017.
