Jonathan Bailey
{{Short description|English actor (born 1988)}}
{{other uses}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2022}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Jonathan Bailey
| image = Jonathan Bailey at the New York Special Screening of Wicked 2.png
| alt =
| caption = Bailey in 2024
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1988|4|25|df=y}}
| birth_place = Wallingford, Oxfordshire, England
| occupation = Actor
| years_active = 1995–present
| works = Full list
| awards = Full list
| signature = Jonathan Bailey autograph.svg
| signature_size = 100px
}}
Jonathan Stuart Bailey (born 25 April 1988) is an English actor known for his dramatic, comedic, and musical roles on stage and screen. His accolades include a Laurence Olivier Award and a Critics' Choice Television Award as well as a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award.
Bailey began his career as a child actor in Royal Shakespeare Company productions and by eight was performing as Gavroche in a West End production of Les Misérables. He starred in contemporary plays such as The York Realist in 2018 and Cock in 2022; in classical plays like Othello in 2013 and Richard II in 2025; as well as in musicals, namely the London revival of The Last Five Years in 2016 and the West End gender-swapped revival of Company for which he won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical in 2019.
On screen, Bailey starred in the action-adventure series Leonardo (2011–2012) and the musical-comedy Groove High (2012–2013) before becoming known for the crime drama Broadchurch (2013–2015) and the comedy Crashing (2016). He gained wider recognition for his roles in the Regency romance series Bridgerton (2020–present) and the political miniseries Fellow Travelers (2023) which won him a Critics' Choice Television Award as well as a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actor. His role as Fiyero in the musical fantasy film Wicked (2024) earned him a nomination for a SAG Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Early life
Jonathan Stuart Bailey was born on 25 April 1988, in Wallingford, Oxfordshire,{{Cite web |date=19 April 2012 |title=20 Questions with ... South Downs' Jonathan Bailey |url=http://www.whatsonstage.com/interviews/theatre/london/E8831334852801/20+Questions+With+...+South+Downs%27+Jonathan+Bailey.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120428141830/http://www.whatsonstage.com/interviews/theatre/london/E8831334852801/20+Questions+With+...+South+Downs%27+Jonathan+Bailey.html |archive-date=28 April 2012 |access-date=2 October 2012 |website=What's One Stage}} the son of Carole, an audiologist, and Stuart Bailey, who was the managing director of Rowse Honey.{{Cite web |title=Next Bridgerton star is Wallingford actor |url=https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/19238355.next-bridgerton-star-wallingford-actor/ |access-date=23 May 2022 |website=Oxford Mail |date=17 April 2021 |language=en}}{{Cite journal |last=Harrison |first=Emma |date=30 April 2013 |title='Teacher inspired me' says Broadchurch star |url=https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/10387560.teacher-inspired-me-says-broadchurch-star/ |url-status=live |journal=Oxford Mail |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211110073613/https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/10387560.teacher-inspired-me-says-broadchurch-star/ |archive-date=10 November 2021 |access-date=10 January 2021}}https://people.com/why-jonathan-bailey-says-doing-fellow-travelers-was-no-brainer-after-bridgerton-exclusive-8411771 He grew up in nearby Benson and Brightwell-cum-Sotwell, and has three older sisters.{{Cite web |last=Thomas-Corr |first=Johanna |date=8 February 2018 |title=Why Jonathan Bailey wants to tell stories that humanise LGBT history |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/theatre/jonathan-bailey-on-starring-in-the-york-realist-humanising-lgbt-history-and-the-importance-of-community-a3761256.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408064908/https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/theatre/jonathan-bailey-on-starring-in-the-york-realist-humanising-lgbt-history-and-the-importance-of-community-a3761256.html |archive-date=8 April 2022 |access-date=8 April 2022 |website=Evening Standard}}{{Cite web |last=Craik |first=Laura |date=17 March 2021 |title=Jonathan Bailey: 'Bridgerton has raised the bar for representation' |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/insider/bridgerton-jonathan-bailey-anthony-bridgerton-interview-b923366.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413142830/https://www.standard.co.uk/insider/bridgerton-jonathan-bailey-anthony-bridgerton-interview-b923366.html |archive-date=13 April 2022 |access-date=13 April 2022 |website=Evening Standard}} He described his upbringing as a "co-operative of four brilliant women and a dad who has an incredible work ethic". He decided that he wanted to be an actor at the age of five after his grandmother took him to see a production of Oliver! in London. His first ever appearance on stage was in a primary school production of Noah's Ark, playing a raindrop.{{Cite news |last=Wise |first=Louis |date=20 December 2020 |title=Jonathan Bailey: brilliant from top to bottom |url=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/jonathan-bailey-interview-brilliant-from-top-to-bottom-z6k8fct79 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415101133/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/jonathan-bailey-interview-brilliant-from-top-to-bottom-z6k8fct79 |archive-date=15 April 2022 |access-date=15 April 2022 |work=The Times |issn=0140-0460}}
Bailey attended the local Church of England-affiliated Benson Primary School,{{Cite journal|url=https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/10387560.teacher-inspired-me-says-broadchurch-star/|title='Teacher inspired me' says Broadchurch star|journal=Oxford Mail|first=Emma|last=Harrison|date=30 April 2013|accessdate=27 May 2023}} then The Oratory School while taking ballet lessons. He later had a music scholarship to Magdalen College School, Oxford where he played the piano and clarinet.{{Cite web |last=Valentini |first=Valentina |date=29 December 2020 |title=The 'Bridgerton' Cast Questionnaire: Jonathan Bailey On What He Has in Common With Anthony Bridgerton |url=https://www.shondaland.com/inspire/a34908606/the-bridgerton-cast-questionnaire-jonathan-bailey/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503105851/https://www.shondaland.com/inspire/a34908606/the-bridgerton-cast-questionnaire-jonathan-bailey/ |archive-date=3 May 2022 |access-date=3 May 2022 |website=Shondaland}} After securing a talent agent at 15 years old and booking acting roles, he eventually declined his university acceptance offer and opted not to go to drama school,{{Cite web |last=Elliott |first=Marianne |date=29 March 2022 |title=Jonathan Bailey {{!}} Because Bravery Moves So Damned Well Across The Floor |url=https://flaunt.com/content/jonathan-bailey-brave-new-world |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329162658/https://flaunt.com/content/jonathan-bailey-brave-new-world |archive-date=29 March 2022 |access-date=30 March 2022 |website=Flaunt}}{{Cite news |last=Brinkhurst-Cuff |first=Charlie |date=14 April 2022 |title=Jonathan Bailey Is Keeping Busy |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/14/arts/television/jonathan-bailey-bridgerton.html |url-status=live |access-date=15 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415003213/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/14/arts/television/jonathan-bailey-bridgerton.html |archive-date=15 April 2022 |issn=0362-4331}} later saying that this kept him grounded in the performing arts: "I've never gone in as the overdog, and that's liberating and I don't want that to ever change. I just want to allow my own experiences to come through."{{Cite web |date=28 March 2011 |title=Leonardo: Jonathan Bailey plays Leonardo |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2011/03_march/29/leonardo3.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112203441/http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2011/3_march/29/leonardo3.shtml |archive-date=12 January 2021 |access-date=10 January 2021 |website=BBC Press Office}}{{Cite web |last=Shenton |first=Mark |date=27 October 2016 |title=Interview with Jonathan Bailey |url=https://www.thestage.co.uk/features/jonathan-bailey-im-more-in-awe-of-musical-theatre-actors-now-than-ever |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503064429/https://www.thestage.co.uk/features/jonathan-bailey-im-more-in-awe-of-musical-theatre-actors-now-than-ever |archive-date=3 May 2022 |access-date=3 May 2022 |website=The Stage}}
Career
{{See also| List of Jonathan Bailey performances |List of awards and nominations received by Jonathan Bailey}}
= Beginnings as a child actor (1995–2010) =
File:Barbican_Centre_(facade).jpg where Bailey made his professional acting debut at the age of seven for the Royal Shakespeare Company]]
Through his dance club in Henley-on-Thames, Bailey auditioned for and landed the alternating roles of Tiny Tim and Young Scrooge in the 1995 Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) production of A Christmas Carol at the Barbican Theatre in London at seven years old.{{Cite web |date=23 April 2012 |title=Introducing... Jonathan Bailey |url=https://officiallondontheatre.com/news/introducing-jonathan-bailey-140905/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210112040819/https://officiallondontheatre.com/news/introducing-jonathan-bailey-140905/ |archive-date=12 January 2021 |access-date=10 January 2021 |website=Official London Theatre}}{{Cite web |title=A Christmas Carol |url=http://collections.shakespeare.org.uk/search/rsc-performances/chq199512 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423140051/http://collections.shakespeare.org.uk/search/rsc-performances/chq199512 |archive-date=23 April 2021 |access-date=10 January 2021 |website=RSC Performances}} He sang "Where Is Love?" from Oliver! for his audition.{{Citation |title=Bridgerton {{!}} First Times with Phoebe Dynevor and Jonathan Bailey | date=10 January 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMq8EXbL6qo |language=en |access-date=12 June 2022}} The following year, he made his television debut in the Victorian period drama Bramwell.{{Cite web |last=Valentini |first=Valentina |date=25 March 2022 |title=Jonathan Bailey Has Always Had Anthony Bridgerton's Back |url=https://www.shondaland.com/inspire/shondaland-bridgerton-behind-the-scenes/a39451139/jonathan-bailey-anthony-bridgerton/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409202929/https://www.shondaland.com/inspire/shondaland-bridgerton-behind-the-scenes/a39451139/jonathan-bailey-anthony-bridgerton/ |archive-date=9 April 2022 |access-date=10 May 2022 |website=Shondaland}} Bailey also played Little Baptiste in the RSC's 1996 production of Les Enfants du Paradis. By eight years old, he was performing as Gavroche in a West End production of Les Misérables. He has also done pantomime in a production of Peter Pan at The Hexagon playing Michael Darling.{{Cite AV media |url=https://apnews.com/video/jonathan-bailey-nicholas-hoult-lily-rose-depp-london-christmas-436d9f70cce64cf5b27bef5462de157f |title='Peter Pan' panto unites Bailey and Hoult |language=en |access-date=18 December 2024 |via=apnews.com}}
In 2001, Bailey played Prince Arthur for the RSC's King John.{{Cite web |title=King John (2001, Royal Shakespeare Company) |url=https://internetshakespeare.uvic.ca/Theater/production/stage/2403/index.html |access-date=15 May 2022 |website=internetshakespeare.uvic.ca}} He made his feature film debut in 2004 in Five Children and It, a film adaptation of E. Nesbit's fantasy novel of the same name.{{Cite web |title=Five Children and It (2004) |url=https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b899a6372 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210804160041/https://www2.bfi.org.uk/films-tv-people/4ce2b899a6372 |archive-date=4 August 2021 |access-date=8 May 2022 |publisher=British Film Institute}} In 2006, on the last day of his A levels, he started rehearsing for a revival of the play Beautiful Thing in London, taking over the lead role from Andrew Garfield. The Telegraph wrote that Bailey "memorably lit up" the production.{{Cite web |title=On the road |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/drama/3666592/On-the-road.html |access-date=15 May 2022 |website=The Daily Telegraph|date=16 July 2007 }} That role was followed by guest roles in long-running British television staples like Doctors and The Bill.{{Cite web |date=20 March 2022 |title=11 Jonathan Bailey Roles You'd Forgotten He Played Before Bridgerton |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/jonathan-bailey-where-seen-before-roles-bridgerton_uk_6233248ae4b019fd8129a09f |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418035959/https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/jonathan-bailey-where-seen-before-roles-bridgerton_uk_6233248ae4b019fd8129a09f |archive-date=18 April 2022 |access-date=10 May 2022 |website=HuffPost}} His first leading role on television was in the 2009 BBC sitcom Off the Hook about a group of first-year university students.{{Cite web |title=Off The Hook – BBC3 Sitcom |url=https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/off_the_hook/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507213114/https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/off_the_hook/ |archive-date=7 May 2021 |access-date=8 May 2022 |website=British Comedy Guide}}
= Television breakthrough and success on stage (2011–2019) =
In 2011, Bailey played the titular Leonardo da Vinci in the 2011 CBBC action-adventure series Leonardo, which follows a young Leonardo and his friends in 15th century Florence. The show ran for two series, spawned an online game,{{Cite web |title=BBC commissions Kindle and Plug-in Media for online games |url=https://kidscreen.com/2012/09/14/bbc-commissions-kindle-and-plug-in-media-for-online-games/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506152947/https://kidscreen.com/2012/09/14/bbc-commissions-kindle-and-plug-in-media-for-online-games/ |archive-date=6 May 2021 |access-date=8 May 2022}} and received four KidScreen Awards.{{Cite web |title=And the 2012 Kidscreen Awards go to... |url=https://kidscreen.com/2012/02/09/and-the-2012-kidscreen-awards-go-to/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161024134831/http://kidscreen.com/2012/02/09/and-the-2012-kidscreen-awards-go-to/ |archive-date=24 October 2016 |access-date=8 May 2022}}{{Cite web |title=2013 Kidscreen Awards nominees announced |url=https://kidscreen.com/2012/11/19/2013-kidscreen-awards-nominees-announced/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302191144/https://kidscreen.com/2012/11/19/2013-kidscreen-awards-nominees-announced/ |archive-date=2 March 2022 |access-date=8 May 2022}} The same year, he starred in the comedy Campus, a semi-improvised sitcom in which he played Flatpack, a student athlete with Olympic potential.{{Cite web |title=Campus Characters |url=https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/campus/characters/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129203154/https://www.comedy.co.uk/tv/campus/characters/ |archive-date=29 November 2020 |access-date=8 May 2022 |website=British Comedy Guide}}
Bailey was nominated for Outstanding Newcomer at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards for his performance in David Hare's play South Downs at Minerva Theatre in 2011, and its later transfer to Harold Pinter Theatre the following year.{{Cite web |date=29 October 2012 |title=London Evening Standard Theatre Awards 2012 — Longlist revealed |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/arts/theatre/london-evening-standard-theatre-awards-2012--longlist-revealed-8230674.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121203121427/http://www.standard.co.uk/arts/theatre/london-evening-standard-theatre-awards-2012--longlist-revealed-8230674.html |archive-date=3 December 2012 |access-date=5 March 2013 |website=Evening Standard}}{{Cite web |title=South Downs / The Browning Version {{!}} Theatre review roundup {{!}} The Omnivore |url=http://www.theomnivore.co.uk/Theatre/8247-South_Downs_The_Browning_Version/Default.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303232555/http://www.theomnivore.co.uk/Theatre/8247-South_Downs_The_Browning_Version/Default.aspx |archive-date=3 March 2016 |access-date=3 May 2022 |website=www.theomnivore.co.uk}} The Telegraph described him as a future star and one of "the brightest up-and-coming actors currently starring on the West End stage."{{Cite web |title=A constellation of future stars |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/9203563/A-constellation-of-future-stars.html |access-date=13 May 2022 |website=The Daily Telegraph|date=16 April 2012 }} He also led the Disney Channel musical-comedy Groove High playing the popstar Tom that ran from 2012 to 2013 for 26 episodes and was a mixture of live action and animation where Bailey sang and also did the voiceover of his character's animated form.{{Cite web |title=Groove High (TV Series) |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/programme/b-zcgww8/groove-high/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409013734/https://www.radiotimes.com/programme/b-zcgww8/groove-high/ |archive-date=9 April 2022 |access-date=8 May 2022 |website=Radio Times}}
In 2013, Bailey rose to popularity for playing the local journalist Olly Stevens in the first two series of the hit crime-drama Broadchurch on ITV.{{Cite news |last=Durrant |first=Nancy |date=31 October 2018 |title=From Broadchurch to the West End: the star of Sondheim's smash hit Company |newspaper=The Times |url=https://www.thetimes.com/article/from-broadchurch-to-the-west-end-the-star-of-sondheims-smash-hit-company-mjppfprkr |url-status=live |access-date=8 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210205025839/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/from-broadchurch-to-the-west-end-the-star-of-sondheims-smash-hit-company-mjppfprkr |archive-date=5 February 2021 |issn=0140-0460}}{{Cite web |title=Broadchurch actor pestered for plot |url=https://www.independent.ie/style/celebrity/celebrity-news/broadchurch-actor-pestered-for-plot-30885892.html |access-date=13 May 2022 |website=independent |date=6 January 2015 |language=en}} On stage, he was cast by then Royal National Theatre's artistic director Nicholas Hytner as Cassio in his production of William Shakespeare's Othello at the Olivier Theatre in 2013.{{Cite web |title=Jonathan Bailey at the Royal National Theatre |url=https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/people/1146 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813135007/https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/people/1146 |archive-date=13 August 2019 |access-date=10 May 2022 |publisher=Royal National Theatre}} Bailey considers this his "big break" with Hytner also becoming his mentor.{{Cite web |last=Chamberlain |first=Vassi |date=11 December 2024 |title=Truly, Madly, Jonny: Wicked's Jonathan Bailey Talks Fame, Wanting Kids And Returning To The Stage |url=https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/jonathan-bailey-january-2025-interview |access-date=12 December 2024 |website=British Vogue |language=en-GB}} The production was shown to cinemas via National Theatre Live. His "likable, open-faced",{{Cite web |last=Marlowe |first=Sam |date=24 April 2013 |title=Othello, National Theatre {{!}} reviews, news & interviews {{!}} The Arts Desk |url=https://theartsdesk.com/node/68089/view |access-date=14 May 2022 |website=theartsdesk.com |quote="Jonathan Bailey's young, likable, open-faced Cassio"}} and "smoothly ambitious"{{Cite web |last=Cooter |first=Maxwell |title=Othello Review |url=https://www.whatsonstage.com/west-end-theatre/reviews/othello_438.html |access-date=14 May 2022 |website=whatsonstage.com |date=23 April 2013 |language=en-GB |quote="Jonathan Bailey's smoothly ambitious Cassio"}} Cassio was "splendid",{{Cite news |last=Marks |first=Peter |date=28 June 2013 |title=In London theater, a National point of pride |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/across-the-pond-a-national-treasure/2013/06/27/3d4ee656-ddd4-11e2-bc84-8049224b33e1_story.html |url-status=live |access-date=10 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510161250/https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/across-the-pond-a-national-treasure/2013/06/27/3d4ee656-ddd4-11e2-bc84-8049224b33e1_story.html |archive-date=10 May 2022 |issn=0190-8286 |quote="the splendid Jonathan Bailey"}} per The Washington Post. Hytner also directed Bailey in one of the vignettes for National Theatre Live: 50 Years On Stage where he played Valentine Coverly from Tom Stoppard's Arcadia.{{cite web |title=National Theatre Live: National Theatre 50 Years on Stage (TV) |url=https://www.paleycenter.org/collection/item/?q=the&p=621&item=113533 |website=Paley Center |accessdate=9 June 2021}}
Bailey originated the role of Tim Price in Duncan Sheik's musical American Psycho directed by Rupert Goold at the Almeida Theatre.{{Cite web |last=Trueman |first=Matt |date=7 October 2013 |title=Doctor Who's Matt Smith set to regenerate ... as American Psycho |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2013/oct/07/doctor-who-matt-smith-american-psycho-musical |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007145449/http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2013/oct/07/doctor-who-matt-smith-american-psycho-musical |archive-date=7 October 2013 |access-date=7 October 2013 |website=The Guardian}}{{Cite web |title=American Psycho – Online Media Kit |url=https://mediakits.concord.com/p/american-psycho/press-release.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510161245/https://mediakits.concord.com/p/american-psycho/press-release.html |archive-date=10 May 2022 |access-date=3 May 2022 |website=mediakits.concord.com}} He then guest starred in the Doctor Who episode "Time Heist" in 2014.{{Cite web |date=24 February 2014 |title=Series 8: Meet Danny Pink – Doctor Who TV |url=http://www.doctorwhotv.co.uk/series-8-meet-danny-pink-61255.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140302115736/http://www.doctorwhotv.co.uk/series-8-meet-danny-pink-61255.htm |archive-date=2 March 2014 |access-date=26 February 2014 |website=doctorwhotv.co.uk}} The episode was described by The Independent as "a fast-paced caper" with Bailey stealing the show with his compelling performance as augmented human Psi.{{Cite web |date=22 September 2014 |title=Doctor Who, Time Heist, review: Keeley Hawes is marvellous but the Doctor proves the real villain|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/reviews/doctor-who-time-heist-review-keeley-hawes-is-marvellous-but-the-doctor-is-the-real-villain-9739528.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715005904/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/reviews/doctor-who-time-heist-review-keeley-hawes-is-marvellous-but-the-doctor-is-the-real-villain-9739528.html |archive-date=15 July 2020 |access-date=8 May 2022 |website=The Independent}} He also had a supporting role in the period film Testament of Youth (2014).{{Cite news |last=O'Sullivan |first=Michael |date=11 June 2015 |title='Testament of Youth' captures Vera Brittain's innocence and steely will |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/testament-of-youth-captures-vera-brittains-innocence-and-steely-will/2015/06/10/7cf6172c-0bcf-11e5-9e39-0db921c47b93_story.html |url-status=live |access-date=8 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200928102059/https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/testament-of-youth-captures-vera-brittains-innocence-and-steely-will/2015/06/10/7cf6172c-0bcf-11e5-9e39-0db921c47b93_story.html |archive-date=28 September 2020 |issn=0190-8286}} Bailey returned to comedy in BBC's satirical show W1A as Jack, a role he would play for three series.{{Cite web |date=14 September 2018 |title=Former 'Broadchurch' star Jonathan Bailey 'drew on own experiences' for new gay stage role |url=http://attitude.co.uk/article/former-broadchurch-star-jonathan-bailey-drew-on-own-experiences-for-new-gay-stage-role/19081/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220405035105/https://attitude.co.uk/article/former-broadchurch-star-jonathan-bailey-drew-on-own-experiences-for-new-gay-stage-role/19081/ |archive-date=5 April 2022 |access-date=17 April 2022 |website=Attitude.co.uk}}
In 2016, Bailey starred as Sam, a sex-obsessed estate agent in Phoebe Waller-Bridge's first television project Crashing that W magazine described as a "twisted version of Friends".{{Cite web |title=W TV Club: 'Crashing' is Phoebe Waller-Bridge's Twisted Take on 'Friends' |url=https://www.wmagazine.com/culture/crashing-netflix-phoebe-waller-bridge |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121081902/https://www.wmagazine.com/culture/crashing-netflix-phoebe-waller-bridge |archive-date=21 January 2022 |access-date=8 May 2022 |website=W Magazine|date=30 January 2021 }} The same year, he headlined the London production of the musical The Last Five Years as Jamie with music, lyrics, and direction by Jason Robert Brown at St. James Theatre. The Stage{{'}}s Mark Shenton called the production "poignant" turning "each song into a masterclass of storytelling" with Bailey "a real vocal surprise with his haunting renditions of 'If I Didn't Believe in You' and 'Nobody Needs to Know'."{{Cite web |last=Shenton |first=Mark |date=2 November 2016 |title=The Last Five Years review, St James Theatre, London, 2016 |url=https://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/jason-robert-browns-the-last-five-years-review-at-st-james-theatre--poignant |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510161241/https://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/jason-robert-browns-the-last-five-years-review-at-st-james-theatre--poignant |archive-date=10 May 2022 |access-date=4 May 2022 |website=The Stage}} Edward Seckerson of The Arts Desk wrote, in his five-star review, that Bailey was "sensationally good" and delivered tour-de-force musical performances of "Moving Too Fast" and "The Schmuel Song".{{Cite web |date=4 November 2016 |title=The Last Five Years, St James Theatre |url=https://theartsdesk.com/theatre/last-five-years-st-james-theatre |access-date=1 June 2022 |website=theartsdesk.com |language=en}}
Bailey appeared alongside Ian McKellen in the acclaimed production of King Lear at Chichester Festival Theatre in 2017.{{Cite web |last=Shenton |first=Mark |date=30 September 2017 |title=King Lear starring Ian McKellen review at the Minerva Theatre, Chichester – 'intensely moving' |url=https://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/2017/king-lear-starring-ian-mckellen-review-the-minerva-theatre-chichester/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011072239/https://www.thestage.co.uk/reviews/2017/king-lear-starring-ian-mckellen-review-the-minerva-theatre-chichester/ |archive-date=11 October 2017 |access-date=10 October 2017 |website=The Stage}} He received rave reviews for his performance as Edgar which the Evening Standard described as "a touching study of transformation".{{Cite web |last=Hitchings |first=Henry |date=12 February 2018 |title=King Lear review: Ian McKellen's intelligent performance is a triumph |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/theatre/king-lear-theatre-review-ian-mckellens-detailed-intelligent-performance-is-a-triumph-a3683161.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504064811/https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/theatre/king-lear-theatre-review-ian-mckellens-detailed-intelligent-performance-is-a-triumph-a3683161.html |archive-date=4 May 2022 |access-date=4 May 2022 |website=Evening Standard}} Bailey also made a guest appearance in series two episode two of Michaela Coel's sitcom Chewing Gum in 2017 where he played Ash, a romantic interest to Coel's character Tracey.{{Cite web |last=Cadenas |first=Kerensa |date=29 December 2020 |title=Jonathan Bailey's Sideburns Are Real, Thank You |url=https://www.thecut.com/2020/12/jonathan-bailey-bridgerton-interview.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416004953/https://www.thecut.com/2020/12/jonathan-bailey-bridgerton-interview.html |archive-date=16 April 2021 |access-date=8 May 2022 |website=The Cut}}
From February to April 2018, Bailey starred in Donmar Warehouse-Sheffield Theatres co-production of Peter Gill's The York Realist. The Evening Standard,{{Cite web |last=Mountford |first=Fiona |date=16 February 2018 |title=The York Realist at Donmar Warehouse brings a world of emotion |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/theatre/the-york-realist-review-exquisite-naturalism-brings-a-world-of-emotion-a3766136.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510161311/https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/theatre/the-york-realist-review-exquisite-naturalism-brings-a-world-of-emotion-a3766136.html |archive-date=10 May 2022 |access-date=8 May 2022 |website=Evening Standard}} The Arts Desk,{{Cite web |date=14 February 2018 |title=The York Realist, Donmar Warehouse review – a miniaturist masterpiece |url=https://theartsdesk.com/theatre/york-realist-donmar-warehouse-review-miniaturist-masterpiece |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514004857/https://www.theartsdesk.com/theatre/york-realist-donmar-warehouse-review-miniaturist-masterpiece |archive-date=14 May 2021 |access-date=8 May 2022 |website=theartsdesk.com}} and Sunday Express{{Cite web |last=Arditti |first=Michael |date=18 February 2018 |title=The York Realist review: A portrait of a couple incompatible in everything but emotions |url=https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/theatre/920628/The-York-Realist-Peter-Gill-review-Dennis-Kelly-Boys-Girls-Carey-Mulligan |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820100313/https://www.express.co.uk/entertainment/theatre/920628/The-York-Realist-Peter-Gill-review-Dennis-Kelly-Boys-Girls-Carey-Mulligan |archive-date=20 August 2018 |access-date=8 May 2022 |website=Daily Express}} gave the production five stars, with The Independent calling it "a pitch-perfect, impeccably acted production" in its own five-star review.{{Cite web |date=19 February 2018 |title=The York Realist, review: A pitch-perfect, impeccably acted production |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/reviews/the-york-realist-donmar-warehouse-review-peter-gill-a8210156.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511082730/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/reviews/the-york-realist-donmar-warehouse-review-peter-gill-a8210156.html |archive-date=11 May 2021 |access-date=8 May 2022 |website=The Independent}} Bailey joined the 2018 West End production of Stephen Sondheim's Company directed by Marianne Elliott.{{Cite web |last=Wiegand |first=Chris |date=16 March 2021 |title=Patti LuPone meets Jonathan Bailey: 'You're the biggest star in the world!' |url=http://www.theguardian.com/stage/2021/mar/16/patti-lupone-meets-jonathan-bailey-youre-the-biggest-star-in-the-world |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503083344/https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2021/mar/16/patti-lupone-meets-jonathan-bailey-youre-the-biggest-star-in-the-world |archive-date=3 May 2022 |access-date=3 May 2022 |website=The Guardian}} He originated the gender-swapped role of Jamie which was initially written as a female character named Amy.{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Robin |date=12 July 2018 |title=Jonathan Bailey & Alex Gaumond join Company revival |url=https://officiallondontheatre.com/news/jonathan-bailey-alex-gaumond-join-company-revival-111411974/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190407213837/https://officiallondontheatre.com/news/jonathan-bailey-alex-gaumond-join-company-revival-111411974/ |archive-date=7 April 2019 |access-date=7 April 2019 |website=Official London Theatre}} Per The Times, Bailey "received an ovation every night after completing the infamous 'Getting Married Today' a rat-tat-tat, mile-a-minute technical feat, lyrically, about marriage jitters." His "lightning-fast, show-stopping rendition of the song became a must-see West End event" according to Variety, and won him the 2019 Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical.{{Cite web |last=Chu |first=Henry |date=7 April 2019 |title='Come From Away,' 'Company,' 'The Inheritance' Score at Olivier Awards |url=https://variety.com/2019/legit/news/come-from-away-the-inheritance-company-olivier-awards-1203182727/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220502162605/https://variety.com/2019/legit/news/come-from-away-the-inheritance-company-olivier-awards-1203182727/ |archive-date=2 May 2022 |access-date=2 May 2022 |website=Variety}}
= Worldwide recognition and work on film (2020–present) =
Since 2020, Bailey has starred in the Shondaland-produced Netflix series Bridgerton, an adaptation of Julia Quinn's Regency romance novels, as Anthony, 9th Viscount Bridgerton.{{Cite magazine |last=Jones |first=Marcus |title=Meet the cast joining Julie Andrews on 'Bridgerton,' a new show from Shondaland and Netflix |url=https://ew.com/tv/2019/07/10/shondaland-netflix-bridgerton-cast/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412222937/https://ew.com/tv/2019/07/10/shondaland-netflix-bridgerton-cast/ |archive-date=12 April 2022 |access-date=8 May 2022 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}} His portrayal was critically acclaimed, and gained him wide recognition.{{Cite web |last=Kelsie |first=Gibson |date=25 March 2022 |title=Everything to Know About Bridgerton Star Jonathan Bailey |url=https://people.com/tv/jonathan-bailey-facts/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416155232/https://people.com/tv/jonathan-bailey-facts/ |archive-date=16 April 2022 |access-date=24 April 2022 |website=People |quote="Jonathan Bailey has gained critical acclaim for his role as Anthony on Netflix's Bridgerton."}}{{Cite web |last=Sim |first=Bernardo |date=15 April 2022 |title=How Jonathan Bailey's Coming Out Is Influencing Other LGBTQ+ Actors |url=https://www.out.com/celebs/2022/4/15/how-jonathan-baileys-coming-out-influencing-other-lgbtq-actors |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415180745/https://www.out.com/celebs/2022/4/15/how-jonathan-baileys-coming-out-influencing-other-lgbtq-actors |archive-date=15 April 2022 |access-date=18 April 2022 |website=Out.com}}{{Cite web |last=Low |first=Alex |date=13 March 2022 |title=Q&A: Jonathan Bailey talks Bridgerton and what to expect from season 2 |url=https://sg.style.yahoo.com/q-jonathan-bailey-talks-bridgerton-023154992.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510161237/https://sg.style.yahoo.com/q-jonathan-bailey-talks-bridgerton-023154992.html |archive-date=10 May 2022 |access-date=8 May 2022 |publisher=Yahoo! |quote="...it was Bailey's performance as Anthony Bridgerton that garnered acclaim from both critics and audiences."}} The second series, which centered around his character, became the most watched English-language television series on Netflix at the time.{{cite web |last=Maas |first=Jennifer |date=19 April 2022 |title=Bridgerton Season 2 Overtakes Season 1 in Netflix's All-Time TV Rankings |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/bridgerton-season-2-beats-season-1-netflix-viewership-ratings-1235235479/ |access-date=19 April 2022 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}{{cite web |title=Season 2 has officially cemented its place as the #1 English TV series on Netflix. One month after its premiere on Netflix, the secrets of Lady Whistledown have amassed a whopping 656.16M hours viewed. |url=https://about.netflix.com/,%20https://about.netflix.com/en/news/top-10-week-of-april-18-anatomy-of-a-scandal-is-the-weeks-most-viewed-title |access-date=26 April 2022 |website=About Netflix |language=en }}{{Dead link|date=March 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite web |last1=Porter |first1=Rick |date=29 March 2022 |title=Bridgerton Season 2 Sets Netflix Opening Weekend Viewing Record (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/bridgerton-season-2-netflix-record-viewing-1235121606/ |access-date=30 April 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}} The Daily Beast elaborating on Bailey's "exquisite lead performance", wrote that "he has an exceptional ability to carry his angst, pain, and guilt with him without bogging down things into a somber drag."{{Cite news |last=Fallon |first=Kevin |date=25 March 2022 |title=Even With Fewer Butts, 'Bridgerton' Is Still Worth Watching |work=The Daily Beast |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/even-with-fewer-butts-jonathan-bailey-makes-bridgerton-season-2-worth-watching |url-status=live |access-date=8 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430052255/https://www.thedailybeast.com/even-with-fewer-butts-jonathan-bailey-makes-bridgerton-season-2-worth-watching |archive-date=30 April 2022}}
Bailey headlined the acclaimed{{Cite web |title=Jonathan Bailey discusses his latest stage outing in Cock |url=https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/interview-bridgerton-jonathan-bailey-cock_56173.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416164540/https://www.whatsonstage.com/london-theatre/news/interview-bridgerton-jonathan-bailey-cock_56173.html |archive-date=16 April 2022 |access-date=10 May 2022 |website=whatsonstage.com |date=25 March 2022 |quote="The acclaimed production runs until 4 June"}} 2022 West End revival of Mike Bartlett's play Cock at the Ambassadors Theatre, reuniting him with his Company director Elliot.{{Cite web |last=Lukowski |first=Andrzej |date=26 September 2021 |title=Taron Egerton and Jonathan Bailey star in a richly-deserved revival for Mike Bartlett's early hit |url=https://www.timeout.com/london/theatre/cock |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026194842/https://www.timeout.com/london/theatre/cock |archive-date=26 October 2021 |access-date=26 October 2021 |website=Time Out}}{{Cite web |last=Wiltbank |first=Michael |date=6 April 2022 |title=See Jonathan Bailey and Joel Harper-Jackson in New Photos for London's Cock |url=https://playbill.com/article/see-jonathan-bailey-and-joel-harper-jackson-in-new-photos-for-londons-cock |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408151858/https://playbill.com/article/see-jonathan-bailey-and-joel-harper-jackson-in-new-photos-for-londons-cock |archive-date=8 April 2022 |access-date=8 April 2022 |website=Playbill}} The Observer called it an "immaculate production",{{Cite web |date=20 March 2022 |title=The week in theatre: Dogs of Europe; Cock – reviews |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2022/mar/20/the-week-in-theatre-dogs-of-europe-cock-reviews |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424104026/https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2022/mar/20/the-week-in-theatre-dogs-of-europe-cock-reviews |archive-date=24 April 2022 |access-date=10 May 2022 |website=The Guardian}} with The Arts Desk writing that it was "brutal, bruising, and brilliant".{{Cite web |date=15 March 2022 |title=Cock, Ambassadors Theatre review – brutal, bruising and brilliant |url=https://theartsdesk.com/theatre/cock-ambassadors-theatre-review-%E2%80%93-brutal-bruising-and-brilliant |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220501052241/https://www.theartsdesk.com/theatre/cock-ambassadors-theatre-review-%E2%80%93-brutal-bruising-and-brilliant |archive-date=1 May 2022 |access-date=10 May 2022 |website=The Arts Desk}} In the lead role, Bailey's "terrific performance"{{Cite web |last=Lukowski |first=Andrzej |title=Taron Egerton makes a good West End acting debut in 'Cock' |url=https://www.timeout.com/london/theatre/cock-review |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412224318/https://www.timeout.com/london/theatre/cock-review |archive-date=12 April 2022 |access-date=10 May 2022 |website=Time Out London |date=16 March 2022 |quote="It's Bailey's terrific performance that pulls it over the line"}} was "utterly captivating",{{Cite web |date=16 March 2022 |title=Jonathan Bailey captivates as Taron Egerton's conflicted lover in Cock – review |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/reviews/cock-review-taron-egerton-jonathan-bailey-b2036996.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422161525/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/theatre-dance/reviews/cock-review-taron-egerton-jonathan-bailey-b2036996.html |archive-date=22 April 2022 |access-date=9 May 2022 |website=The Independent |quote="On stage, the star is utterly captivating, pinging back one-liners and prowling on the floor like a house cat with a seductive ease..."}} with Variety noting that his "whiplash comic timing lifts his character from self-obsessed to scintillating, a quality he uses both artfully and artlessly."{{Cite web |last=Benedict |first=David |date=16 March 2022 |title='Cock' Review: A Blistering West End Production |url=https://variety.com/2022/legit/reviews/cock-review-taron-edgerton-jonathan-bailey-west-end-1235207033/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505212232/https://variety.com/2022/legit/reviews/cock-review-taron-edgerton-jonathan-bailey-west-end-1235207033/ |archive-date=5 May 2022 |access-date=9 May 2022 |website=Variety}}
In 2023, Bailey starred opposite Matt Bomer in the Showtime adaptation of Fellow Travelers.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2022/07/fellow-travelers-bridgerton-jonathan-bailey-cast-showtime-1235061174/|title='Fellow Travelers': 'Bridgerton' Star Jonathan Bailey To Star Opposite Matt Bomer In Showtime Limited Series|website=Deadline Hollywood|first=Rosy|last=Cordero|date=11 July 2022|access-date=29 October 2023}} His performance was described by The Washington Post as "sensational"{{Cite news |last=Loufbourow |first=Lili |date=26 October 2023 |title='Fellow Travelers' delivers a steamy saga about bittersweet love |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/2023/10/26/fellow-travelers-miniseries-review/ |access-date=8 January 2025 |newspaper=The Washington Post}} and won him a Critics' Choice Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Miniseries and earned him a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie.{{Cite news |title=Television nominations announced for the 29th annual Critics' Choice Awards| date= 5 December 2023 | publisher=Critics Choice Association |url=https://www.criticschoice.com/2023/12/05/tv-nominees-for-the-29th-annual-critics-choice-awards/ |access-date=5 December 2023}}{{cite news |last=Gonzalez |first=Shivani |title=Emmy Nominees 2024: The Complete List |date=17 July 2024 |work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/17/arts/television/emmy-nominees-list-2024.html |access-date=17 July 2024}} The following year, he had a guest appearance in the third series of the teen drama Heartstopper. {{Cite web |title=Jonathan Bailey joined 'Heartstopper' Season 3 after asking producer to cast him| date= 9 May 2024 | publisher= NBC News |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-pop-culture/jonathan-bailey-joined-heartstopper-season-3-asking-producer-cast-rcna151474 |access-date=13 September 2024}}
Bailey played Fiyero in the musical fantasy film Wicked (2024) based on the musical of the same name, and will reprise his role in its second part in 2025.{{Cite web |last=Malkin |first=Marc |date=21 September 2022 |title=Jonathan Bailey Joins 'Wicked' Movies as Fiyero (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2022/film/news/jonathan-bailey-wicked-movies-fiyero-1235343153/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215205245/https://variety.com/2022/film/news/jonathan-bailey-wicked-movies-fiyero-1235343153/ |archive-date=15 February 2023 |access-date=21 September 2022 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} He was deemed a standout by critics with The Guardian writing that he "uncorks an outrageous scene-stealer as the hetero-camp Fiyero",{{Cite news |last=Bradshaw |first=Peter |date=19 November 2024 |title=Wicked review – Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande are a blast in sugar-rush Wizard of Oz fantasy |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2024/nov/19/wicked-review-cynthia-erivo-ariana-grande-wizard-of-oz-stephen-schwartz |access-date=22 November 2024 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite web |title=Wicked First Reviews: "Everything a Movie Musical Should Be" |url=https://editorial.rottentomatoes.com/article/wicked-first-reviews-everything-a-movie-musical-should-be/ |access-date=23 November 2024 |language=en-US}} and ABC News noting that his performance was a "display of song, dance and acting virtuosity".{{Cite web |last=Travers |first=Peter |date=22 November 2024 |title=Review: 'Wicked' sets a new gold-standard in movie musicals |url=https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/review-wicked-best-movies-year/story?id=116093662 |access-date=23 November 2024 |website=ABC News |language=en}} He contributed to the film's soundtrack with the song "Dancing Through Life", which debuted at number 90 on Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 86.{{Cite magazine |last=Zellner |first=Xander |date=4 December 2024 |title=Hot 100 First-Timers: 'Wicked' Cast Score Their First Chart Entries |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/cynthia-erivo-jeff-goldblum-wicked-cast-hot-100-debut-1235844020/ |access-date=4 December 2024 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}{{Cite magazine |date=26 December 2024 |title=Billboard Hot 100™ - Week of December 14, 2024 |url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/hot-100/2024-12-14/ |access-date=26 December 2024 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} His performance earned him a nomination for a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role, alongside another nomination for the film's cast for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture.{{Cite magazine |last=Busis |first=Hillary |date=8 January 2025 |title=2025 SAG Awards Nominations: See the Full List Here |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/story/2025-sag-awards-nominations-full-list |access-date=8 January 2025 |magazine=Vanity Fair |language=en-US}}
He plays the titular role of Richard II at the Bridge Theatre in Nicholas Hytner's production of Shakespeare's play of the same name until May 2025.{{Cite news |last=Wiegand |first=Chris |date=21 June 2024 |title=Bridgerton's Jonathan Bailey to play Richard II on London stage |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/article/2024/jun/21/jonathan-bailey-richard-ii-nicholas-hytner-bridge-theatre-bridgerton |access-date=21 June 2024 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} Bailey will also star in Jurassic World Rebirth (2025) directed by Gareth Edwards.{{Cite web |title='Jurassic World': Jonathan Bailey Circling Lead Role In New Movie From Universal And Amblin| date= 15 April 2024 | website= Deadline Hollywood |url=https://deadline.com/2024/04/jurassic-world-wicked-jonathan-bailey-1235886615/ |access-date=10 May 2024}}
Public image
Bailey has been described by the media as a sex symbol whose fans, according to the Los Angeles Times, span "all genders and orientations".{{Cite web |last=Vaillancourt |first=Daniel |date=18 August 2021 |title=Queer actors are finally playing queer roles. Next up? More chances to play it straight |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/awards/story/2021-08-18/queer-actors-in-television-roles |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418115451/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/awards/story/2021-08-18/queer-actors-in-television-roles |archive-date=18 April 2022 |access-date=18 April 2022 |website=Los Angeles Times}}{{Cite news |last=Butter |first=Susannah |date=13 March 2022 |title=Bridgerton's Jonathan Bailey: 'Sex scenes? They're less exposing for men' |work=The Times |url=https://www.thetimes.com/life-style/sex-relationships/article/bridgertons-jonathan-bailey-sex-scenes-theyre-less-exposing-for-men-s6m7db68j |url-status=live |access-date=18 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417162939/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/bridgertons-jonathan-bailey-sex-scenes-theyre-less-exposing-for-men-s6m7db68j |archive-date=17 April 2022 |issn=0140-0460}} TIME magazine included Bailey in its annual class of Next Generation Leaders in 2022, writing that he is "redefining the 'Hollywood Heartthrob'".{{Cite magazine |title=TIME's Next Generation Leaders Class 2022 |url=https://time.com/collection/next-generation-leaders/#2022-2 |access-date=12 May 2022 |magazine=Time |language=en}}{{Cite magazine |title=Jonathan Bailey {{!}} Next Generation Leaders |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oitewpYmQdY&ab_channel=TIME |magazine=Time}}
File:Jonathan Bailey at the Ambassadors Theatre Stage Door, May 2022.jpg
Critic Peter Travers described Bailey as "a dynamite actor equally adept at drama and musicals."{{Cite web |last=America |first=Good Morning |title=Review: 'Bridgerton Season 2' brims over with smoldering romance and unexpected edge |url=https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/culture/story/review-bridgerton-season-brims-smoldering-romance-unexpected-edge-83636737 |access-date=25 May 2022 |website=Good Morning America |language=en}} Describing Bailey's off-screen persona, The Cut's Kerensa Cadenas noted that talking to him is "a lesson in charm – he's personable, super-handsome, and utterly hilarious." Douglas Greenwood of GQ wrote that "dispositionally, he's one of those actors who'd rather work than be famous".{{Cite web |last=Greenwood |first=Douglas |date=9 March 2022 |title=Bridgerton's Jonathan Bailey Is Giving Us the Vapors |url=https://www.gq.com/story/gq-hype-jonathan-bailey |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220414223044/https://www.gq.com/story/gq-hype-jonathan-bailey |archive-date=14 April 2022 |access-date=15 April 2022 |website=GQ}}
Phoebe Waller-Bridge described her former co-star as "completely brilliant... unbelievably charismatic in real life and so energetic",{{Cite web |title=EXCLUSIVE: Crashing's Phoebe Waller-Bridge On Friends Inspiration, 'Shirt-Shedding' And Her Broadchurch Future |url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/exclusive-crashings-phoebe-waller-bridge-on-174914376.html |access-date=25 May 2022 |publisher=Yahoo! News |date=11 January 2016 |language=en-GB}} "Jonny operates at a different voltage. He's a meteorite of fun with an incredible amount of energy and playfulness." Director Marianne Elliott expressed that Bailey is "the nicest person you could ever hope to meet. But when he acts, he can have an edge, which can feel dangerous in a great way. An unpredictability." Elliott recalled that Stephen Sondheim was enamored with Bailey. Three days before the composer died in 2021, Elliott told him that Bailey would be starring in the play Cock. Sondheim "literally stopped in his tracks, closed his eyes, put his hand on his chest and said, 'Be still my beating heart,'" Elliott recounted.
Bailey is considered one of the leading LGBTQ+ figures in the entertainment industry and has been included in several influential lists including Attitude's Trailblazers in 2020,{{Cite web |date=30 December 2020 |title=Attitude 101: Meet the LGBTQ trailblazers changing the world today |url=http://attitude.co.uk/article/attitude-101-meet-the-lgbtq-trailblazers-changing-the-world-today/24251/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220418145432/https://attitude.co.uk/article/attitude-101-meet-the-lgbtq-trailblazers-changing-the-world-today/24251/ |archive-date=18 April 2022 |access-date=18 April 2022 |website=Attitude.co.uk}}{{Cite web |date=30 December 2020 |title=Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey talks sexuality and acting with Sir Ian McKellen |url=http://attitude.co.uk/article/bridgerton-star-jonathan-bailey-talks-sexuality-and-acting-with-sir-ian-mckellen/24261/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107151019/https://www.attitude.co.uk/article/bridgerton-star-jonathan-bailey-talks-sexuality-and-acting-with-sir-ian-mckellen/24261/ |archive-date=7 January 2021 |access-date=13 January 2021 |website=Attitude.co.uk}} Variety's Power of Pride list in 2022,{{Cite web |last1=Willman |first1=Jem Aswad,Kate Aurthur,Daniel D'Addario,Caroline Framke,Thania Garcia,Shirley Halperin,Marc Malkin,Rebecca Rubin,Ellise Shafer,Jazz Tangcay,Adam B. Vary,Elizabeth Wagmeister,Chris |last2=Aswad |first2=Jem |last3=Aurthur |first3=Kate |last4=D'Addario |first4=Daniel |last5=Framke |first5=Caroline |last6=Garcia |first6=Thania |last7=Halperin |first7=Shirley |last8=Malkin |first8=Marc |last9=Rubin |first9=Rebecca |date=1 June 2022 |title=Variety's Power of Pride: 55 Queer Artists and Decision-Makers to Know in 2022 |url=https://variety.com/lists/gay-hollywood-actors-2022/ |access-date=1 June 2022 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} Out
Personal life
Bailey resides in Hove, East Sussex.{{cite magazine |title=Jonathan Bailey, chapter II |at=cover |year=2020 |magazine=Man About Town |url=https://manabouttown.tv/products/jonathan-bailey-cover-man-about-town-2020-chapter-ii |access-date=25 May 2022 |archive-date=21 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921201321/https://manabouttown.tv/products/jonathan-bailey-cover-man-about-town-2020-chapter-ii |url-status=dead }}{{cite news |last=Ramírez |first=Juan A. |date=21 April 2022 |title='Bridgerton's' Jonathan Bailey takes the plunge |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |language=en-US |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/21/t-magazine/jonathan-bailey-bridgerton.html |access-date=25 May 2022}} An avid cyclist, he has also competed in marathons and triathlons in addition to being fond of paddleboarding and mountaineering.{{Cite web |title=Jonathan Bailey talks Bridgerton, Kate Sheffield and a Sexier season 2 |website=Entertainment Tonight (etonline.com) |date=21 January 2021 |url=https://www.etonline.com/jonathan-bailey-talks-anthony-bridgerton-and-sexier-season-2-159347 |access-date=25 May 2022 |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Hetzel |first=Megan |date=27 April 2015 |title=How celebrities fared at the 2015 London marathon |website=Runner's World |url=https://www.runnersworld.com/runners-stories/a20792022/how-celebrities-fared-at-the-2015-london-marathon/ |access-date=25 May 2022 |language=en-US}} In 2018, he hiked the Everest Base Camp in Nepal; the following year, he participated in the National Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for the Scottish branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association.{{cite web |last=Valentini |first=Valentina |date=29 December 2020 |title=The Bridgerton cast questionnaire: Jonathan Bailey on what he has in common with Anthony Bridgerton |website=Shondaland |url=https://www.shondaland.com/inspire/a34908606/the-bridgerton-cast-questionnaire-jonathan-bailey/ |access-date=25 May 2022 |language=en-US}} In 2024, he ran the Hackney Half Marathon to benefit LGBTQ+ youth charity Just Like Us of which he is a patron.{{Cite web |last=V |first=Alex |date=24 May 2024 |title=Jonathan Bailey Runs Half Marathon for LGBTQ+ Youth |url=https://qplusmagazine.com/jonathan-bailey-runs-half-marathon-for-lgbtq-youth/ |access-date=21 November 2024 |website=Q+ Magazine |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Billson |first=Chantelle |date=20 September 2024 |title=Jonathan Bailey wins award after raising thousands for LGBTQ+ youth |url=https://www.thepinknews.com/2024/09/20/jonathan-bailey-wins-award-after-raising-thousands-for-lgbtq-youth-charity/ |access-date=21 November 2024 |website=PinkNews}}
Bailey privately came out as gay to friends and family in his early 20s, but did not comment on it in public for another decade. He came out publicly in 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://www.attitude.co.uk/culture/film-tv/jonathan-bailey-talks-company-marriage-equality-and-wearing-a-thong-in-front-of-sir-ian-mckellen-298643/|title=Jonathan Bailey talks 'Company', marriage equality, and wearing a thong in front of Sir Ian McKellen|first=Will|last=Stroude|date=8 April 2019|website=Attitude}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.gaytimes.com/originals/stars-of-company-lgbtq-actors-arent-equally-represented-in-the-arts/|title=Stars of Company: LGBTQ actors aren't equally represented in the arts|first=Simon|last=Button|date=30 October 2018|website=GAY TIMES}} Although cautious of discussing his sexuality, which he sees as a personal matter that "becomes a commodity and a currency", he is committed to visibility and representation saying: "If I can fill spaces that I didn't have growing up then I feel like that's a really brilliant thing."{{cite news |last=Brinkhurst-Cuff |first=Charlie |date=14 April 2022 |title=Jonathan Bailey is keeping busy |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/14/arts/television/jonathan-bailey-bridgerton.html |url-status=live |access-date=15 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415003213/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/14/arts/television/jonathan-bailey-bridgerton.html |archive-date=15 April 2022}} He also called this "something [he'll] always strive to do".
In 2024, Bailey launched the charity The Shameless Fund that "aims to help members of the queer community across the world live freely and authentically" by raising money through celebrity and brand partnerships. The charity's debut collaboration was with fashion brand Loewe's "Drink Your Milk" collection.{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=Hannah |date=20 June 2024 |title=Jonathan Bailey Launches LGBTQ+ Charity, The Shameless Fund, With Help From Loewe |url=https://www.vogue.com/article/jonathan-bailey-lgbtq-charity-the-shameless-fund-loewe-jonathan-anderson |access-date=21 November 2024 |website=Vogue |language=en-US}}
Performances and accolades
{{Main|List of Jonathan Bailey performances|List of awards and nominations received by Jonathan Bailey}}
References
{{reflist|25em}}
External links
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{{Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Movie/Miniseries}}
{{OlivierAward MusicalSupportingPerformance}}
{{Satellite Award Best Supporting Actor Series Miniseries or Television Film}}
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Category:20th-century English LGBTQ people
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Category:21st-century English male actors
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Category:English male radio actors
Category:English male stage actors
Category:English male television actors
Category:English male video game actors
Category:Founders of charities
Category:Laurence Olivier Award winners
Category:Male actors from Oxfordshire
Category:People educated at Magdalen College School, Oxford