Jonathan Bailey: Defying Hollywood Norms and Achieving Remarkable Success

After an afternoon performance of Richard II at the Bridge Theatre in London, a young woman exclaimed, "I love him even more now!" to her friends. They all eagerly rushed to the stage door, hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorite star, Jonathan Bailey. Unfortunately, due to a noise complaint, he stopped greeting fans just a month into the run.

It’s not just Shakespeare that draws this crowd; it’s Bailey, a rising star known for his role in Netflix’s hit series Bridgerton and his recent debut in the musical Wicked, which grossed $700 million globally.

Bailey’s journey is impressive. He didn’t attend a prestigious drama school but honed his craft with the Royal Shakespeare Company. As an openly gay actor, he has broken stereotypes in Hollywood. “You have to unlearn a lot about what the industry tells you,” he says. Many are curious if he can carry a movie on his own. A studio head shared, “We love him and want to see him in more.”

Coming up for Bailey is the much-anticipated Jurassic World Rebirth, where he will star alongside heavyweights like Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali. Reports suggest a $120 million opening weekend is on the horizon. If he can pull audiences into a Shakespearean play, why not a blockbuster?

Bailey’s charm is undeniable. During meetings, he engages meaningfully, even joking about inflating a giant zebra for a bachelor party while discussing his career. His likability translates to the stage as well. Critics praise his performance in Richard II, where he plays a morally ambiguous king, compelling viewers to reconsider their judgments. Director Gareth Edwards notes, "If the audience likes you from the start, that’s gold."

Bailey grew up in Oxfordshire, discovering his talent early in a ballet class. At age 7, he landed a role with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and he later acted in Les Misérables. Despite his early start, he planned to go to university but took his first big role after finishing school.

His breakout came with Bridgerton, which exploded in popularity during the pandemic. It was the biggest debut for an original Netflix series at that time. Fans adored his character, Anthony, and Bailey made bold choices that brought the role to life.

Even as fame surrounds him, Bailey remains grounded. He loves the theater and prefers to stay connected to his roots. He’s excited about the long-lasting impact of Bridgerton and appreciates the familiarity that long-running series bring to fans.

As for what’s next, Bailey’s future looks bright with an active role in both Jurassic World Rebirth and the upcoming Wicked sequel. He acknowledges the pressure of being an openly gay actor in Hollywood but embraces the journey. “You have to fight against prejudice,” he explains.

Bailey’s passionate relationship with acting shines through in every role. As he embraces new opportunities, his delightful spirit keeps shining bright in both stage and screen.

For more insights on representation in film, check out this HuffPost article.

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