Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Bailey is an English actor who works across theatre, television, and film. He became internationally known for playing Anthony Bridgerton in the Netflix period drama Bridgerton, and he has since taken on prominent roles in the limited series Fellow Travelers and the film adaptation of the musical Wicked.

Early life

Bailey was born on April 25, 1988, in Oxfordshire, England. He began performing as a child, appearing in stage productions from a young age, including work with the Royal Shakespeare Company. He continued acting through his youth, building experience in theatre and television before establishing an adult career on the British stage and screen.

Career

Bailey appeared in a range of British television series and films over the years, taking supporting and leading roles. He developed a strong theatre career, and his performance in the West End revival of the Stephen Sondheim musical Company earned him an Olivier Award. On television he became known to international audiences through Bridgerton, the Regency-era romance series produced for Netflix and based on the novels by Julia Quinn, in which he played the eldest sibling, Anthony Bridgerton; his role expanded across seasons as the character moved from a supporting figure to a central romantic lead, and the show became one of the streaming service's most-watched titles.

He earned further acclaim for the limited series Fellow Travelers, in which he co-starred opposite Matt Bomer in a decades-spanning story, drawing praise and award recognition for his performance. Earlier television credits included roles in British series such as Broadchurch and the sitcom Crashing, and he built a substantial body of stage work. His combined stage and screen work established him as a versatile actor comfortable moving between musicals, period drama, and contemporary stories.

Recent work

Bailey played Fiyero in the film adaptation of Wicked, released in 2024, joining a high-profile cast in one of the year's major musical films, with a second installment following. He also took a leading role in the 2025 film Jurassic World Rebirth, marking his entry into a large-scale Hollywood franchise. With these projects he transitioned from a primarily British television and stage career to international film stardom in a relatively short span. He has spoken publicly about being openly gay and has been recognized as a visible figure in discussions of representation in the industry. He has continued to work across film, television, and theatre, and is regarded as one of the prominent British actors of his generation.