Jonathan Bailey

Who is Jonathan Bailey

Jonathan Stuart Bailey, born on April 25, 1988, in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, England, is a distinguished English actor celebrated for his versatile performances across stage and screen. He has garnered acclaim for his roles in theater productions, television series, and films, earning prestigious awards such as the Laurence Olivier Award and the Critics’ Choice Television Award.

Early Life and Education

Bailey is the youngest of four siblings, with three older sisters. His mother worked as an audiologist, while his father served as the managing director of Rowse Honey. He spent his formative years in the villages of Benson and Brightwell-cum-Sotwell in Oxfordshire. His passion for acting ignited at the tender age of five after attending a London production of “Oliver!” with his grandmother. This experience inspired him to pursue a career in acting.

He began his education at Benson Primary School, a Church of England-affiliated institution, and later attended The Oratory School. Concurrently, he took ballet lessons, showcasing an early inclination towards the performing arts. Bailey earned a music scholarship to Magdalen College School in Oxford, where he honed his skills in piano and clarinet. By the age of 15, he had secured a talent agent and began booking acting roles. Opting to forgo university and formal drama school training, Bailey immersed himself directly into the world of acting, a decision he believes kept him grounded in the performing arts.

Personal Life

Residing in Hove, East Sussex, Bailey leads an active lifestyle. He is an avid cyclist and has participated in marathons and triathlons. His adventurous spirit led him to hike to Everest Base Camp in Nepal in 2018, and in 2019, he undertook the National Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association’s Scottish branch. In 2024, he ran the Hackney Half Marathon to support “Just Like Us,” an LGBTQ+ youth charity for which he serves as a patron.

Bailey privately came out as gay to his friends and family in his early twenties, but it wasn’t until 2018 that he publicly acknowledged his sexuality. While he considers his sexuality a personal matter, he recognizes the importance of visibility and representation. He has expressed a desire to fill spaces that were lacking during his own upbringing, aiming to provide representation for others.

In 2024, Bailey launched “The Shameless Fund,” a charity dedicated to helping members of the queer community worldwide live freely and authentically. The fund aims to raise money through celebrity and brand partnerships, with its inaugural collaboration being with the fashion brand Loewe’s “Drink Your Milk” collection.

Family

Bailey’s family has played a significant role in shaping his character and values. Growing up as the youngest sibling with three older sisters, he was part of what he describes as a “co-operative of four brilliant women and a dad who has an incredible work ethic.” This environment instilled in him a deep respect for hard work and collaboration.

In recent interviews, Bailey has expressed a desire to become a father once his professional commitments allow. He is considering adoption and is open to co-parenting, potentially with a man or a woman. Emphasizing the importance of being present in his future children’s lives, he is taking thoughtful steps towards parenthood.

Rise to Prominence

Throughout his career, Bailey has showcased his versatility by taking on a variety of roles across different mediums. He starred in the action-adventure series “Leonardo” (2011–2012) and the musical-comedy “Groove High” (2012–2013). His performances in the crime drama “Broadchurch” (2013–2015) and the comedy “Crashing” (2016) further established his reputation as a talented actor. Bailey gained widespread recognition for his role as Anthony Bridgerton in the Regency-era romance series “Bridgerton” (2020–present).

Theater Accomplishments

In addition to his screen work, Bailey has made significant contributions to theater. He appeared in contemporary plays such as “The York Realist” in 2018 and “Cock” in 2022, as well as classical plays like “Othello” in 2013 and “King Lear” in 2017. His performance in the West End gender-swapped revival of “Company” earned him the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical in 2019.

Detailed Bio Table

Career

Early Career and Stage Work

Bailey’s acting career commenced at a young age. At seven, he secured alternating roles as Tiny Tim and Young Scrooge in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s 1995 production of “A Christmas Carol” at the Barbican Theatre in London. The following year, he made his television debut in the Victorian period drama “Bramwell.” By eight, he was performing as Gavroche in a West End production of “Les Misérables.” His early stage experiences also included roles in the RSC’s 1996 production of “Les Enfants du Paradis” and a pantomime production of “Peter Pan” at The Hexagon, where he played Michael Darling.

In 2001, Bailey portrayed Prince Arthur in the RSC’s “King John.” He made his feature film debut in 2004 with “Five Children and It,” an adaptation of E. Nesbit’s fantasy novel. At 18, he took over the lead role in a revival of the play “Beautiful Thing” in London, following Andrew Garfield. His performance was noted for its memorability. These early roles laid a solid foundation for his future endeavors in both theater and television.

Television and Film

Bailey’s television career gained momentum with guest roles in British series such as “Doctors” and “The Bill.” His first leading television role came in 2009 with the BBC sitcom “Off the Hook,” which centered on a group of first-year university students.

From 2011 to 2012, he starred in the action-adventure series “Leonardo,” portraying a young Leonardo da Vinci. He also lent his voice to the musical-comedy series “Groove High” between 2012 and 2013. Bailey garnered significant attention for his role as reporter Olly Stevens in the crime drama “Broadchurch” (2013–2015) and as Sam in the comedy series “Crashing” (2016).

In 2020, Bailey achieved widespread recognition for his portrayal of Anthony, 9th Viscount Bridgerton, in the Netflix series “Bridgerton,” produced by Shondaland. His performance received critical acclaim, and the second season, which focused on his character, became the most-watched English-language television series on Netflix at the time. Critics praised his ability to convey complex emotions, with “The Daily Beast” highlighting his “exquisite lead performance” and exceptional capacity to carry angst, pain, and guilt without bogging down the narrative.

As of February 2025, Jonathan Bailey is set to star alongside Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali in “Jurassic World Rebirth,” the latest installment in the Jurassic Park franchise. The film focuses on escalating fear as dinosaurs have become commonplace, with Bailey portraying a paleontologist leading a recovery team on a mission to retrieve genetic material for medical advancements.

Height and Physical Appearance

Standing at 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 meters), Jonathan Bailey possesses a commanding presence. He has a fit and athletic build, complemented by dark brown hair and expressive brown eyes. His charismatic appearance has contributed to his versatility in portraying a wide range of characters across different genres.

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Net Worth as of 2025

As of 2025, Jonathan Bailey’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his extensive work in television, film, and theater. His roles in popular series like “Bridgerton” and upcoming projects such as “Jurassic World Rebirth” have significantly contributed to his financial success.

Jonathan Bailey’s dedication to his craft and his ability to embody diverse characters have established him as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. With a promising lineup of future projects, his career trajectory continues to ascend, captivating audiences worldwide.

Is Jonathan Bailey in a relationship?

Jonathan Bailey is private about his personal life, but he has been linked to actor James Ellis.

When did Jonathan Bailey come out?

Jonathan Bailey publicly came out as gay in an interview in 2020.

Is Jonathan Bailey married to Matt Bomer?

No, Jonathan Bailey and Matt Bomer are not married, but they co-star in Fellow Travelers.

How many children does Jonathan Bailey have?

Jonathan Bailey does not have any children.