Getting to Know 'Bridgerton' Star Jonathan Bailey
The star talks about music, friends, theater, and how he prepared to bring Anthony Bridgerton to life in Season 3 of Bridgerton.
In honor of Bridgerton's Season 3, and the first look at Jonathan Bailey's costume in the forthcoming Wicked, L'OFFICIEL looks back on an interview with this season's lead Jonathan Bailey that first appeared in L'OFFICIEL HOMMES Italia's Spring 2021 issue.
In preparation for the second season of Bridgerton, Jonathan Bailey took daily horse riding lessons. The actor, who got his start due to the global success of Shonda Rimes' Netflix series, has a story that's waiting to be discovered. His story peaks through when he shares his favorite song, "Graceland" by Paul Simon. The song that shares the journey down Route 61 towards Elvis Presley's estate in Memphis is not one that people would assume, but it's what makes Bailey all the more intriguing. In reality, it serves as a metaphor for a long, cathartic trip that shares the end of Simon's poignant romance with actress Carrie Fisher. If this isn't enough to make you wonder what else is on Bailey's mind, the actor dives deeper into his quirks and passions with L'OFFICIEL.
L'OFFICIEL: Bridgerton was the most-watched series ever on Netflix. How has your life changed since the show aired?
JONATHAN BAILEY: I feel exactly the same as before. It is true, for some more practical things there have been changes, but I'm still the same. Success came at a time when everyone's life has changed dramatically, I can't see my friends but that's what we're experiencing, not my success.
L'O: The second season of Bridgerton will focus on Anthony, the character you play. In the first chapter of this saga, we saw how much your character had to sacrifice because of his fears ...
JB: It will be a second season with lots of surprises for all the main characters. I have a soft spot for Anthony, not just because he's the character I play. I think he has a complicated and troubled history. I can't wait to show everyone what will happen to him and to accompany him on his path to happiness. Mamma Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell) is amazing and you will see her support Anthony exactly like she did with Daphne and then next season she will do the same with ... I can't say, that would be a crazy spoiler.
"I feel like I am in a hurricane but still and in the center. I see everything spinning and I wonder what's happening. At the same time, I'm in the tranquility of my home."
L'O: How does it feel to know that you're in a saga that will, in all likelihood, last eight seasons?
JB: I'm going to get older as the younger Bridgerton brothers grow up and become adults, it's going to be weird. But being in such a production is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
L'O: And how exactly do you feel after the success of this project?
JB: It seems to me to be in a hurricane, but still and in the center. I see everything turning and I wonder what's happening, but at the same time, I'm in the tranquility of my home. Hearing my friends reassures me and brings me back down to earth.
L'O: Despite your 900,000 followers, you're not the social networking type?
JB: I enjoy Instagram and I love photography a lot, but I'm also a reserved type. Social media allows you to communicate with a lot of people, which you wouldn't normally do, that sense of connection is exciting. I like knowing that I have the opportunity to see what is happening but also to be able to step back and stay at the right distance from it.
L'O: You are very reserved, yet you decided to come out early in your career?
JB: Actually, I've always thought only about being myself. There were no strategies. The truth is that as an actor I approach a project with a different approach every time. I have always trusted the directors I have worked with, and therefore I found myself playing many different roles that I have always believed in. Thanks to Netflix, Bridgerton arrives in countries where homosexuality is still illegal, and perhaps knowing that you have an openly gay actor in the cast who plays a role like Anthony's can make a difference.
L'O: Have you ever regretted this choice?
JB: There are times when it's more difficult, but I've never regretted it. I believe that gays must somehow always adapt, learn to dodge certain obstacles. We grew up in an age where we had to learn to be creative to survive. Being openly gay in the theater is completely different from being gay in the cinema or television environment. If you work hard, there are entry points and no matter what you like, it only matters if you're good.
L'O: After being in various cinema productions, theater productions, musicals, and TV series, what was the turning point of your career?
JB: I think a really big thing for me was the 2013 National Theater live [production of] Othello. Being there, in that theater, I felt totally overwhelmed. I had six auditions, and I really cared about it because playing Cassio was a privilege. It was the end of December when they told me I got the part, and I remember it was the best way to celebrate Christmas.
L'O: What kind of friend are you?
JB: I like watching what my friends are doing, enjoying good times with them, and being there in difficult ones, that's empathy. The past year has brought us much closer, at least I think so. We are all tested by what is happening to us and knowing that we have the support of loved ones is essential. I have many acting friends with whom I talk regularly and above all from whom I ask for feedback when my work comes out and vice versa. When their time comes I almost feel it more, I get very excited.
L'O: Were there times when you thought about giving up your acting career?
JB: Sure, I've thought that many times. But then, as in any job, you have to be able to work on your weaknesses and, in my case, to be able to play roles that may not be made for you and to be able to accept that those you think are perfect for your strings are not assigned to you. At one point I thought, If this audition goes badly I will try to go to work in a circus. I am still surprised and I will never cease to amaze myself at what is happening to me.
L'O: When you collected the Laurence Olivier Award in 2019 for your performance in the musical Company, you spoke of love. What is love for you today?
JB: I think it's when everything suddenly aligns and you feel on the right side, when everything finally feels right.
L'O: Are you in love?
JB: Now, I feel full of love and I wonder if I've always felt this way. I come from a nice large family. I believe that life gives you many surprises and that love comes in different forms. But in the end, the secret is really to learn to love each other and then make room for what comes and love it to the fullest.
L'O: You definitely love music. What do you like?
JB: Drake, and today I discovered Sonia, a Croatian singer. I get lost in Spotify's suggestions and make wonderful discoveries. Do you know what a singer I love is? Tove Lo. I listened to her throughout the first lockdown.
L'O: And if you had to choose a song that is your song, what would it be?
JB: "Graceland" by Paul Simon.
L'O: What are you good at?
JB: I'm sure I'm a good listener. I like to pay attention to whoever is talking to me. But I would like to learn to say no more often.
L'O: The thing you miss the most about pre-pandemic life?
JB: Dinners, parties with friends, and the theater. When we went to the theater we took it for granted, thinking about it now it was so nice to be able to enjoy three hours out of this world.
TALENT Jonathan Bailey
PHOTOGRAPHY Jason Hetherington
STYLING Gaultier Desandre Navarre
INTERVIEW Manuel Campagna
CREATIVE PRODUCER Elliott Foote
GROOMING Liz Taw @ THE WALL GROUP
DIGITAL OPERATOR Andy Mayfield
STYLING ASSISTANT Leonor Carvalho
