Jonathan Bailey has become one of the most recognizable faces in entertainment, winning over audiences with his performances in Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers, and the Wicked movies. The British actor has built a career that spans television, film, and theater, proving that his talent goes far beyond his on-screen charm.
His popularity grew even further after PEOPLE named him the 2025 Sexiest Man Alive. With major acting roles, fashion partnerships, and new projects attracting attention, Jonathan Bailey continues to be a popular name among entertainment fans in the United States and around the world.
Who Is Jonathan Bailey?
Jonathan Bailey is an English actor born on April 25, 1988, in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, England. He began acting at a young age and gradually developed a reputation for delivering compelling performances across different genres.
Rather than limiting himself to one type of role, Bailey has worked in period dramas, contemporary television, stage productions, and major Hollywood films. His ability to move between these formats has helped establish him as a versatile performer.
His international audience expanded significantly after he joined Netflix’s Bridgerton. His later work in Fellow Travelers and the Wicked films introduced him to even more viewers.
Jonathan Bailey and Bridgerton
One of Bailey’s best-known roles is Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix’s hit period drama Bridgerton. Anthony is the eldest Bridgerton sibling, a character who carries significant family responsibilities while struggling to balance duty and romance.
Bailey’s performance in the show’s second season made him a central figure in the series. His character’s complicated relationship with Kate Sharma, played by Simone Ashley, became one of the season’s major storylines.
Fans appreciated the emotional depth he brought to Anthony, showing both the character’s confidence and his vulnerability. Bailey later returned to the role in subsequent seasons, although the show also focuses on other members of the Bridgerton family.
The series remains an important milestone in his career and a major reason audiences continue searching for Jonathan Bailey news.
Jonathan Bailey in Wicked and Wicked: For Good
Bailey took another major career step by playing Fiyero in the film adaptation of Wicked. The musical fantasy stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda.
As Fiyero, Bailey portrays a charming young man whose relationships with the two witches become central to the story. His experience in musical theater helped him bring confidence and stage presence to the role.
He returned as Fiyero in Wicked: For Good, the second installment of the cinematic adaptation. The films brought together Bailey’s acting and musical performance skills, allowing him to reach audiences who may not have followed his earlier television work.
His chemistry with the cast, particularly Grande and Erivo, also became a talking point during the movies’ promotional events.
Jonathan Bailey’s Latest News in 2026
Bailey has continued to attract attention through entertainment projects and high-profile brand partnerships.
Giorgio Armani Fragrance Campaign
In 2026, Bailey became the face of Giorgio Armani’s new men’s fragrance, I Will. The campaign was announced as a significant project for the fashion house and highlighted Bailey’s growing influence beyond film and television.
The fragrance campaign was directed by Todd Field and emphasized confidence, personal growth, and intentional living. Bailey also spoke about his appreciation for Armani’s creative legacy.
The MARTINI Man Campaign
Bailey also partnered with MARTINI in a multi-year campaign announced in June 2026. The campaign presented him as the brand’s new MARTINI Man, bringing a modern style to the company’s Italian-inspired aperitivo culture.
The partnership reflects how his public image has expanded from acting into fashion, lifestyle, and luxury advertising.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula
Another notable project is the 2026 audio adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, in which Bailey voices Dracula. The full-cast production also features Ella Purnell as Mina Murray.
The project gives Bailey another opportunity to explore a classic fictional character through voice performance rather than an on-screen role.
What Movies and Projects Are Next for Jonathan Bailey?
Bailey has several projects associated with his upcoming screen career, including Pumping Black and Lincoln in the Bardo. He is also listed in connection with an untitled Jurassic World sequel, although project details and casting information can change.
In theater news, Bailey withdrew from the planned West End revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Sunday in the Park with George in September 2026, following Ariana Grande’s earlier departure. Bailey described the production as a passion project and expressed support for Grande. The production team said it was continuing work on the revival while reshaping the cast.
These developments show that Bailey’s schedule continues to evolve across film, television, voice work, and theater.
Why Is Jonathan Bailey So Popular?
Bailey’s popularity comes from a combination of acting ability, stage experience, and a willingness to take on very different roles. He can play a reserved historical character, a romantic leading man, or a larger-than-life musical personality without relying on the same performance style.
His theater background has also helped him develop strong stage presence and vocal skills. Those qualities have translated well into both musical films and dramatic television.
Beyond his work, Bailey has used his public profile to support LGBTQIA+ causes through The Shameless Fund, an organization he launched to support LGBTQIA+ nonprofits through creative collaborations.
As his career expands, audiences have more reasons to follow his projects beyond the roles that first made him famous.
1. Who is Jonathan Bailey?
Jonathan Bailey is a British actor known for playing Anthony Bridgerton in Bridgerton, Tim Laughlin in Fellow Travelers, and Fiyero in the Wicked films.
2. How old is Jonathan Bailey in 2026?
Jonathan Bailey is 38 years old. He was born on April 25, 1988.
3. Is Jonathan Bailey the Sexiest Man Alive?
PEOPLE named Bailey its 2025 Sexiest Man Alive. He held the title for the year leading up to the next annual announcement.
4. What character does Jonathan Bailey play in Wicked?
He plays Fiyero, a charming character whose relationships with Elphaba and Glinda are important to the story.
5. What are Jonathan Bailey’s latest projects?
His recent work includes the Wicked films, the Bram Stoker’s Dracula audio adaptation, and campaigns for Giorgio Armani and MARTINI. He is also associated with upcoming screen projects, including Pumping Black and Lincoln in the Bardo.