Jonathan Bailey Claims Bridgerton Fame Didn’t Make Him Sob, His ‘Biggest Break’ Happened 10 Years Ago
Jonathan Bailey talks about his first big break and no it isn’t what you think; calls Bridgerton a big opportunity, not his big break.
Viscount Anthony Bridgerton, played by Jonathan Bailey, is one of the most iconic characters of the show, with admirers swooning over the actor’s smolders and brooding glances globally.
While it is inarguably one of the biggest roles for the actor so far, comfortably landing him in a sweet spot of Netflix-approved stardom and monetary surge, Bailey isn’t too impressed by it being referred to as his big break.
Describing it as the moment that changed everything, Bailey thinks his actual big break was with the National Theatre’s 2013 rendition of Othello. Known for his heart-stealing performance in Bridgerton season 2, where the story centered around him and his love interest Kate, people don’t know the stellar theater background that Bailey comes from.
Career-defining moments for Jonathan Bailey
While the world may think Bridgerton was his big break to recognition and stardom, it was the role in Othello that he believes hit home for him. For him, the moment represents a turning point when his craft was seen and admired by the who’s who in the business. Even without the clout and noise, Othello put him on the map; his work was discussed and consumed with keen interest. In a recent Vogue interview, Jonathan Bailey said:
People assume I sobbed in the mirror when Bridgerton took off, but the moment that really broke me, and made me, happened ten years before Shondaland came knocking.
In an industry that tells you if you’re a hit or a miss based on social media following, Bailey remains thankful that his success in Othello was measured through the lens of dexterity in his craft alone. Bailey is fiercely committed to his work and believes that Bridgerton didn’t invent him; it introduced him to the OTT world, where he went on to win hearts all over again.
Jonathan Bailey achieved stardom through hard work and dedication
The fact that he was able to depict Anthony Bridgerton to perfection with such ease is because he had eaten Shakespeare for breakfast! The complex world of musical theatre is said to pay more in an actor’s refinement as a performer than instant gratification in tabloid features.
Any actor worth their salt would vouch that theatre is when an actor goes to suffer, to bleed, to be naked in their craft, to endure, to be ridiculed, and to be set free. Bailey did his time, and the rewards shine brighter than every spotlight. It is ironic, though, that the world only started to pay attention to him after he stripped in a steamy Bridgerton scene!
He doesn’t seem to mind it, adding that if Othello was his big break, Bridgerton was a huge opportunity. A difference lost on many, it hits home with actors who know the distinction between the work that will get you fame and the work that will make you better at your craft.
Jonathan Bailey’s work shines, and Bridgerton is just another merit to his name
His choices after Bridgerton are a clear indication of not wanting to be labeled or typecast. Fellow Travelers, was a heartbreaking queer love story amidst the 1950s oppressive political era. His role in the whimsical Wicked was another nod to his experimental and daring role choices.
Bailey is now most excited about returning to his theatre roots in Richard II, with Hytner, the first director who believed in him. It seems like a full circle moment, one where theater kids are filled with pride and relief.
He restores faith in the fact that the biggest laurels of success stem from the most humble beginnings and a giant leap of faith! A risk was quietly taken, and the work was put in, and today, the world can see the results.
