History of Jonathan Bailey in Timeline

Jonathan Bailey is an English actor recognized for his versatility in dramatic, comedic, and musical performances across stage and screen. He has received a Laurence Olivier Award and a Critics' Choice Television Award, alongside a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. Bailey's influence has been acknowledged by Time magazine, featuring him in their Time 100 Next list. He was also named People's Sexiest Man Alive in 2025.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

April 1988: Jonathan Bailey's Birth

In April 1988, Jonathan Stuart Bailey was born in Wallingford, Oxfordshire, to Carole and Stuart Bailey. This marked the beginning of his life and eventual career.

Others born on this day/year

1995: Joined Royal Shakespeare Company's A Christmas Carol

In 1995, at the age of seven, Jonathan Bailey joined the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of A Christmas Carol, playing the alternating roles of Tiny Tim and Young Scrooge. This marked one of his earliest professional acting roles.

1996: Television Debut and Role in Les Enfants du Paradis

In 1996, Jonathan Bailey made his television debut in the Victorian period drama Bramwell and played Little Baptiste in the RSC's production of Les Enfants du Paradis, which marked another early role in his acting career.

2001: Played Prince Arthur in King John

In 2001, Jonathan Bailey played Prince Arthur for the RSC's King John. This performance marked another role in his early career with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

2004: Film Debut in Five Children and It

In 2004, Jonathan Bailey made his feature film debut in Five Children and It, a film adaptation of E. Nesbit's fantasy novel. This role was his first major appearance in a film.

2006: Starred in Beautiful Thing

In 2006, Jonathan Bailey started rehearsing for a revival of the play Beautiful Thing in London, taking over the lead role. This role was a significant step in his early career.

2009: First Leading Role in Off the Hook

In 2009, Jonathan Bailey had his first leading role on television in the BBC sitcom Off the Hook, about a group of first-year university students. This role marked his first leading role in television.

2011: Starred in Leonardo

From 2011, Jonathan Bailey starred in the action-adventure series Leonardo. This role marked his presence in television.

2011: Nominated for Evening Standard Theatre Award

In 2011, Jonathan Bailey was nominated for Outstanding Newcomer at the Evening Standard Theatre Awards for his performance in South Downs. This nomination recognized his rising talent in theatre.

2012: Starred in Groove High

From 2012, Jonathan Bailey starred in the musical-comedy Groove High. This role furthered his career in television.

2012: South Downs Transferred to Harold Pinter Theatre and Starred in Groove High

In 2012, South Downs transferred to Harold Pinter Theatre and Jonathan Bailey led the Disney Channel musical-comedy Groove High. This marked further recognition in both theatre and television.

2013: Starred in Broadchurch

From 2013, Jonathan Bailey starred in the crime drama Broadchurch. This role brought him wider recognition.

2013: Continued Role in Groove High

In 2013, Jonathan Bailey continued his role in the Disney Channel musical-comedy Groove High until the show's end. This marked continued involvement in the musical-comedy.

2013: Role in Broadchurch and Othello

In 2013, Jonathan Bailey rose to popularity for playing Olly Stevens in Broadchurch and was cast as Cassio in Othello. This year was a significant turning point in his career.

2014: Starred in Time Heist and Testament of Youth

In 2014, Jonathan Bailey guest starred in the Doctor Who episode "Time Heist" and had a supporting role in the film Testament of Youth. This year included diverse roles in television and film.

2015: Continued Role in Broadchurch

In 2015, Jonathan Bailey continued his role in the crime drama Broadchurch. This further solidified his presence in television.

2016: Starred in Crashing and The Last Five Years

In 2016, Jonathan Bailey starred as Sam in Crashing and headlined the London production of The Last Five Years as Jamie. This year was notable for both television and musical theatre roles.

2016: Starred in The Last Five Years

In 2016, Jonathan Bailey starred in the London revival of The Last Five Years, a musical. This role allowed him to showcase his musical talents.

2016: Starred in Crashing

In 2016, Jonathan Bailey starred in the comedy Crashing. This role marked another milestone in his television career.

2017: Starred in King Lear and Chewing Gum

In 2017, Jonathan Bailey appeared alongside Ian McKellen in King Lear and made a guest appearance in Chewing Gum. This year included roles in both theatre and television.

2017: Voiced G'raha Tia in Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood

In 2017, Jonathan Bailey began voicing the character G'raha Tia in Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood. This marked the start of his voice acting role in the game series.

April 2018: Starred in The York Realist

In April 2018, Jonathan Bailey starred in The York Realist, a Donmar Warehouse-Sheffield Theatres co-production. This performance received five-star reviews and marked another achievement in his career.

2018: Hiked the Everest Base Camp in Nepal

In 2018, Jonathan Bailey hiked the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.

2018: Publicly Came Out as Gay

In 2018, Jonathan Bailey publicly came out as gay. He privately came out to friends and family in his early 20s, but did not comment on it publicly for another decade.

2018: Starred in The York Realist

In 2018, Jonathan Bailey starred in The York Realist, a contemporary play. This performance added to his repertoire of diverse roles.

2019: Voiced G'raha Tia in Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers

In 2019, Jonathan Bailey continued voicing G'raha Tia in Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers. This marked the continuation of his voice acting role in the game series.

2019: Participated in the National Three Peaks Challenge

In 2019, Jonathan Bailey participated in the National Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for the Scottish branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

2019: Won Laurence Olivier Award for Company

In 2019, Jonathan Bailey won the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical for his performance in Company. This award recognized his outstanding contribution to the West End revival.

2020: Starred in Bridgerton

From 2020, Jonathan Bailey starred in the Netflix series Bridgerton as Anthony, 9th Viscount Bridgerton. This role gained him wide recognition and critical acclaim.

2020: Included in Attitude's Trailblazers

In 2020, Jonathan Bailey was included in Attitude's Trailblazers list, recognizing him as a leading LGBTQ+ figure in the entertainment industry.

2021: Voiced G'raha Tia in Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker

In 2021, Jonathan Bailey continued voicing G'raha Tia in Final Fantasy XIV: Endwalker. This marked the continuation of his voice acting role in the game series.

2021: Stephen Sondheim's Reaction to Bailey Starring in Cock

In 2021, director Marianne Elliott told Stephen Sondheim, three days before his death, that Jonathan Bailey would be starring in the play 'Cock'. Sondheim was so excited that he stopped, closed his eyes, put his hand on his chest and said, 'Be still my beating heart'.

2022: Headlined Cock

In 2022, Jonathan Bailey headlined the West End revival of Mike Bartlett's play Cock at the Ambassadors Theatre. This performance received critical acclaim and highlighted his lead role capabilities.

2022: Recognized by Time Magazine as a Next Generation Leader

In 2022, Jonathan Bailey was included in Time magazine's annual class of Next Generation Leaders. This recognized him as redefining the 'Hollywood Heartthrob'.

2022: Included in Variety's Power of Pride List

In 2022, Jonathan Bailey was included in Variety's Power of Pride list, recognizing him as a leading LGBTQ+ figure in the entertainment industry.

2023: Starred in Fellow Travelers

In 2023, Jonathan Bailey starred in the political miniseries Fellow Travelers. This role earned him critical acclaim.

2023: Included in Out's Most Impactful and Influential List

In 2023, Jonathan Bailey was included in Out's Most Impactful and Influential list, recognizing him as a leading LGBTQ+ figure in the entertainment industry.

2024: Voiced G'raha Tia in Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail

In 2024, Jonathan Bailey continued voicing G'raha Tia in Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail. This marked the continuation of his voice acting role in the game series.

2024: Founded The Shameless Fund Charity

In 2024, Jonathan Bailey founded The Shameless Fund charity, aiming to help members of the queer community across the world live freely and authentically, by raising money through celebrity and brand partnerships. The charity's debut collaboration was with fashion brand Loewe's "Drink Your Milk" collection.

2024: Starred in Wicked and Released Dancing Through Life

In 2024, Jonathan Bailey played Fiyero in Wicked and contributed to the film's soundtrack with "Dancing Through Life", which charted on Billboard Hot 100. This showcased his acting and musical talents in a major film.

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2024: Ran the Hackney Half Marathon for Charity

In 2024, Jonathan Bailey ran the Hackney Half Marathon to benefit LGBTQ+ youth charity Just Like Us, for which he is a patron.

2024: Starred in Wicked

In 2024, Jonathan Bailey starred as Fiyero in the musical fantasy film Wicked. This role expanded his presence in film.

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2024: Included in The Independent's Pride List

In 2024, Jonathan Bailey was included in The Independent's Pride List, recognizing him as a leading LGBTQ+ figure in the entertainment industry.

May 2025: Starred in Richard II and Jurassic World Rebirth

In May 2025, Jonathan Bailey played the titular role of Richard II and starred in Jurassic World Rebirth. This marked two significant roles in theatre and film.

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2025: Collaborated with Cubitts to Benefit The Shameless Fund

In 2025, Jonathan Bailey collaborated with eyewear brand Cubitts to re-imagine the eyeglasses worn by his character in Jurassic World Rebirth, with proceeds benefiting The Shameless Fund charity.

2025: Starred in Richard II

In 2025, Jonathan Bailey starred in Richard II, a classical play. This role highlights his ability to perform in Shakespearean productions.

2025: Starred in Wicked: For Good and Jurassic World Rebirth

In 2025, Jonathan Bailey starred in Wicked: For Good and Jurassic World Rebirth. This highlights his activity in film.

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2025: Starred in Wicked: For Good

In 2025, Jonathan Bailey starred in Wicked: For Good. His performance earned him a nomination for a Screen Actors Guild Award.

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2025: Included in Time 100 Next List and Named People's Sexiest Man Alive

In 2025, Jonathan Bailey was included in Time magazine's Time 100 Next list and named People's Sexiest Man Alive. This marked further recognition and popularity.