Miah Massaro | Sports Editor
Jonathan Bailey has quickly captured the hearts of people worldwide with his recent role as Fiyero in the highly anticipated film Wicked. Known for his raw talent, undeniable charm, and compelling performances, Bailey has steadily built a diverse and impressive career across stage and screen. Whether you’re drawn to his portrayals of charming heroes, complex characters, or tender moments, there are plenty of other projects where you can see the actor’s remarkable range. Here are some of the standout roles and projects you should check out after falling in love with him in Wicked.
1. Bridgerton (2020-continued) – Anthony Bridgerton
If you haven’t seen Bridgerton, Bailey’s performance as Anthony Bridgerton is a must-watch. The hit Netflix series, created by Shonda Rhimes and based on Julia Quinn’s novels, is a lavish period drama set in Regency-era London. Bailey plays Anthony, the eldest Bridgerton sibling, whose journey from a charming, somewhat reckless playboy to a passionate, responsible man is at the heart of the second season.
Bailey's portrayal of Anthony’s vulnerability—particularly in his relationship with Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley)—brings a captivating depth to the character. It’s a performance that mixes wit, sensuality, and heartache, showing Bailey’s natural ability to balance both comedic and dramatic elements. If you enjoyed his chemistry in Wicked, you’ll appreciate his powerful and nuanced work in Bridgerton.
2. Fellow Travelers (2023) – Tim Laughlin
Another standout project of his is Fellow Travelers, a Showtime limited series based on the 2007 novel by Thomas Mallon with the same name. The show follows a tumultuous love affair between two men, Tim Laughlin (Jonathan Bailey) and Hawkins Fuller (Matt Bomer), set against the backdrop of the McCarthy-era political climate. Bailey’s portrayal of Tim–a deeply conflicted and idealistic man trying to navigate both his romantic life and the pressures of his political career–is tender, emotionally charged, and layered with complexity.
The series delves into themes of love, loyalty, secrecy, and the consequences of living in a time when being openly gay could be dangerous. Fellow Travelers has earned critical acclaim, and Bailey’s performance is a testament to his versatility, showing a depth of emotion and vulnerability that has continued to resonate with audiences nearly a year after its complete release. It is the show that earned him his first Emmy nomination, a Critics Choice Award, and various other awards as well.
3. Crashing (2016) – Sam
Jonathan Bailey was a part of the critically acclaimed comedy-drama Crashing. Created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge, this Channel 4 series is about a group of twenty-something friends living in a disused hospital. Bailey plays Sam, a charming but often naïve character caught in a whirlwind of love, relationships, and personal growth. The show blends quirky humor with emotional depth, and Bailey brings a likability to Sam that makes his character both hilarious and heartbreaking.
While Crashing may not have garnered the widespread attention of some of Bailey’s later projects, it’s a delightful watch that showcases his comedic timing and ability to portray complex emotional moments with nuance and authenticity. It is now streaming on Netflix as well, and it is a show I could not recommend more.
4. Broadchurch (2013-2017) – Olly Stevens
Broadchurch is one of the most well-regarded British crime dramas of the past decade, and Jonathan Bailey's role as Olly Stevens, a young and somewhat naïve journalist, offers a different but still compelling side of his acting repertoire. The show, which focuses on the investigation of a tragic death in a small coastal town, is known for its gripping plot and powerful performances from its ensemble cast.
Although Bailey’s role is a supporting one, his character’s involvement in the unfolding drama adds an important emotional layer to the story. Broadchurch also features stellar performances from David Tennant and Olivia Colman, but Bailey holds his own in this dark and intense series, playing a character caught in a moral quandary as he navigates his career and the ethics of his work.
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