Jonathan Bailey opens up ‘defining moment’ of his career

Jonathan Bailey, known for his role in Bridgerton series, opened about the day his life changed.

In an interview with the The Guardian, the Wicked star re-called the day he received the job opportunity at National Theatre for Othello. He was going to the theatre to meet Nicholas Hytner, Theatre director and film producer, for a callback.

"Back then I was too young," he remembered. "I came into the rehearsal process not mature or confident enough."

Bailey continued, "I’d worked so hard and for so many reasons it felt… Working at the National was beyond my wildest dreams."

He performed two scenes that he’d prepared. Then, Hytner suggested a third, which Bailey didn’t know. The actor recalled not being "good" in and just went with his "instincts."

The Jurassic World Rebirth actor said, "He offered me the job in the room. It was a defining moment in my career."

He also discussed about the common believe people have regarding drama school, saying, "I didn’t go to drama school and there was a common belief that if you hadn’t, you wouldn’t be able to do classical texts, or perform in the big theatres."

"There are all these stories we are born into that we have to unpick. For me, one of those was how limited I felt," Bailey admitted.

Jonathon Bailey has a busy year ahead, he will be hitting back to theater in the same city, with same playwright and director for his lead role in Richard II play.

He will also be returning as Prince Fiyero in Wicked: For Good slated for release on November 21, 2025.

The Richard II play officially opens in Bridge Theatre on February 18, 2025.