Jonathan Bailey revealed the hardest struggles he faced growing up in school, describing his early years as “scared and alone.”
The Wicked: For Good star said anxiety, depression, and bullying made him feel unsafe and unsure about himself during that time.
The actor told Sky News, “I felt scared and I felt alone and I felt entirely limited at various points in my life.”
He noted that support programmes in schools could have made a big difference during his childhood.
Bailey is a patron of Just Like Us, a charity helping pupils feel safe and supported.
The organisation’s research showed that young people who identify as gay or questioning are twice as likely to face anxiety, depression and bullying, with only half feeling safe every day at school.
The Bridgerton actor admitted that he once thought his sexuality would stop him from playing certain roles.
In Wicked and its sequel Wicked: For Good, he plays Winkie Prince Fiyero, the love interest of Glinda and Elphaba.
However, he shared that seeing young people stand up for who they are and pursue their dreams is inspiring.
The Broadchurch star further expressed that he feels fortunate to live in a time where he can take on roles like Fiyero while supporting the work of Just Like Us.
His castmates include Cynthia Erivo, Bowen Yang, and Colman Domingo, all contributing to a celebrated and inclusive production.
