An Exclusive Interview With Jonathan Bailey, The New Protagonist of Bridgerton

Jonathan Bailey , the actor, made famous thanks to the worldwide success of the Netflix Bridgerton series by Shonda Rhimes, has a story just waiting to be discovered. You can feel it when the direct question: "What is your song?" meets with the response with Paul Simon's "Graceland". This is the title track from the musician's sixth album and apparently talks about a trip on Route 61 to the Elvis Presley property in Memphis. In reality, it is a metaphor, a cathartic journey, in a folk pop tone that tells the poignant end of love with actress Carrie Fisher. Meet Jonathan Bailey.

"Bridgerton" was the most watched series on Netflix, how has your life changed since?

 I feel exactly the same as before. It is true, though for some more practical things there have been changes, but I remain the same. Success came at a time when everyone's life changed dramatically, I can't see my friends, but that's what we're experiencing, not my success.

The second season of “Bridgerton” will focus on Anthony, the character you play. In the first chapter of this saga we saw how much your character had to sacrifice himself because of his fears ...

It will be a second season with many surprises for all the main characters. I have a crush on Anthony, not just because he's the character I play. I think it has a complicated and troubled history. I can't wait to show everyone what will happen to him and accompany him on his way to happiness. Mom Bridgerton (Ruth Gemmell) is amazing and you will see her supporting Anthony just like she did with Daphne and then next season she will do the same with ... I can't say, it would be a crazy spoiler.

How does it feel to know that you are in a saga that, in all likelihood, will last eight seasons?

 I will grow old as the younger Bridgerton brothers grow up to be adults, it will be weird. But being in such production is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

And how exactly do you feel after the success of this project?

I feel like I'm in the middle of a hurricane, but I still see everything spinning and I wonder what's going on. At the same time, I am in the tranquility of my home. Listening to my friends calms me down and brings me back to earth.

You're not even a social media type of person, despite your nearly 900,000 followers ...

Instagram amuses me and I love photography a lot, but I'm also a reserved person. Social media allows you to communicate with many people, which you would not normally do, this feeling of connection is exciting. I like to know that I have the opportunity to see what's going on, but also to be able to step back and stay at the right distance from it.

 You are very reserved, but you decided to leave early in your career.

Actually, I always thought of just being myself. There were no strategies. The truth is that, as an actor, every time I approach a project with a different approach. I have always trusted the directors I worked with and, therefore, I found myself playing many different roles, but in which I have always believed. Thanks to Netflix, "Bridgerton" also reaches countries where homosexuality is still illegal and perhaps knowing that you have an openly gay actor in the cast playing a role like Anthony's can make a difference.

Have you ever regretted that choice?

There were times when it was more difficult, but I never regretted it. I believe that gays must somehow always adapt, learn to avoid certain obstacles. We grew up in a time when, in order to survive, we had to learn to be creative. Being openly gay in the theater is completely different from being gay in the world of cinema or television. If you work hard, there are entry points and no matter what you like, it only matters if you are good.

Cinema, theater, musicals and many TV shows: what was the turning point of your career?

I think a big thing for me was the 2013 “National Theater Live: Othello”. Being there, in that theater and feeling totally overwhelmed. I did six auditions, I cared a lot about it and playing Cassio was a privilege. It was at the end of December when I was told that I won the role and I remember that it was the best way to celebrate that Christmas.

What kind of friend are you?

I like to see what my friends are doing, enjoy the good times with them and be present in the difficult times, this is empathy. The past year has brought us a lot closer, at least I think it is. We are all tested by what is happening to us and knowing that we have the support of loved ones is essential. I have many active friends with whom I speak regularly and, above all, whom I ask for feedback when my work is released and vice versa. When their time comes, I almost feel more, I get very excited.

Were there times when you thought about giving up your acting career?

Of course, I have thought that many times. But then, as with any job, you have to be able to work on your weaknesses and, in my case, be able to play roles that may not be done for you and be able to accept that those you think are perfect for your strings are not assigned to you. At one point I thought "if this audition goes wrong, I will try to work in a circus". I am still surprised and I will never stop being surprised by what is happening to me.

When you received the Laurence Olivier award in 2019 for your performance in the musical "Company", you spoke of love. What is love for you today?

I think it's when everything suddenly lines up and you feel good, when everything finally feels right.

Are you in love?

Now I feel full of love and I wonder if I have always felt this way, I come from a good big family. I believe that life gives you many surprises and that love comes in different ways. But in the end, the secret is really to learn to love each other and then make room for what comes and love it to the fullest.

You definitely love music. What do you like?

Drake and I discovered Sonia today, a Croatian singer: I get lost in Spotify's playlists and I make wonderful discoveries. Do you know what a singer I love is? Tove Lo, I heard it all through the first album.

And if you had to choose a song that was yours, which one would it be?

Paul Simon's "Graceland".

Jonathan, what are you good at?

I'm sure I'm a good listener, I like to pay attention to who's talking to me. But I would like to learn to say no more often.

What do you miss most about pre-pandemic life?

Dinners, parties with friends and theater. When we could go to the theater we didn't think much of it, but thinking about it now it was so good to be able to enjoy three hours out of this world.