Renowned for his portrayals of romantic leads, Jonathan Bailey maintains a discreet approach to his personal life, especially his relationships. In a 2023 interview with the Evening Standard, he confirmed he was in a relationship with a “lovely man,” though he chose not to disclose further details about his partner.
Earlier, in 2019, Bailey was speculated to be dating James Ellis, as the two were spotted sharing a kiss at the Olivier Awards that year. Although the actor avoids sharing much about his private life, he has acknowledged drawing on his personal experiences for his on-screen roles. This approach was particularly evident in his performance as Lord Anthony in Bridgerton.
A quiet kiss at the Oliviers marked a powerful moment for Jonathan Bailey
Reflecting on the character in a 2022 interview with GQ Hype, Bailey noted that playing Anthony required him to think deeply about love, allowing him to incorporate elements of his life into the portrayal.
Bailey’s dating history includes a 2019 connection with James Ellis, a media executive. The pair attended the Olivier Awards together, where Bailey won Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Company.
Before his acceptance speech, he publicly kissed Ellis, marking a remarkable moment. During his speech, Bailey emphasized the value of depicting LGBTQ+ love stories on screen, celebrating representation in media.
His career features several romantic roles, from playing Lord Anthony to appearing in Fellow Travelers alongside Matt Bomer, where he portrayed a character crossing a decades-spanning gay relationship.
He has also excelled in theater, starring in Cock and a gender-switched rendition of Company. Speaking with PEOPLE in 2023, Bailey expressed pride in portraying authentic LGBTQ+ narratives, calling his sexuality a “superpower” that enriches his acting.
Despite his current openness, Bailey once grappled with the fear of coming out. In a 2022 discussion with GQ, he recounted advice given to an actor that implied being gay could hinder career prospects.
Over time, Bailey rejected such fears, prioritizing his authenticity over societal expectations. Embracing his identity, he decided to live openly, valuing personal freedom above professional concerns.
