Jonathan Bailey Didn't Think His Bridgerton Role Would Happen, Here's Why

Summary

• Anthony Bridgerton is a beloved, if divisive, character.
• Jonathan Bailey didn't think much of his first audition for Bridgerton.
• Eventually, the actor was offered a more prominent role in the show.
• Since Season 2, Bailey has been at the height of his career.

Bridgerton is currently the number one show on Netflix, with millions of fans around the world. The Regency-era romance drama has captivated audiences since its premiere in 2020 with its depiction of early 19th-century courtship, some aspects of which are highly modernized. But it's fair to say that the show wouldn't be as popular with viewers if it weren't for its brilliant cast.

Sure, some Bridgerton characters are more popular than others, and some make a mixed impression on the audience. For example, Anthony Bridgerton, portrayed by Jonathan Bailey, was perhaps the most annoying figure in the first season, which followed the love story of his sister Daphne and his friend Duke Simon Basset. But Viscount Bridgerton became a fan favorite in season 2, which focused on his romance with Kate Sharma. Remarkably, though, the actor didn't think he'd have anything to do with the show at all.

An Unenthusiastic Audition

Casting for the first season of Bridgerton took place in mid-2019. Jonathan Bailey, who was at the time doing Marianne Elliott's adaptation of the famous play Company, auditioned for the show, but by his own account was not too impressed with his own audition.

'I actually bizarrely got [the role] from a self tape. So, to all of those actors who would look at a self tape and go, "It's never going to happen," which, of course, I thought for this as well, it did. So, that sort of changed that narrative for me and the confidence in self tapes,' Jonathan Bailey shared in a recent interview.

Still, the actor found the idea of Shondaland producing a show like Bridgerton intriguing. It was the potential for creativity that drew Bailey to the period drama. But more importantly, it was Shonda's working philosophy of 'creating worlds in which everyone can see themselves in.'

What's even more exciting is that the actor was originally up for the role of the Duke of Hastings, which eventually went to Regé-Jean Page. But the producers saw more potential in Bailey and suggested he try Anthony Bridgerton instead. And the rest is history.

Jonathan Bailey After Season 2

Now that Jonathan Bailey has had his moment of glory on Bridgerton, his role is being reduced to a supporting one. However, the actor is still very fond of the Netflix show and admittedly looks forward to supporting the rest of the titular family.

In addition, Bailey has had a number of notable roles since starring in Season 2 of Bridgerton. Last year, he starred opposite Matt Bomer in Showtime's hit miniseries Fellow Travellers. This year, Bailey will appear in Wicked: Part One, which premieres November 27.

Source: YouTube.