Jonathan Bailey unburdened his heart, sharing the weight of his most arduous struggles during his formative years in school, painting a picture of his early days as "scared and alone." The star of "Wicked: For Good" recounted how anxiety, depression, and relentless bullying left him feeling unsettled and uncertain amidst his youth. As he spoke to Sky News, Bailey expressed, "I felt frightened, isolated, and confined in various phases of my life." He underscored the potential transformative power of support programs in schools during his childhood.
Bailey serves as a patron for Just Like Us, a charitable organization dedicated to fostering a safe and supportive environment for students. The organization's research highlights that young individuals who identify as gay or questioning are twice as likely to face anxiety, depression, and bullying, with only half feeling secure in their daily school life. The actor admitted that he once believed his sexuality would be a hindrance in securing certain roles.
In "Wicked" and its sequel "Wicked: For Good," he brings to life the character of Winkie Prince Fiyero, the love interest of both Glinda and Elphaba. Yet, his words reveal a deeper truth: seeing young people stand up for their authentic selves and pursue their dreams is nothing short of inspiring.
The "Broadchurch" star expressed a profound sense of fortune in living in an era where he can embrace roles like Fiyero while simultaneously advocating for the work of Just Like Us. His castmates, including Cynthia Erivo, Bowen Yang, and Colman Domingo, form a celebrated and inclusive production that resonates with the very essence of Bailey's journey.
