Jonathan Bailey, the beloved star of Wicked and Jurassic World Rebirth, has announced that he will be taking a break from acting in 2026 to fully dedicate his time and energy to his passion project — his charity, The Shameless Fund. Known for his magnetic screen presence in hit productions such as Bridgerton, Fellow Travellers, and the upcoming Wicked: For Good, Bailey revealed that after three years of nonstop work, he is ready to prioritize a cause that is close to his heart.
In a recent conversation with GQ, Bailey shared that he has been working continuously and now wishes to take a pause to focus on growing The Shameless Fund. “With everything happening in the world right now, I want to devote next year to building the right team and ensuring that the charity reaches its full potential,” he explained. Bailey highlighted the importance of supporting the LGBTQ+ community, pointing out the striking statistic that in the UK, only 1p out of every £100 raised goes towards LGBTQ+ initiatives.
Bailey has already started using his platform to promote the charity through creative collaborations. Recently, The Shameless Fund partnered with eyewear brand Cubitts to design limited-edition pink shades that raise both awareness and funds. Stars like Scarlett Johansson and Cynthia Erivo have already extended their support to this impactful cause.
The actor has had a remarkable career journey in recent years. He gained worldwide recognition through his role as Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix’s Bridgerton, earned an Emmy nomination for his performance in Fellow Travellers, and took on the role of Fiyero in the blockbuster musical Wicked. With Wicked: For Good scheduled to release on November 21, fans will see Bailey once again before his temporary hiatus from acting begins.
By choosing to focus on The Shameless Fund, Jonathan Bailey not only demonstrates his commitment to his craft but also his passion for driving meaningful change in society.