Jonathan Bailey Makes History as Hollywood’s Top Star of 2025

A Historic Year for Jonathan Bailey

2025 has been an extraordinary year for British actor Jonathan Bailey, who has achieved multiple groundbreaking milestones in Hollywood. The openly gay actor has been named the highest-grossing actor of the year, according to Variety, whilst also becoming People’s 2025 Sexiest Man Alive. These achievements mark significant moments for LGBTQ+ representation in the entertainment industry.

Box Office Domination

Bailey played key roles in two blockbusters this year—Dr. Henry Loomis in Jurassic World Rebirth, the fifth-highest-grossing film of the year at more than $869 million worldwide, and Fiyero in Wicked: For Good, which has grossed more than $468.3 million since its November 21 theatrical release. His position as the highest-grossing actor of 2025 is significant as he is the first openly gay star ever to earn the title.

From Bridgerton to Blockbuster Stardom

Bailey first rose to global fame as Lord Anthony Bridgerton on Netflix’s Bridgerton, and has since taken on a string of high-profile projects, including the role of a closeted congressional aide in Showtime’s Fellow Travelers, which earned him an Emmy nomination and a Critics’ Choice Award. The 37-year-old British actor started his career as a child performer with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Looking Ahead: Philanthropy and Purpose

Despite his success, Bailey has announced plans to step away from acting temporarily. He plans to stop acting for a bit in 2026 as he prepares to focus more energy on The Shameless Fund, the LGBTQ charity Bailey launched last summer. This decision reflects his commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ communities during challenging times.

Significance for the Industry

Bailey is the first out gay man to be the box-office champ, and the fact that it barely feels notable at all is itself notable. Today, it’s no big deal. His success demonstrates how Hollywood is evolving, with audiences embracing authentic representation. Bailey’s achievements in 2025 prove that talent, charisma, and authenticity can triumph, setting new standards for what it means to be a leading man in modern cinema.