Jonathan Bailey, the star of "Bridgerton" and the upcoming "Jurassic World Rebirth," is opening up about his experiences as an openly gay actor in Hollywood. In a recent interview, Bailey discussed the pressures and historical context he feels as he takes on leading roles in major franchises.

Bailey acknowledged that he feels a "weight" co-headlining "Jurassic World Rebirth" as an out gay actor. He recognizes that there's a need to demonstrate excellence and that his journey is connected to the "weight of history," referencing countless brilliant individuals who paved the way and altered perceptions of sexuality. He sees his work as a way to combat prejudice, stating that playing any kind of character is a powerful form of activism.

He reflected on how, historically, openly gay actors were often excluded from playing straight roles, and gay roles themselves were scarce. He notes that this landscape has undergone significant changes, but there's still progress to be made. Bailey has spoken about the discouragement he faced early in his career regarding coming out, even from within the gay community. He described "conservative conversations" where he was advised to stay in the closet to avoid limitations on his career.

Bailey recognizes a palpable "sense of shame" within the industry among gay men, coupled with a heteronormative understanding of sexuality. However, he also points out a positive shift where "out gay actors are now being poached" for roles. This indicates a growing acceptance and demand for openly LGBTQ+ talent in Hollywood.

Adding to his already impressive resume, Bailey stars as paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis in "Jurassic World Rebirth," set to release in theaters on July 2. At the London premiere, Bailey playfully honored another fictional paleontologist, Ross Geller from "Friends," sporting a baseball cap with the show's logo. Beyond "Jurassic World," Bailey's career continues to flourish. He starred opposite Matt Bomer in "Fellow Travelers" and played Prince Fiyero in "Wicked," alongside Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. He is also set to appear in the "Wicked" sequel.

Jonathan Bailey's rise to leading man in a major Hollywood franchise marks a significant moment, challenging the industry's lingering homophobia. His acknowledgment of the "glass ceiling" and his commitment to fighting prejudice through his work are inspiring. As he generates headlines and earns recognition for his talent, Bailey is not only breaking barriers but also paving the way for a more inclusive and accepting future in Hollywood.