Why Jonathan Bailey Skipped the 2025 SAG Awards—And What He’s Up to Instead
Jonathan Bailey, one of the most celebrated actors of the moment, was noticeably absent from the star-studded 2025 Screen Actors Guild Awards on February 23 in Los Angeles. Despite being nominated for three major awards, including Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role for Wicked, Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for Wicked, and Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series for Bridgerton, Bailey was nowhere to be seen alongside his costars. But don’t worry—his absence had a pretty exciting reason!
A Different Stage: London’s Bridge Theatre
Bailey, 36, wasn’t just skipping out on the festivities; he was fully immersed in a different kind of performance. The talented actor is currently starring in Richard II at the Bridge Theatre in London, a role that’s keeping him busy across the pond. With his commitment to the prestigious Shakespearean production running through May 10, it was simply impossible for him to jet over to Los Angeles for the big night.
“I channeled many Roys,” Bailey shared with the BBC, referencing Succession's Logan Roy (played by Brian Cox) as inspiration for his portrayal of the titular character. “Richard II explores inherited power in a very similar way to Succession, but also expands on it and takes it to a new level.”
Bailey’s Love for the Theater—And His Impact
For Bailey, returning to the stage is more than just another role—it’s a homecoming. He started his career in London’s West End, and stepping back into live performances has been an incredibly fulfilling experience for him. “Being back onstage is making me so happy,” he revealed, adding that he hopes to inspire a new generation of theatergoers.
“If even 10 people per show come and see Shakespeare for the first time, then I’m doing something right,” Bailey remarked passionately. His dedication to keeping the magic of theater alive is just as strong as his presence on screen, making it clear that his absence from the awards was for a meaningful reason.
His Wicked Connection with Ariana Grande
Bailey’s deep theater roots didn’t just shine in Richard II—they played a big role in his experience working on Wicked as well. His bond with Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda in the highly anticipated Wizard of Oz prequel, was built on their shared love for the stage.
“I feel like we were both very theater children in the room,” Grande shared in an interview with PEOPLE. “And we were very giggly together. That was the tough thing with us. We were the giggliest pair.”
Bailey agreed, admitting that they were “incessant” on set. However, Grande felt their laughter and energy only added to their chemistry. “It carbonated our chemistry,” she said, to which Bailey playfully added, “It gave us fizz.”
The 2025 SAG Awards: Who Represented Instead?
While Bailey was performing live in London, many of his Wicked and Bridgerton costars attended the glamorous SAG Awards in his place. Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, and several other Bridgerton actors were present, representing their respective projects on Bailey’s behalf.
The night was filled with memorable moments, including moving speeches from winners like Colin Farrell and Kieran Culkin. While Bailey couldn’t be there to personally celebrate his nominations, his presence was still strongly felt through his work and the performances that got him recognized in the first place.
What’s Next for Jonathan Bailey?
With Richard II running through May and Wicked's upcoming release, Bailey has an exciting year ahead. His dedication to both screen and stage makes him a rare talent in the industry, and while he missed out on the SAG Awards this time, there's no doubt that more accolades—and more unforgettable performances—are in his future.
So while fans may have been disappointed not to see him on the red carpet, they can rest assured knowing that Bailey is doing what he loves most—bringing powerful characters to life, whether on screen or under the stage lights.
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