Jonathan Bailey Shares Candid Insights on Filming Bridgerton's Intimate Moments
For actor Jonathan Bailey, shooting intimate scenes in the hit period drama Bridgerton often requires more than just acting skills—it demands a straight face. The 37-year-old star, who returns as Anthony Bridgerton in the upcoming fourth season, has revealed that he and his castmates find it incredibly difficult not to laugh during these sequences. Contrary to their glamorous on-screen appearance, Bailey insists that the behind-the-scenes reality is far from romantic.
The Unseen Reality of On-Set Intimacy
In a recent interview with Britain's OK! magazine, Bailey explained that while sex scenes have become a hot topic among fans, the cast actually gets more excited about scenes that delve into deep emotions. He noted, "I know the sex scenes look glamorous, but on set with cameras, tens of people, intimacy coordinators and everything else, it actually feels a bit silly and it's incredibly hard not to laugh." This candid admission highlights the often-overlooked practicalities of filming such moments, which involve a crowded set and technical crew.
A Principled Approach to Filming
Despite having his first raunchy scene just three minutes into the debut episode of Bridgerton and appearing in several since, Bailey is selective about participating in intimate scenes. He emphasized that he will only agree to film them if they serve a meaningful purpose in the storyline. "I'm not a fan of, 'Lets get our kit off because we have a scene to film.' It's got to mean something," he stated, underscoring his commitment to artistic integrity over gratuitous content.
Balancing Fame with Personal Life
Last year, Bailey was honored with the Sexiest Man Alive title by People magazine, an accolade he finds both hilarious and flattering. He humorously remarked, "But at the same time very flattering. I mean who wouldn't be flattered?" To stay grounded amidst his rising fame, he credits his six nieces and nephews, cherishing simple moments like reading stories or building Lego with them. "When I get to do what the world views as 'normal things' like read them a story or build Lego with them, I don't think they have any idea how happy they make me," he shared, though he recently clarified that he isn't looking to have children of his own.
As Bridgerton continues to captivate audiences, Bailey's insights offer a refreshing glimpse into the actor's perspective on balancing professional demands with personal values, all while navigating the unique challenges of period drama filming.
