Jonathan Bailey Announces Acting Hiatus to Focus on LGBTQ+ Charity

British actor Jonathan Bailey will pause his acting career in 2026. The Wicked and Bridgerton star confirmed the news in a recent interview. He plans to dedicate his full attention to his passion project, The Shameless Fund. This charity supports LGBTQ+ rights and organizations.

Bailey stated his decision comes after three years of continuous work. He called the opportunity to focus on charity “mind-blowing.” His hiatus will begin next year.

Jonathan Bailey Prioritizes Charity Work Over Acting

Jonathan Bailey revealed his plans to GQ magazine. He said he will stop acting for a bit in 2026. His focus will shift entirely to The Shameless Fund. The actor wants to ensure the charity has the right staff and structure.

He highlighted a critical funding issue in the UK. Reports indicate only one penny from every £100 raised goes to LGBTQ+ causes. Bailey believes his fund can provide a real solution. He called the situation something that requires digging to fix.

The Shameless Fund raises money through brand collaborations. A recent partnership with eyeglass company Cubitts created special pink shades. The initiative has already attracted support from other stars.

The Shameless Fund Gains Prominent Support

Jonathan Bailey has quietly promoted his charity during recent press tours. He discussed the Cubitts collaboration as a fun and creative effort. More importantly, he emphasized its potential to make a real difference.

His efforts have drawn attention from A-list colleagues. Scarlett Johansson and Cynthia Erivo have already shown their support. Their involvement has helped raise the fund’s profile significantly.

Bailey’s acting career has been exceptionally busy. He starred in Netflix’s Bridgerton and earned an Emmy nomination for Fellow Travelers. He also appeared in major films like Jurassic World Rebirth and Wicked.

He will next be seen in Wicked: Part Two. The film is scheduled for release on November 26, 2025. His hiatus will begin after its promotional cycle concludes.

Jonathan Bailey’s decision underscores a growing trend of celebrities leveraging their fame for social causes. His 2026 acting hiatus aims to create lasting impact through The Shameless Fund’s vital work.

Thought you’d like to know

Why is Jonathan Bailey taking an acting break?

He is pausing his career to focus on his LGBTQ+ charity, The Shameless Fund. He wants to dedicate his time to staffing and structuring the organization properly. The hiatus is planned for 2026.

What is The Shameless Fund?

It is Jonathan Bailey’s charity that supports LGBTQ+ rights and organizations. It raises money through collaborations with brands like Cubitts. The fund addresses the severe lack of financial support for LGBTQ+ causes.

Have other celebrities supported his charity?

Yes, Scarlett Johansson and Cynthia Erivo have publicly supported the cause. They have helped promote its initiatives and collaborations. Their involvement has brought significant attention to the fund’s mission.

What was Jonathan Bailey’s most recent project?

He was recently seen in the blockbuster film Jurassic World Rebirth. He also stars in the musical Wicked alongside Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. The sequel, Wicked: Part Two, arrives in late 2025.

Will Jonathan Bailey return to acting after his hiatus?

He has not specified an exact return date. The break is presented as a pause to focus on his charity work. Most industry analysts expect him to return to his successful acting career afterward.

Trusted Sources: GQ, Reuters, Associated Press