Beloved Teacher's Tragic Passing Inspires Actor's Breakthrough Role

In a recent interview, actor Jonathan Bailey, 37, opens up about the lasting influence of a cherished mentor from his youth. Bailey, who is set to star in the upcoming film Wicked: For Good, credits his onstage acting breakthrough in Othello to the guidance and support of his former teacher, Dr. David Brunton.

Brunton, who taught Bailey during his "sixth form" (ages 16-18) education at Magdalen College School in Oxford, England, is described by the actor as "the most incredible, inspiring person." Bailey fondly recalls Brunton's encouragement when he decided to write a dissertation about the representation of homosexuality in the 2005 movie Brokeback Mountain.

Tragically, Brunton died by suicide in March 2007, a loss that Bailey describes as "so upsetting and confusing." The actor believes that his grief and confusion over Brunton's passing led him to create a connection between the teacher's influence and his own breakthrough performance as Cassio in Othello at the National Theatre.

"I think in my grief and confusion I created a connection between those two things," Bailey explains. "I felt so prepped for the audition because of the extraordinary time I'd had with him. So, to then play Cassio in Othello... That was really amazing."

As Bailey prepares to take on the role of Fiyero in the highly anticipated Wicked: For Good, he continues to reflect on the lasting impact of his beloved mentor, whose memory and guidance he carries with him.