Jonathan Bailey, best known for his role as the male romantic lead in Bridgerton’s second season, has taken an intriguing new path in his career.

Bailey made an obvious decision to act alongside Matt Bomer in Showtime’s Fellow Travelers, a romantic period drama spanning the stormy decades from the 1950s Joseph McCarthy communist trials to the 1980s AIDS pandemic.

The 35-year-old actor expressed his excitement for the film in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE for this week’s issue, noting that playing a gay character in a broad love story was a “no-brainer.”

“I had looked for these gay stories, a sweeping gay love story, and I hadn’t really seen them. This ticked every single box, and it’s something I know I’ll be proud of for the rest of my career,” Bailey said of his previous search.

Bailey’s conscious choice to be a part of Fellow Travelers demonstrates his commitment to diverse and meaningful storytelling, having previously captivated the audience’s attention with his breakout portrayal as Anthony Bridgerton, the proud and gruff viscount in Shonda Rhimes’ Regency-era drama.

The actor, who had previously waited for auditions and gigs, suddenly finds himself in a position to make decisions—a rare luxury in the industry.

He recognizes the peculiarity of this position, emphasizing the responsibilities that it entails. “I have a responsibility, therefore, not to waste that,” he said.

Bailey was raised in Benson, England, by his father, Stuart, a managing director of a honey supplier, and his mother, Carole, who worked many jobs to make ends meet.

Carole’s passion extended to paying for Bailey and his three older sisters’ ballet and music training. Bailey struggled in school, but he found peace in his family, the theater, and his best friend.

Bailey began to question his sexual orientation when he was 11 years old, suspecting he may be gay.

During this time, he found comfort and understanding in his family, the theater, and the unflinching support of his best friend.