Let’s discuss penises, notably how “Bridgerton” star Jonathan Bailey selected the ideal fake one while filming his current project.
Although it’s never an easy topic, we’ll manage together.
We’re not just talking about them, but also about their ‘personalities’. Exactly.
Bailey, while working on “Fellow Travelers” – a political romance series on Paramount Plus – revealed that choosing the perfect prosthetic penis involves considerable thought.
Bailey explained that he selected the ideal prosthetic by delving into his character’s psyche.
The series, featuring Matt Bomer as well, revolves around two men meeting in the 1950s during McCarthyism – a period marked by political repression and the persecution of left-wing individuals.
Hawkins Fuller, or Hawk (Bomer), is a WWII veteran and a State Department employee who hasn’t come out of the closet yet.
He crosses paths with Tim Laughlin (Bailey), a Congressional staff member, and their story unfolds from there.
The show includes some nudity, prompting Bailey to carefully choose a prosthetic penis that felt appropriate for both him and his character before appearing on-screen.
Bailey shared that his decision-making process was intuitive.
In an interview on “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” he stated: “They’ve all got their different personalities. When you’re approaching character you think emotionally, cerebrally, and then you have to really make a big choice.”
When asked if he made a ‘big’ choice, Bailey humorously denied, saying: “No, no, no! I think it’s only fair — I believe in representation for everyone.”
He then displayed some examples and recounted a humorous on-set prank: “On the last day Beth, my amazing wardrobe assistant, cheered me up.”
He showed a photo of his nude protective layer adorned with googly eyes and Tim’s prosthetic penis as the nose.
Despite the fun on set, some were curious about his reasons for taking on the role.
Bailey explained that it was an opportunity for self-education.
He told the Hollywood Reporter: “I heard that Ron [Nyswanner] was going to be investigating and exploring 40 years of queer life and experience.
“But at that time, it looked like I might not be available.
“I pursued it. And after doing something like Bridgerton, it felt important to me to find something rich and complex.
“There’s nothing more of a gift than to be able to educate yourself, and also in the investigation and in the performance of it, to live a really dangerous life, but within safety, and, ultimately, write this love letter to those that came before us.
“I was enchanted by the idea, and there was no part of me that didn’t think it was the punkest thing to do.”