Matt Bomer Celebrates Jonathan Bailey On His Birthday With Heartfelt Tribute
The 'Mid-Century Modern' star shares nostalgic photos honoring his close friend

Image: Instagram
Actor Matt Bomer took to Instagram to celebrate the birthday of his close friend, artist Jonathan Bailey, with a touching tribute featuring a collection of memorable moments from their friendship.
“Happy birthday to one of the 🌎’s great artists and humans. 💛 you @jbayleaf!” Bomer wrote in his caption, accompanying a carousel of five photos showcasing their bond since they movie “Fellow Travelers”.
The images capture the pair in various settings, from casual hangouts to more formal occasions, displaying the genuine warmth and camaraderie between Bomer and Bailey.
The Bomer-Bailey Friendship
This birthday tribute comes during a busy period for Bomer, who has been actively promoting his new Hulu comedy series “Mid-Century Modern.” The show, which recently debuted as the #1 program on Hulu, features Bomer alongside comedy veterans Nathan Lane and the late Linda Lavin.
The friendship between Bomer and Bailey blossomed during the filming of “Fellow Travelers” where they played lovers. Bailey appears to be part of the Bomer’s close-knit circle of relationships that he occasionally highlights on his social media. Their friendship is often characterized as special and cherished by both actors with Bomer stating that they are bonded for life.
Bomer’s Rising Comedy Credentials
While known primarily for dramatic roles in shows like “White Collar” and more recently the critically acclaimed “Fellow Travelers”, Bomer has been expanding his repertoire with comedy. His role in “Mid-Century Modern” represents a significant shift in how audiences perceive his talents.
As detailed in a recent Los Angeles Times feature shared on Instagram, the show was originally pitched as “the gay ‘Golden Girls'” and imagined three older gay men creating a chosen family in Palm Springs. Producer Ryan Murphy reportedly suggested Bomer for a role, highlighting his comedic abilities that aren’t always showcased in his dramatic work.
A Career In Evolution
Bomer, 46, has built a diverse career spanning television, film, and stage since his breakthrough role in USA Network’s “White Collar”. His recent projects have shown considerable range, from the psychological thriller “The Sinner” to the DC superhero series “Doom Patrol” and the historical drama “Fellow Travelers.”
Bomer’s career has been marked by thoughtful role selection and critical acclaim, including a Golden Globe win for his supporting role in HBO’s “The Normal Heart”. His performance in Showtime’s “Fellow Travelers” has further cemented his reputation for nuanced dramatic work.
The actor has been particularly active on social media recently, sharing moments from his press tour for “Mid-Century Modern,” including appearances on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” and Deadline’s coverage of the series.
Celebrating Friendships
Bomer’s birthday tribute to Bailey follows a pattern in his social media presence of celebrating close friendships. In recent weeks, he has shared posts honoring various friends, including a post about Alok Vaid-Menon whom he described as “one of the most inspiring, intelligent, and funny people I’ve met in a long time.”
These personal glimpses into Bomer’s life off-screen reveal an actor who values long-term friendships and makes time to publicly celebrate the important people in his life, even amid busy promotional schedules.
As Bomer continues to expand his creative horizons with projects like “Mid-Century Modern,” his social media remains a space where he balances professional updates with personal connections, giving fans insight into the relationships that matter to him beyond his Hollywood career.

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