5 Jaw-Dropping Facts About Robert Bailey Jr.'s Career: From Coraline's Wybie To His New 2025 Movie
Robert Bailey Jr., a name that resonates with fans of early 2000s cinema and modern television drama, has quietly built one of the most diverse and enduring careers in Hollywood, a journey that spans over two decades. As of December 19, 2025, the actor is experiencing a fresh wave of career momentum, transitioning from his established roles in medical dramas and mystery series to exciting new ventures in the horror and romance genres, proving his versatility is his greatest strength.
While many fans still recognize his voice from a beloved stop-motion animated film, his recent work in the independent horror scene, specifically the 2023 release *Malibu Horror Story*, and his confirmed role in the upcoming 2025 production *Love New York*, highlight an actor who is continuously evolving and taking on challenging new characters. This deep dive explores his full career trajectory, from his start as a child actor to his current projects that are shaping his future in the industry.
The Complete Biography and Profile of Robert Bailey Jr.
Robert Bailey Jr. has maintained a steady presence in the entertainment industry since he was a child, showcasing an impressive range that few actors achieve. His professional profile is a testament to his dedication to the craft, moving seamlessly between major studio productions and independent projects.
- Full Name: Robert Bailey Jr.
- Date of Birth: October 28, 1989
- Age (as of 2025): 36 years old
- Birthplace: Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Profession: Actor, Producer
- Notable Child Roles: T-Bone in *The Little Rascals* (uncredited), Young Steven Dixon in *Minority Report*, and a main role in the film *Mission to Mars* (2000)
- Iconic Voice Role: Wyborne "Wybie" Lovat in the stop-motion animated film *Coraline* (2009)
- Major TV Roles: Dr. Paul Cummings in the NBC medical drama *The Night Shift* (2014–2017); Chris Minetto in the mystery series *Emergence* (2019–2020)
- Recent Work: *Malibu Horror Story* (2023), *Love New York* (upcoming 2025)
From Child Star to Cult Classic Voice: The Coraline Legacy
Bailey Jr.'s career began at an incredibly young age, starting with a feature in *Family Circle* magazine at just three years old. This early start quickly led to film and television roles, establishing him as a prominent child actor in the late 1990s and early 2000s. He appeared in the short-lived but memorable role of M.J. on the show *Becker* and landed a significant part in the 2000 sci-fi film *Mission to Mars* alongside major stars.
The true turning point for his legacy, however, came in 2009 with the release of the Henry Selick-directed, Neil Gaiman-inspired film *Coraline*. Bailey Jr. provided the voice for the character Wyborne "Wybie" Lovat, Coraline's eccentric and often nervous friend. This role, though only a voice performance, became one of his most recognized and beloved by a generation of film enthusiasts.
Wybie Lovat's character is crucial to the film's narrative, acting as a reluctant sidekick and eventual hero. For many, his voice work in the stop-motion animated film is the definitive entity in his filmography, demonstrating his ability to convey deep emotion and personality without ever appearing on screen. The film's enduring popularity has given Bailey Jr. a permanent place in cult cinema history.
Following *Coraline*, he continued to take on diverse roles, including the dramatic film *To Save a Life* (2010), the indie film *Model Minority* (2012), and a brief but notable appearance in M. Night Shyamalan's 2008 thriller *The Happening*.
The Medical Drama and Mystery Years: The Night Shift and Emergence
The mid-2010s marked a significant transition for Robert Bailey Jr. as he moved into consistent, long-running adult television roles. His casting as Dr. Paul Cummings on the NBC medical drama *The Night Shift* showcased his maturity as a performer and his ability to handle complex, high-stakes material. The series, which aired from 2014 to 2017, centered on the staff of the night shift at a hospital in San Antonio, Texas.
Dr. Paul Cummings was a main cast member throughout the series' four seasons, a character who evolved from an eager but somewhat privileged surgical resident into a capable and respected trauma surgeon. Working alongside a talented ensemble cast including Eoin Macken, Jill Flint, and Brendan Fehr, Bailey Jr.'s performance anchored the show's medical realism and emotional core. This role solidified his position in the mainstream television landscape.
After the conclusion of *The Night Shift*, Bailey Jr. quickly landed another main role in the ABC mystery series *Emergence* (2019–2020). In this show, he played Chris Minetto, a police officer who assists the main character in investigating a mysterious young girl. Although the series was short-lived, it allowed Bailey Jr. to explore the procedural and mystery genres, further demonstrating his range beyond the medical drama format.
These two television entities—*The Night Shift* and *Emergence*—represent his successful transition from a familiar face in film to a reliable and compelling presence on prime-time television. They are cornerstones of his adult career, providing him with a platform to explore nuanced characters facing extraordinary circumstances.
New Horizons: Robert Bailey Jr.'s Latest Projects in 2023 and 2025
In a move that surprised many of his fans, Robert Bailey Jr. has recently taken on roles that explore the darker and more experimental corners of cinema, alongside an upcoming project that promises a return to romantic themes. This is where his career is at its freshest and most unique.
The Unexpected Horror Turn: Malibu Horror Story (2023)
In 2023, Bailey Jr. starred in the found-footage horror film *Malibu Horror Story*. This independent project, which gained attention for its unsettling atmosphere and genre commitment, features the actor in a key role. The film follows a team of paranormal investigators searching for a group of missing high schoolers. His involvement in the horror genre is a distinct change of pace from the network television dramas he is known for, demonstrating a willingness to embrace new creative challenges and work within different production environments. This role is a clear indicator that he is actively seeking roles that push his boundaries as an actor.
Looking Ahead: Love New York (2025)
The most anticipated project on his horizon is the 2025 film *Love New York*. While details remain scarce, its listing as a 2025 entity suggests a return to a more contemporary, likely romantic or dramatic, setting. The title itself sparks curiosity and hints at a narrative centered on relationships and the complexities of urban life. This role is crucial, as it will be his first major film release in a non-horror genre since his appearance in *Malibu Horror Story* and will set the tone for his career in the latter half of the decade. Fans are eager to see him in a leading role that utilizes his charisma outside of a professional uniform.
Robert Bailey Jr.'s career continues to be defined by his ability to pivot and adapt. From the whimsical, albeit dark, world of Wybie Lovat to the high-pressure environment of Dr. Paul Cummings, and now into the indie horror and dramatic film space, he remains a compelling figure in Hollywood. His recent choices indicate a strategic focus on diverse, challenging, and high-impact roles, ensuring his longevity and relevance for years to come.
Detail Author:
- Name : Mr. Roger Hackett MD
- Username : noah28
- Email : silas.stracke@yahoo.com
- Birthdate : 1970-03-16
- Address : 7032 Effertz Camp North Devantefort, MN 19642-9220
- Phone : +14352277583
- Company : Braun, Morar and Rau
- Job : License Clerk
- Bio : Qui non amet dolorum. Quisquam aut ut sint voluptas. Officia et sed sint quis quidem optio.
Socials
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/lorna1669
- username : lorna1669
- bio : Adipisci molestias voluptatem non quis et sit.
- followers : 4566
- following : 2603
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@lorna1248
- username : lorna1248
- bio : Laudantium corrupti illo officiis possimus. Modi nostrum aut ut modi.
- followers : 157
- following : 428
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/lornahammes
- username : lornahammes
- bio : Recusandae ullam ex voluptas iste. Aut numquam mollitia itaque provident enim assumenda facilis.
- followers : 3541
- following : 654
