Since 1985, when Mel Gibson first took the spotlight, the tradition of naming Hollywood’s most attractive man has been a staple for People Magazine. This year, the prestigious title of People’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2025 has been awarded to Jonathan Bailey, the star renowned for his role in “Wicked.”
Announced on Monday, this annual accolade from People Magazine not only celebrates physical allure but also recognizes the charitable endeavors of its chosen stars. Jonathan Bailey, who is openly gay, marks a significant milestone as the first openly gay man to receive this honor.
The 37-year-old British actor graced “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” to share his elation over the announcement. Bailey, who portrays Fiyero in the “Wicked” films, has captured hearts not just in cinema but also on the stage. He gained widespread acclaim for his prominent role in the second season of Netflix’s “Bridgerton” and the Showtime series “Fellow Travelers,” further solidifying his place in both television and theater.
Over the years, the title has been bestowed upon a diverse array of Hollywood’s elite, including the likes of Patrick Dempsey, John Legend, Dwayne Johnson, Idris Elba, Adam Levine, Richard Gere, Channing Tatum, and David Beckham. Each has brought their own unique charm and contributions to the entertainment world, creating a legacy that Jonathan Bailey now joins.
The 37-year-old British heartthrob, who plays Fiyero in the “Wicked” films, appeared on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” on Monday night for the announcement. He is also known for starring in the second season of the hit Netflix show “Bridgerton” and the Showtime series “Fellow Travelers,” as well as a successful theater career.
The magazine has been crowning Hollywood’s best-looking man since 1985, when Mel Gibson first won the title. Past honorees include Patrick Dempsey, John Legend, Dwayne Johnson, Idris Elba, Adam Levine, Richard Gere, Channing Tatum and David Beckham.
Bailey inherited the title from John Krasinski, who was named 2024’s Sexiest Man Alive.
Only three men have held the title twice: Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Johnny Depp. In 1993, Richard Gere also made the list for a second time, but was honored alongside his then wife Cindy Crawford for a Sexiest Couple Alive edition.
In 1994, the magazine did not select a Sexiest Man Alive, but the spot was filled more than two decades later as Keanu Reeves was retroactively honored in 2015.
Sexiest Man Alive:
- 1986: Mark Harmon
- 1987: Harry Hamlin
- 1988: John F. Kennedy Jr.
- 1989: Sean Connery
- 1990: Tom Cruise
- 1991: Patrick Swayze
- 1992: Nick Nolte
- 1993: Richard Gere & Cindy Crawford (Sexiest Couple Alive)
- 1994: No selection (Keanu Reeves was retroactively named in 2015)
- 1995: Brad Pitt
- 1996: Denzel Washington
- 1997: George Clooney
- 1998: Harrison Ford
- 1999: Richard Gere
- 2000: Brad Pitt (2nd time)
- 2001: Pierce Brosnan
- 2002: Ben Affleck
- 2003: Johnny Depp
- 2004: Jude Law
- 2005: Matthew McConaughey
- 2006: George Clooney (2nd time)
- 2007: Matt Damon
- 2008: Hugh Jackman
- 2009: Johnny Depp (2nd time)
- 2010: Ryan Reynolds
- 2011: Bradley Cooper
- 2012: Channing Tatum
- 2013: Adam Levine
- 2014: Chris Hemsworth
- 2015: David Beckham
- 2016: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
- 2017: Blake Shelton
- 2018: Idris Elba
- 2019: John Legend
- 2020: Michael B. Jordan
- 2021: Paul Rudd
- 2022: Chris Evans
- 2023: Patrick Dempsey
- 2024: John Krasinski
- 2025: Jonathan Bailey
