Jonathan Bailey makes history as People's 2025 "Sexiest Man Alive"
Share
People has unveiled their 2025’s Sexiest Man Alive as none other than Jonathan Bailey, making history as the first openly gay man to take the title.
Baliey called the accolade “the honour of a lifetime” when he revealed the news on the November 3 episode of the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
"Jimmy, thank you so much for turning it down so that I could be here," the Wicked star joked with Fallon.
The 37-year-old actor has had a whirlwind career, landing his breakout role as Anthony Bridgerton in Shonda Rimes' Netflix drama, Bridgerton.
Since then, he has earned stardom and hearthrob status with roles in Jussic World Rebirth, Fellow Travelers, and of course, the Wicked franchise.
"Obviously, I’m incredibly flattered," he told People after giving him the big title. "And it's completely absurd."
“I’m quite excited for some friends and family to find out.”
Bailey’s announcement comes as the magazine marks 40 years of naming the “Sexiest Man Alive.” The first a-lister to receive the recognition was Mel Gibson in 1985.
The British actor dethrones last year’s victor, John Krasinski. Other previous winners include names like Michael B. Jordan, Chris Evans, Idris Elba, and Channing Tatum.
"For decades, LGBTQ actors were excluded from conversations around leading-man appeal and blockbuster film franchises," Anthony Allen Ramos, GLAAD's vice president of communications and talent, said in a statement.
"Seeing an out gay actor star in some of the most successful movies of recent times and celebrated by People in this way sends a powerful message to the industry that audiences everywhere know that authenticity is attractive," Allen Ramos added.
Drag up your life with a beautifully curated box made by your favorite drag queens! Subscribe to Drag Society today.