Bridgerton and Wicked actor Jonathan Bailey has been officially crowned People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive 2025. Notably, he is the first openly gay man to receive this honor, marking a historic moment in the tradition.
The news was revealed on Monday evening during The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where Bailey accepted the title with his signature British wit:
“It’s an honour of a lifetime, and I want to say, Jimmy, thank you so much for turning it down so I could be here.”
When asked if he expected people to treat him differently now, Bailey responded without hesitation:
“I f***ing hope so.”
Bailey succeeds John Krasinski, known for The Office and A Quiet Place, joining an esteemed list of previous recipients such as:
This year also marks the 40th anniversary of People’s Sexiest Man Alive title, prompting questions about how the winner is chosen. Contrary to popular belief, the selection is not a public vote but an editorial decision by People magazine’s staff and editors, making it a curated choice rather than a democratic one.
Jonathan Bailey's win as the first openly gay Sexiest Man Alive highlights a significant and carefully curated milestone in the history of People magazine's iconic award.