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It’s official: Bridgerton and Wicked actor Jonathan Bailey is People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2025.
The yearly and coveted title was announced last night during The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
“It’s an honour of a lifetime,” the British actor said of the title. “And I want to say, Jimmy, thank you so much for turning it down so I could be here.”
When asked if he thinks people are going to treat him differently after winning Sexiest Man Alive, Bailey joked, “I fucking hope so.”
Bailey became a household name in 2020 for playing Lord Anthony Bridgerton on Netflix’s royal drama series Bridgerton. More recently, the actor has been making his mark on the big screen with roles as Prince Fiyero in Wicked and Dr. Henry Loomis in Jurassic World: Rebirth.
Bailey, who has spoken openly about being a gay actor in Hollywood, founded The Shameless Fund, which helps to support LGBTQ+ organizations.
“I know the LGBT sector is under immense threat at the moment,” he said. “So it’s been amazing to meet people who have the expertise and see potential that I could have only dreamed of.”
Bailey takes the mantle from The Office and A Quiet Place star John Krasinski.
People’s Sexiest Man Alive award has been an annual staple for the publication since 1985, and 2025 marks the 40th anniversary of the award.
Other Sexiest Man Alive recipients include Patrick Dempsey, Chris Evans, Michael B. Jordan, George Clooney, Harrison Ford and Mel Gibson, who was the winner of the magazine’s first title.
The People edition with Bailey’s cover story will be out Friday 7 November.
