Jonathan Bailey, known for his roles in “Wicked” and “Bridgerton,” has been crowned People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2025. The announcement was made on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” marking Bailey’s ascent to the coveted title previously held by John Krasinski.
Expressing his gratitude, the 37-year-old actor described the recognition as a tremendous honor and admitted to feeling flattered yet somewhat incredulous. Bailey’s charismatic portrayal of Prince Fiyero in the 2024 movie adaptation of “Wicked” captivated audiences, and his role as Lord Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix’s hit series further solidified his star status. Notably, Bailey received an Emmy nomination for his performance in the Showtime show “Fellow Travelers” and starred in the blockbuster “Jurassic World Rebirth.”
Beyond his on-screen accomplishments, Bailey has captivated fans with his British charm, earning a spot as one of the Internet’s beloved figures. During his appearance on Fallon’s show, Bailey expressed his delight at being recognized by People magazine, emphasizing the significance of the title for someone who appreciates the essence of being a sexy man.
Moreover, Bailey, who is openly gay, holds the distinction of being the first openly gay man to receive the Sexiest Man Alive title. He is also the founder of The Shameless Fund, a charitable initiative supporting LGBTQ+ causes, reflecting his commitment to the community’s well-being.
Reflecting on his journey to stardom, Bailey recounted his early passion for acting, which ignited at the age of five when his grandmother took him to see a production of “Oliver!” Within a few years, he realized his dream by performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company and has since amassed an impressive resume, including a recent starring role in London’s production of Shakespeare’s “Richard II.”
The Sexiest Man Alive title, a coveted distinction previously held by luminaries like Brad Pitt and George Clooney, will feature Bailey as the cover story in the upcoming People magazine edition. Despite the need for secrecy surrounding the announcement, Bailey couldn’t resist sharing the news with his loyal companion, Benson, who will join him in the magazine spotlight.