Jonathan Bailey has been named People magazine's 2025 Sexiest Man Alive.
The magazine's selections were announced Monday night on “The Tonight Show” starring Jimmy Fallon. Bailey will take over the role from “The Office” and “Jack Ryan” star John Krasinski, who was selected in 2024.
The Wicked: For Good actor is the first openly gay actor to be named People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive in the film's 40-year history.
Bailey excited audiences by playing Prince Fiyero in his 2024 screen debut in the popular musical film “Wicked,” the second half of which will be released in theaters on November 21st.
He played the charming role of Lord Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix's Bridgerton and was nominated for a 2024 Emmy Award for his role in the Showtime series Fellow Travelers. Most recently, he starred in “Jurassic World: Rebirth,” which was released in July.
The 37-year-old British actor said he was “hugely” honored to be awarded the title of sexiest man alive.
“Obviously, I'm incredibly honored. And it's totally ridiculous,” Bailey told the magazine.
“This is a big deal because it's the 40th anniversary of 'Sexy Man Alive.' Where were you when you got this call?” Fallon asked Bailey.
Get daily national news
Get the day's top news, politics, economics and current affairs headlines delivered to your inbox once a day.
Bailey said he first heard about the title while appearing in a production of Shakespeare's Richard II in early 2025.
“The only thing more upsetting than doing 'Richard II' is being invited to do this,” he said. “And in 2025, I'm kind of excited that People magazine would invite someone and give this honor to someone who really values the value of a sexy man.”
When asked if she thought being named Sexiest Man Alive would change the way people treated her, Bailey laughed and said: “I hope so.”
Bailey, who appeared on the cover of Friday's People magazine, had to keep quiet about the news. However, he admitted to the magazine that he couldn't keep it completely secret and shared the news with his dog Benson, who was also featured in the magazine.
current trends
Mexican mayor shot dead during Day of the Dead celebrations
Nova Scotia MP Chris d'Entremont resigns from Conservative Party and joins Liberal Party
When asked who would be the most saddened to learn of her new title, Bailey said it would be her many friends.
“They'll be furious that I didn't tell them. And they'll just squeal with glee. And they've watched me grow up, and I know that behind the mask of being perceived as the sexy guy, there's other truths that they know and have witnessed, like magic,” Bailey told People.
Bailey's Wicked castmates, including Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Jeff Goldblum, celebrated his new title with a video on Instagram.
“Congratulations to our boy Jonathan Bailey,” said Coach Jon M. Chu.
“He's the sexiest man alive, not just on this planet, but in the solar system, the universe, and every multiverse,” Goldblum said while showing off a T-shirt featuring a photo of Bailey.
“You are the kindest, smartest, most beautiful person on the inside,” Grande said.
The first Sexiest Man Alive was Mel Gibson in 1985. Other past winners include Brad Pitt, George Clooney, John F. Kennedy Jr., David Beckham, Michael B. Jordan, John Legend, Dwayne Johnson, Paul Rudd, Pierce Brosnan and Patrick Dempsey.
— With files from The Associated Press
Entertainment Details More Videos
© 2025 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.