Wicked’ star Jonathan Bailey is People’s Sexiest Man Alive

British actor Jonathan Bailey has been named People magazine’s 2025 Sexiest Man Alive, a milestone that not only celebrates his rising stardom but also marks the first time an openly gay man has received the magazine’s coveted title. The announcement—made on November 3, 2025 during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon—cap-stoned a breakout year for Bailey and raised fresh discussion about what it means to be “sexy” in today’s entertainment culture.

At 37 years old, Bailey joins a long line of Hollywood heartthrobs who’ve previously earned the title. When he addressed the accolade, his tone struck a blend of gratitude and self-deprecating humor. He called the recognition “completely absurd” yet “an honour of a lifetime,” noting that the news had filled him with delight—though he admitted confiding only in his dog until the public reveal.

Why this honour now

Jonathan Bailey has quietly built a star trajectory over the last few years — first as Lord Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix’s hit series Bridgerton, then on stage and screen. His 2024 big-screen debut as Prince Fiyero in the film adaptation of Wicked gave him global visibility, and summer 2025 welcomed another high-profile entry: Jurassic World: Rebirth. Those roles, combined with his charismatic dual roots in theatre and screen, make him uniquely positioned for this recognition.

Bailey told the magazine that for much of his life he didn’t necessarily view himself as “sexy” in the classic sense, noting that self-doubt and impostor-syndrome were part of his journey. Yet now he finds himself comfortable in his own skin, which he described as “swimming in the sea … and feeling all right in my skin.” That confidence, he suggested, is increasingly what underlies modern sex appeal.

Historical significance & cultural impact

The “Sexiest Man Alive” mantle dates back to 1985 and has become a pop-cultural landmark. Previous winners include household names like Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Michael B. Jordan, Chris Evans and John Krasinski. Bailey’s win carries additional weight because it breaks new ground in representation. As an openly gay actor who has spoken candidly about identity and representation, his selection signals a shift in how “sex appeal” is defined at a time when audience expectations are evolving.

Bailey himself embraced the moment’s broader meaning: it isn’t just about looks, he said, but about embracing authenticity and visibility. His charity work and advocacy contribute as much to his image as his screen roles. He founded The Shameless Fund, which supports LGBTQ+ organisations, noting that the sector faces “immense threat” and that he hoped to “fill spaces that I didn’t have growing up.” His win thus has resonance beyond entertainment, pointing to questions of voice, visibility and impact.

Career journey in brief

Bailey’s journey spans decades. He began performing as a child, appearing in West End productions and with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Over the years he accumulated stage credits, athletically moving between classical theatre, musicals and screen work. His West End turn in the gender-swapped production of Company earned him critical acclaim and a Laurence Olivier Award. Later, roles such as Anthony Bridgerton and Fiyero in Wicked brought him international notice.

In 2024 and 2025, his screen prominence grew. The Wicked film adaptation showcased him in his charismatic, singing-and-dancing prime; Jurassic World: Rebirth added blockbuster credentials. Alongside the larger-than-life roles, his off-screen persona—charming, articulate, self-aware—helped build a public image that aligned with the “sexiest” label.

Reaction and commentary

The announcement sparked enthusiastic responses across fan communities and media commentary. On The Tonight Show, Bailey joked about deserving more respect now that he had been formally titled “the sexiest man alive.” He described himself as “still giggling” at the moment of revelation, recalling that he was deep in a serious stage role (Richard II) when the news broke—highlighting the contrast of Shakespearean gravitas and glossy magazine accolade.

Among LGBTQ+ commentators and cultural watchers, the win was celebrated for its representation value. Having an openly gay man headline a major global magazine’s “sexiest” list is seen as meaningful. It prompts conversations about how mainstream culture defines attractiveness, desirability and star power in more inclusive terms.

What this means for Bailey’s future

This moment opens fresh doors for Bailey. The visibility and momentum from the title can amplify his project choices — film, television, stage — and further strengthen his status as a global leading man. With upcoming releases such as the second part of Wicked (titled Wicked: For Good) scheduled for November, the timing aligns perfectly to propel his career into a new phase of mainstream cinematic prominence.

It also places a spotlight on how he will use the platform. Bailey has already indicated a desire to continue advocacy and charitable work alongside screen roles, particularly through The Shameless Fund. The combination of sex-symbol status and social-impact awareness presents a multifaceted public persona: desirability meets depth.

Not just looks: redefining sexy

What perhaps stands out in Bailey’s win is how the concept of “sexy” is evolving. It is no longer just about chiselled features or macho aura. Bailey’s appeal lies in his blend of vulnerability, humour, intelligence, and authenticity. He speaks openly about his insecurities, his upbringing in Oxfordshire, his early ambitions, and his path to self-acceptance. In doing so, he represents a contemporary version of sex appeal where emotional resonance matters as much as physical presence.

When asked about relationship deal-breakers, he joked that his partner must speak three languages and hold seven degrees — a humorous twist on romantic expectations but also a statement about intelligence and cultural literacy as part of the package. He emphasised communication, transparency and cheering someone else’s success as genuine turn-ons.

The broader implications for Hollywood

Bailey’s selection also has broader ripple effects in the industry. For studios, casting agencies and talent managers, his ascent underscores the commercial viability of leading men who don’t fit the old mould. It reinforces the idea that audience tastes are shifting, and representation matters. That an openly gay actor can headline a major film musical and be named “sexiest man alive” signals change. It may encourage more inclusive casting and more varied definitions of stardom.

For magazine culture and media-branding, it offers an update to long-standing categories. The “Sexiest Man Alive” label, criticised in past years for lack of diversity and narrow standards, now carries renewed weight with a broader definition of sexy. Bailey’s selection may pave the way for future honourees who reflect an array of identities, orientations and backgrounds.

Personal reflections

Bailey’s own reflections on the accolade might be the most compelling. He said that when the radio one morning mentioned his name in the news, he thought: “Is this real? Where is my journal?” He described himself as still processing the transformation. He has spoken about feeling awkward, of not always being sure about the camera-ready version of himself, yet gradually emerging into confidence.

He also admitted he told no one about the nomination except his dog Benson—who even joined him for the cover shoot—but now the secret is out. The mixture of excitement, humility and disbelief reveals a man who remains grounded despite skyrocketing acclaim.

The entertainment portfolio

In summarising why Bailey is better positioned than ever, his recent credits matter. Bridgerton remains one of Netflix’s most-watched English-language series, giving him global exposure. Wicked brought him into the blockbuster musical film genre, where charisma, singing and physical presence all count. Jurassic World: Rebirth added blockbuster cachet and placed him alongside major stars. And his theatre roots mean he retains credibility in craft beyond showbiz gloss.

Compounded by his advocacy and public persona, he is more than a pretty face—he is a modern star with substance. That combination is exactly what many media outlets argue earns the “Sexiest Man Alive” title today.

Looking ahead

Now that the title is confirmed, eyes will stay on how Bailey uses the platform. Will he take on provocative, daring roles? Will he escalate his advocacy? Will a second half of the Wicked film deliver and further validate his star status? Will he embrace more mainstream Hollywood leading roles, or continue balancing stage, independent and mainstream projects?

One thing seems clear: the spotlight is on, and with it comes expectations. But Bailey appears ready. He has spoken of wanting a normal life off-camera: walks with friends, listening to music, watching theatre, perhaps Lego dates. He values normalcy even as his public profile escalates.

In accepting this title, Jonathan Bailey steps into a rarified category. But he also invites us to rethink what sexiness means in the 2020s — not merely strength or swagger, but authenticity, humility, brilliance and heart. As he himself put it, “Life is a ride for everyone no matter who you are, where you come from. It’s just making sure that when you’re in the ride, you’re looking left and right and making sure everyone’s all right.” With that spirit and newfound recognition, Jonathan Bailey may just define a new era of appeal.

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