Jonathan Bailey is People's Sexiest Man Alive 2025

The wait is officially over! British actor and Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey has been named People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive for 2025, marking a historic moment for the iconic award.

TL;DR: The Essentials You Need to Know

Jonathan Bailey is People's Sexiest Man Alive 2025, making history as the first openly gay man to receive the title.
The big reveal happened live on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 11:35 p.m. ET on NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of People's Sexiest Man Alive, celebrating decades of cultural impact.

Alright, pop culture fanatics, grab your Bridgerton corsets and get ready to swoon, because the biggest "who's who" announcement of the year has finally dropped! People Magazine has officially crowned its Sexiest Man Alive for 2025, and it's none other than the incredibly charming and talented Jonathan Bailey!

This isn't just another win for a deserving celeb; it's a history-making moment! Bailey, widely adored for his role as Anthony Bridgerton, has become the first openly gay man to ever grace the cover as People's Sexiest Man Alive. Talk about a groundbreaking choice that truly reflects a modern understanding of charisma, appeal, and impact!

The Star-Studded Reveal on Late Night Television

The highly anticipated announcement unfolded with all the fanfare you'd expect on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 11:35 p.m. ET during The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on NBC. This yearly tradition has become a major pop culture event, and Fallon, known for his infectious humor, was the perfect host to usher in this milestone reveal.

It was a full-circle moment for Fallon himself! Just weeks before the main event, he snagged the title of People's Sexiest Game Show Host for 2025 in a reader's choice poll. While Fallon certainly brings the charm, his win apparently left some fans scratching their heads on social media. "This has to be satire??" one netizen questioned, while another quipped, "That’s like giving Best Chef to the guy who burns toast but tells good jokes while doing it." Hey, at least he giggled his way into enough hearts to win!

"Bro giggled his way into the readers’ hearts ?"

— A fan reacting to Jimmy Fallon's "Sexiest Game Show Host" win

This collaboration between The Tonight Show and People Magazine continues a trend of unveiling the winner on late-night TV, a strategy that blends live spectacle with massive digital engagement. Fans across the globe, including those in Asia tuning in during their early Tuesday morning, were buzzing as they waited to see who would inherit the crown from 2024's Sexiest Man, John Krasinski.

Beyond the Main Man: Celebrating Other Reader-Chosen Hotties

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While Jonathan Bailey takes the top spot, People Magazine’s annual Reader’s Choice polls also highlighted a bunch of other deserving celebs in various "sexiest" categories, proving that "sexy" comes in many forms!

Sexiest New Dad in Sports: Christian McCaffrey
The San Francisco 49ers' running back tackled this title, having welcomed his daughter, Colette Annalise McCaffrey, in July 2025. He beat out some tough competition, including F1 superstar Max Verstappen and MLB's Shohei Ohtani. Frankly, it’s a choice we can totally agree with!
Sexiest Soccer Club Owner: David Beckham
Was this ever really a contest? Inter Miami FC co-owner David Beckham secured this title, a full decade after his own People's Sexiest Man Alive win in 2015. With his enduring style and status as a father of four, he's a perennial favorite.
Sexiest Cat Dad: Dave Franco
Actor Dave Franco melted hearts (and received his award from Jimmy Fallon just last week!) for his feline-loving ways. Nothing says "adorable" quite like a handsome celeb doting on his furry friends.
Sexiest 40-Year-Old: Derek Hough
The talented dancer and choreographer proved that 40 is absolutely fabulous, earning him this specific age-bracket honor from the readers.

These reader-driven awards generate incredible buzz and highlight how diverse and specific public admiration can be. From new dads to soccer moguls and cat lovers, there's a category for everyone!

Why Jonathan Bailey Became the People's Pick for Sexiest Man

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People Magazine’s main Sexiest Man Alive title is known for its blend of popularity, charisma, and cultural impact, and Jonathan Bailey checks all those boxes and more. While some sources speculate that People typically leans towards mainstream, married, white actors between 35 and 55 with major projects to promote, Bailey’s win showcases a commitment to a more modern and inclusive definition of "sexy."

Bailey's ascent to global stardom, especially through his breakout role in Netflix's Bridgerton, has made him a household name. His undeniable charm, talent, and public persona align perfectly with People's evolving criteria, which now explicitly look beyond just looks to "recognize talent, charisma and impact." His upcoming role in the highly anticipated Wicked movie also aligns with the tradition of winners often having a major project on the horizon.

Before the official reveal, speculation was running wild, as it always does. Names like Glen Powell (with his upcoming film The Running Man), media-savvy NFL star Travis Kelce (especially with all the Taylor Swift buzz!), and internet favorites like Pedro Pascal were all thrown into the ring. Chad Michael Murray and even a potential three-time winner George Clooney were considered nostalgic choices. However, Bailey's win truly resonates with the magazine's stated commitment to diversity and a more expansive understanding of what captivates an audience in 2025.

The Evolution of a Cultural Icon: 40 Years of Sexiest Men Alive

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This year's Sexiest Man Alive marks a truly special occasion: the 40th anniversary of the franchise. First introduced in 1985, the Sexiest Man Alive issue has transformed from a "cheeky celebration of Hollywood heart-throbs" into a significant cultural milestone.

Over four decades, the list of honorees has become a who's who of global stars, from George Clooney and David Beckham to Idris Elba and John Krasinski. People's editors consistently emphasize that the title has grown beyond mere physical appearance, now encompassing qualities like confidence, kindness, talent, and overall cultural influence. Jonathan Bailey's historic win, as the first openly gay recipient, underlines this evolution, demonstrating that "sexy" is truly diverse and inclusive, reflecting the multifaceted appeal that captures public fascination today.

What's Next for the Sexiest Man Alive and the Buzz?

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Jonathan Bailey is stepping into big shoes, but his magnetic personality and growing star power make him an excellent choice for 2025. His win is sure to spark discussions across social media, where fans eagerly dissect every aspect of People's selection. Hashtags like #SexiestManAlive2025 will no doubt be trending as viewers share their excitement and debate the significance of this year's pick.

While People Magazine's title is the big one, don't forget that other publications like Just Jared are also running their own fan-driven polls for "Sexiest Male Celebrity of 2025." Just Jared's poll, which operates independently from People's selection, allows for unlimited voting and is set to close on Wednesday, November 19, at 3 p.m. ET. These polls offer a fun way for fans to make their voices heard, even if they don't impact the official People's choice.

As the celebrations continue for People's 40th anniversary, Jonathan Bailey's reign as Sexiest Man Alive 2025 promises to be a memorable one. It's a testament to his talent, charisma, and the changing landscape of what it means to be a global heartthrob in the modern era. Congrats, Jonathan!

Frequently Asked Questions About the Sexiest Man Alive 2025

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When was People's Sexiest Man Alive 2025 revealed?

The 2025 Sexiest Man Alive, Jonathan Bailey, was revealed live on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 11:35 p.m. ET on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on NBC.

Who is People's Sexiest Man Alive for 2025?

Jonathan Bailey, known for his role in Bridgerton and upcoming role in Wicked, has been named People's Sexiest Man Alive for 2025.

What makes Jonathan Bailey's win historic for the Sexiest Man Alive award?

Jonathan Bailey is the first openly gay man to be named People's Sexiest Man Alive in the award's 40-year history, marking a significant moment for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media.

What were some of the other People's Reader's Choice awards for 2025?

Readers also voted for Christian McCaffrey as Sexiest New Dad in Sports, David Beckham as Sexiest Soccer Club Owner, Dave Franco as Sexiest Cat Dad, and Derek Hough as Sexiest 40-Year-Old.