Key Takeaways
- Jonathan Bailey has been named People’s 2025 Sexiest Man Alive, succeeding John Krasinski.
- The Bridgerton and Wicked actor called the recognition “an honor” and “completely absurd.”
- Bailey continues to use his platform to support LGBTQ+ causes through The Shameless Fund.
Jonathan Bailey Crowned 2025’s Sexiest Man Alive
It’s official — Bridgerton leading man Jonathan Bailey has been named People magazine’s 2025 Sexiest Man Alive, announced Monday night on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The 37-year-old British actor succeeds last year’s titleholder, John Krasinski, joining an exclusive list of Hollywood icons that includes Brad Pitt, Michael B. Jordan, and Dwayne Johnson.
“It’s a huge honor,” Bailey told People. “Obviously, I’m incredibly flattered. And it’s completely absurd.”
The actor, who’s captured hearts worldwide with his charm, wit, and warmth on-screen, called the recognition “an honor of a lifetime” during his appearance on Fallon’s show. “I’m sort of thrilled that People magazine have bestowed this on someone who can really cherish the value of a sexy man,” he joked.
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From Bridgerton to Wicked: A Career in Bloom
Bailey’s rise to international stardom has been both steady and diverse. He first won over audiences as Lord Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix’s Bridgerton, where his performance as the romantic yet conflicted viscount cemented his status as one of television’s most magnetic leading men.
In 2024, Bailey made his big-screen debut as the dashing Prince Fiyero in Wicked: Part One, opposite Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. His performance was widely praised for balancing charm with vulnerability. The sequel, Wicked: Part Two, arrives in theaters November 21.
That same year, he earned an Emmy nomination for his role in Showtime’s Fellow Travelers, a sweeping historical romance that further showcased his dramatic range. Most recently, Bailey appeared in the summer blockbuster Jurassic World Rebirth, released in July, proving his versatility across genres.
A Life Shaped by Stage and Purpose
Long before Hollywood, Bailey’s love for acting began at the age of five when his grandmother took him to see the musical Oliver!. Two years later, he achieved his childhood dream, performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
His stage career has remained integral to his identity as a performer. Earlier this year, he starred in Shakespeare’s Richard II in London, earning acclaim for his nuanced and emotionally charged portrayal.
Beyond acting, Bailey has become an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. As an openly gay actor, he founded The Shameless Fund, which supports LGBTQ+ organizations working in arts, education, and mental health.
“I know the LGBT sector is under immense threat at the moment,” Bailey told People. “So it’s been amazing to meet people who have the expertise and see potential that I could have only dreamed of.”
An Icon of Talent, Heart, and Humor
Bailey joins a long legacy of Sexiest Man Alive honorees dating back to Mel Gibson in 1985. Other past recipients include George Clooney, John F. Kennedy Jr., Paul Rudd, and Patrick Dempsey.
Despite the fanfare, Bailey has handled the attention with characteristic humility — and humor. He admitted he struggled to keep the news a total secret, confessing that he told just one confidant: his beloved dog, Benson, who will also appear alongside him in People’s cover story on Friday.
Conclusion: A Star Embracing the Moment
From the refined halls of Bridgerton to the vibrant world of Wicked, Jonathan Bailey has proven himself as one of the most compelling talents of his generation. With his blend of grace, intelligence, and generosity, his selection as 2025’s Sexiest Man Alive feels less like a surprise and more like a celebration of everything he embodies — charm, authenticity, and heart.
And while Bailey may call the honor “absurd,” for millions of fans around the world, it’s simply undeniable.
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