British actor Jonathan Bailey has been crowned People Magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” for 2025 — a landmark win for the 37-year-old who is known for his roles in Bridgerton and Wicked.
Bailey’s selection was officially announced on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he expressed both gratitude and humour. “It’s a huge honour … and it feels completely absurd,” he told host Jimmy Fallon. Reflecting his sense of humour and humility, he revealed that his only earlier admission of the title was to his dog, Benson.
The accolade comes at a peak moment in Bailey’s career. He gained global attention with his portrayal of Lord Anthony Bridgerton in the Netflix hit Bridgerton, and more recently as Prince Fiyero in the blockbuster film adaptation of Wicked. The prestige of the film and his broad visibility in the fashion and entertainment worlds helped make him a strong contender for the title.
In his acceptance remarks, Bailey spoke about the significance of the honour beyond mere appearance. He also highlighted his commitment to advocacy and visibility, especially in his role as founder of the charity The Shameless Fund, which supports LGBTQ+ communities worldwide. “I genuinely cherish the value of a sexy man, and the importance of being seen for more than just a character,” he shared.
Industry observers have noted that Bailey’s win also signals broader cultural progress — as one of the first openly gay actors to hold the title, he is helping reshape what celebrity, attractiveness and representation look like in the 2020s.
With this Milestone achieved, Bailey now enters a new phase. On the professional front, he is set to reprise his role in Wicked: For Good, the sequel to Wicked, while his popularity in global fashion and media means the moment is likely to open further opportunities. Personally, the honour adds to his rising profile as both actor and influencer for positive change.
Whether on screen, stage or through his charitable work, Jonathan Bailey’s transformative moment as 2025’s “Sexiest Man Alive” marks a high point in a career built on talent, versatility and a growing platform for advocacy.
