Jonathan Bailey Named People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive 2025, First Openly Gay Recipient

Jonathan Bailey, known for his roles in "Bridgerton" and "Wicked," has been named People Magazine's Sexiest Man Alive for 2025, an honor he described as both a huge flattery and "completely absurd." He received the news while performing in Shakespeare's "Richard II" and celebrated it on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon," sharing his excitement and humor about the recognition. Bailey, who began acting as a child and has a strong theater background, is the first openly gay man to receive this title since the award's inception in 1985. Alongside his acting career, he is also noted for his charity work with The Shameless Fund, which supports LGBTQ+ people against discrimination and oppression. His selection marks the 40th anniversary of People’s Sexiest Man Alive award, joining an esteemed list of previous winners like Michael B. Jordan and John Krasinski. Bailey's charm, versatility, and advocacy have made him a standout figure in both Hollywood and the LGBTQ+ community.