History Made: First Openly Gay Man Named People’s Sexiest Man Alive
Jonathan Bailey has been named People’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2025, making history as the first openly gay man to earn the title.
The announcement was made Monday night on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” where Bailey also revealed his two magazine covers. One shows him chest-deep in a rocky ocean, and the other features him shirtless while holding a fluffy dog.
“It’s an honor of a lifetime,” Bailey told Fallon. “And I want to say, Jimmy, thank you so much for turning it down so I could be here.”
Bailey first heard the news earlier this year while performing in a production of Shakespeare’s “Richard II.” Reflecting on the moment, he said, “The only thing madder than doing ‘Richard II’ was to be invited into this. And also in 2025, I’m sort of thrilled that People Magazine has invited someone in, to bestow this honor on someone who can really cherish the value of a sexy man.”
When asked how he expects people to treat him after the win, Bailey joked, “I fu**** hope so.”
The British actor is best known to television audiences for his breakout role as Lord Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix’s hit series “Bridgerton,” which premiered in 2020. He has also expanded into film, portraying Prince Fiyero in “Wicked” and Dr. Henry Loomis in “Jurassic World: Rebirth.”
People’s Sexiest Man Alive has been an annual feature since 1985, with Mel Gibson as the first honoree. Last year’s winner was John Krasinski, and past recipients include Patrick Dempsey, Chris Evans, Paul Rudd, Michael B. Jordan, and John Legend.
Bailey’s recognition is being celebrated not just for his charm and talent, but also for the milestone it represents for the LGBTQ+ community. “In 2025, I’m sort of thrilled that People magazine have invited someone in, to bestow this honor on someone who can really cherish the value of a sexy man,” he told Fallon, highlighting the significance of the moment.
This historic win marks a new chapter for the iconic award, and fans are excited to see Bailey continue to break barriers.
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