Jonathan Bailey, known for his roles in “Wicked” and “Bridgerton,” has been crowned People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2025. The announcement was made on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” with the 37-year-old actor succeeding John Krasinski as the titleholder.
Expressing his gratitude, Bailey described the honor as “completely absurd” but acknowledged the recognition with humility. Notable for his portrayal as Prince Fiyero in the 2024 film adaptation of “Wicked,” Bailey has also captivated audiences as Lord Anthony Bridgerton in the Netflix series and garnered an Emmy nomination for his performance in the Showtime show “Fellow Travelers.” His latest appearance was in “Jurassic World Rebirth.”
Beyond his on-screen charisma, Bailey has endeared himself to fans with his British charm, earning a spot as one of the internet’s favorite personalities. He expressed his excitement on “The Tonight Show,” labeling the People title as the “honor of a lifetime.”
Bailey, who is openly gay, emphasized the significance of being recognized as the first openly gay man to hold the prestigious title. Additionally, he founded The Shameless Fund to support LGBTQ+ organizations in the face of current challenges.
Having dreamt of an acting career since childhood, Bailey’s journey began at five years old when he watched a production of “Oliver!” with his grandmother. Swiftly realizing his aspirations, he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company at a young age and has since amassed a wealth of stage credits, including a recent role in Shakespeare’s “Richard II” in London.
The tradition of People’s Sexiest Man Alive dates back to Mel Gibson in 1985, with Bailey joining a prestigious list of past recipients such as Brad Pitt, George Clooney, and Dwayne Johnson. Bailey’s feature as the cover story in the upcoming People edition will also spotlight his beloved dog, Benson, who shares in his owner’s joy.