'Bridgerton' heartthrob Jonathan Bailey is 'People's Sexiest Man Alive
What's the story
Jonathan Bailey, the English actor known for his roles in Bridgerton and Wicked, has been named People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive for 2025. The announcement was made on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where Bailey succeeded John Krasinski. "It's a huge honor. Obviously, I'm incredibly flattered. And it's completely absurd," Bailey told People about the recognition.
Career highlights
Career in entertainment since age 7
Bailey, 37, knew he wanted to be a part of the entertainment industry since he was five years old. He made his stage debut with the Royal Shakespeare Company at just seven years old. His breakout role as Lord Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix's period drama Bridgerton catapulted him to global fame. He has also starred in films like Jurassic World Rebirth and Wicked, and will be seen in Wicked: For Good later this month.
Advocacy work
Philanthropy and LGBTQ+ advocacy
Bailey, who is openly gay, has also been involved in philanthropy. He founded The Shameless Fund, which supports LGBTQ+ organizations. "I know the LGBT sector is under immense threat at the moment," he said. "So it's been amazing to meet people who have the expertise and see potential that I could have only dreamed of." As per CNN, he is most likely the first openly gay person selected for the Sexiest Man Alive title.
Actor's reaction
'Quite excited for some friends and family to find out'
Bailey told People, "I'm quite excited for some friends and family to find out." He also revealed that he had only told his dog Benson about the title before the announcement. "I'm sort of thrilled that People magazine have invited someone in - bestowed this honor on someone who can really cherish the value of a sexy man," he revealed during his conversation with Fallon. Witness 2025's Sexiest Man Alive's charm on the big screen on November 21 (Wicked 2).