In a surprising twist, Jonathan Bailey, the star of the highly anticipated film “Wicked,” has been crowned People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2025. The announcement was made during an episode of “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” on Monday night. Bailey takes over the title from John Krasinski, who was honored in 2024.
At 37 years old, Bailey expressed his excitement and gratitude for being recognized as the Sexiest Man Alive. “It’s a huge honor,” he shared with People. “Obviously, I’m incredibly flattered. And it’s completely absurd.” His charming presence has captivated audiences, particularly in his role as Prince Fiyero in the 2024 film adaptation of “Wicked.” In this popular movie musical, he encourages his fellow students to embrace a carefree and shallow lifestyle.
Fans can look forward to the second part of “Wicked,” which is set to hit theaters on November 21. Bailey has also made a significant impact on television, portraying Lord Anthony Bridgerton in the Netflix series “Bridgerton,” where his performance garnered critical acclaim. Recently, he received a 2024 Emmy nomination for his outstanding role in the Showtime series “Fellow Travelers.” Additionally, he starred in the action-packed film “Jurassic World Rebirth,” which premiered in July.
During his appearance on Fallon’s show, Bailey referred to being named the Sexiest Man Alive as “an honor of a lifetime.” He reminisced about his journey into acting, revealing that his passion ignited at the age of five when his grandmother took him to see a production of the beloved musical “Oliver!” Just two years later, he realized his dream by performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Beyond his acting career, Bailey is an outspoken advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. He founded The Shameless Fund, which aims to support various LGBTQ+ organizations. “I know the LGBT sector is under immense threat at the moment,” he noted. “So it’s been amazing to meet people who have the expertise and see potential that I could have only dreamed of.”
The title of Sexiest Man Alive has a rich history, first awarded to Mel Gibson in 1985. Over the years, other notable recipients have included Brad Pitt, George Clooney, John F. Kennedy Jr., David Beckham, Michael B. Jordan, John Legend, Dwayne Johnson, Paul Rudd, Pierce Brosnan, and Patrick Dempsey. Bailey is set to be the cover story in the upcoming issue of People, releasing this Friday.
While Bailey had to keep the exciting news under wraps, he admitted to sharing the honor with his beloved dog, Benson, who will also make an appearance in the magazine. This playful gesture showcases Bailey’s warm personality and love for his furry friend.
As Jonathan Bailey steps into the spotlight as the 2025 Sexiest Man Alive, his remarkable journey as an actor and advocate continues to inspire many.
