Jonathan Bailey Crowned People’s Sexiest Man Alive 2025 — A Historic First for the ‘Wicked’ Star
“Wicked” and “Bridgerton” heartthrob Jonathan Bailey has officially been named People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive 2025, making history as the first openly gay man to receive the title since the honor began in 1985. The announcement was made live on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Monday, November 3, where Bailey surprised fans by walking out on stage as the reveal was made.
Jonathan Bailey: A Career Worthy of the Spotlight
At 37, Jonathan Bailey has captured global audiences with his charm, versatility, and undeniable talent. From his breakout role as Lord Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix’s Bridgerton to his dazzling performance as Prince Fiyero in the upcoming Wicked films, Bailey has proven himself as both a serious actor and a fan favorite.
He also starred in Fellow Travelers — which earned him a 2024 Emmy nomination — and in the summer blockbuster Jurassic World Rebirth. Offscreen, he has been performing Shakespeare’s Richard II in London, showcasing his strong stage roots and classical acting range.
The Historic Title and Emotional Reaction
Bailey called the recognition an “honor of a lifetime”, adding that he’s “incredibly flattered” but finds the entire experience “completely absurd.” The news came while he was performing Richard II at London’s Bridge Theatre, and he admitted that keeping the secret was nearly impossible — though his friends initially didn’t believe him when he tried to tell them.
In true Bailey fashion, he stayed humble:
“It’s the honor of a lifetime. Obviously, I’m flattered, but it’s completely mad. I’m just thrilled People magazine chose to bestow this on someone who truly cherishes what being sexy means — kindness, humor, and heart.”
‘Wicked’ Cast and Fans Celebrate His Win
Bailey’s Wicked castmates — including Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jeff Goldblum, and Ethan Slater — celebrated the announcement with a fun tribute video.
Grande gushed, “You’re the kindest and most brilliant, beautiful inside as well as out,” while Goldblum joked, “He’s the sexiest man not only on this planet but in the entire multiverse.”
Cynthia Erivo added on Instagram:
“Now the world knows what I’ve known all along. I LOVE YOU! CONGRATULATIONS!!!”
The Wicked movie’s official account also posted:
“That’s 👏 our 👏 Fiyero! 👏”
Fans echoed the excitement online, calling the decision “the best pick in years” and flooding social media with praise, admiration, and plenty of heart emojis.
A Legacy of ‘Sexiest Men Alive’
Bailey takes the crown from John Krasinski, the 2024 honoree, joining a legendary list that includes Chris Evans, Michael B. Jordan, Patrick Dempsey, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Mel Gibson, the very first recipient in 1985.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” tradition — making Bailey’s win not only groundbreaking but also symbolic of Hollywood’s growing celebration of diversity and inclusivity.
Jonathan Bailey’s Advocacy and Heart
Offscreen, Jonathan Bailey is a strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. He founded The Shameless Fund, an initiative supporting LGBTQ+ organizations and awareness projects worldwide.
“I know the LGBT sector is under immense threat,” he said. “It’s been amazing to meet people doing real work, with expertise and compassion that inspire me daily.”
He also shared the news of his win with his beloved dog, Benson, who appears alongside him in one of his People cover photos — the actor shirtless, smiling, and holding his furry best friend.
A Star Redefining What “Sexy” Means
Jonathan Bailey’s journey — from his childhood dream of acting to his reign as People’s Sexiest Man Alive — represents more than celebrity status. It’s a celebration of authenticity, confidence, and kindness in an industry that’s learning to embrace all forms of beauty.
As Bailey told People,
“Sexy isn’t about how you look. It’s about how you treat people, how you live, and how much love you put into the world.”
And that’s exactly why the world — and Oz — couldn’t agree more. 💚
Quick Facts About Jonathan Bailey
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jonathan Stuart Bailey |
| Date of Birth | 25 April 1988 |
| Place of Birth | Wallingford, Oxfordshire, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years Active | 1995 – present |
| Known For | Bridgerton, Fellow Travelers, Wicked, Broadchurch, Company, The Last Five Years |
| Education | Magdalen College School, Oxford (music scholarship); did not attend university or drama school |
| Parents | Carole Bailey (audiologist), Stuart Bailey (managing director of Rowse Honey) |
| Siblings | Three older sisters |
| Early Acting Debut | At age 7 in Royal Shakespeare Company’s A Christmas Carol |
| First West End Role | Gavroche in Les Misérables (age 8) |
| Film Debut | Five Children and It (2004) |
| Major Stage Works | Othello (2013), The York Realist (2018), Company (2018–2019), Cock (2022), Richard II (2025) |
| Major Screen Works | Broadchurch (2013–2015), Crashing (2016), Bridgerton (2020–present), Fellow Travelers (2023), Wicked (2024–2025), Jurassic World Rebirth (2025) |
| Notable Awards | – Laurence Olivier Award (2019) for Company – Critics’ Choice Television Award (2024) for Fellow Travelers |
| Nominations | – Primetime Emmy Award (2024) – Best Supporting Actor – Screen Actors Guild Award (2025) – Best Supporting Actor |
| Other Honors | – Time 100 Next (2025) – Influential Artists – People’s Sexiest Man Alive (2025) |
| Philanthropy | Founder of The Shameless Fund (2024), supports LGBTQ+ causes |
| Charity Work | Motor Neurone Disease Association (2019), Just Like Us (2024) |
| Personal Life | Lives in Hove, East Sussex; openly gay (came out publicly in 2018) |
| Hobbies | Cycling, paddleboarding, marathons, triathlons, mountaineering |
| Notable Quote | “If I can fill spaces that I didn’t have growing up, then I feel like that’s a really brilliant thing.” |
| Public Image | Described as charming, energetic, and one of Hollywood’s most respected openly LGBTQ+ actors |
| Media Recognition | Described by Time as “redefining the Hollywood Heartthrob”; praised by The Guardian and Variety for versatile acting |
