By Easwaran Rutnam
Bridgerton actor Jonathan Bailey has been named People’s Sexiest Man Alive 2025.
Bailey told People magazine that he was “incredibly flattered” to receive the crown, adding that it was a huge honor.
“It’s been a secret, so I’m quite excited for some friends and family to find out,” he added.
He joins the likes of Matthew McConaughey, Idris Elba and Patrick Dempsey to be named the Sexiest Man Alive and to be featured on the cover of the magazine.
Entertainment Weekly said that the 37-year-old actor has now made history, becoming the first out gay man to receive the title.
“”They’ve seen me grow up. Behind the mask of being identified as a sexy man are other truths that they know and they’ve witnessed. They know the secrets,” Jonathan Bailey told People magazine when commenting on the reaction to the news from his friends.
He was picked for the 40th anniversary of the Sexiest Man Alive franchise after growing in popularity, especially on the heels of his role as Lord Anthony on Bridgerton.
The Emmy nominated actor made his big-screen debut as Prince Fiyero in the movie musical megahit Wicked in 2024 and in Jurassic World: Rebirth.
Bailey was raised in rural Oxfordshire in the UK with three older sisters by his mom, Carole, and dad, Stuart.
The cast of Wicked including Ariana Grande and Jeff Goldblum are among a number of stars who congratulated Jonathan Bailey on his achievement.
