Move over, Viscount Bridgerton! There’s a new title in town. In a moment that sent fans into a frenzy worldwide, People magazine has officially crowned Jonathan Bailey as the Sexiest Man Alive in 2025. The 37-year-old British actor, best known for setting screens ablaze in Netflix’s Bridgerton, was unveiled as this year’s honoree during a lively segment on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Monday night, taking the torch from 2024’s winner, John Krasinski.
For nearly four decades, the title has stood as a pop culture benchmark. This year, it finds a worthy bearer in Bailey, a man whose mix of raw talent, emotional depth, and easy charm has carried him from London’s theatre stages to global superstardom. His reaction to the honor captured exactly why audiences adore him: a perfect blend of humility, wit, and genuine disbelief.
An “Absurd” and “Huge Honor”
Jonathan Bailey is @people’s Sexiest Man Alive 2025! #FallonTonight pic.twitter.com/n5kzx9n1L3
— The Tonight Show (@FallonTonight) November 4, 2025
When Jimmy Fallon made the announcement on his show, Jonathan Bailey’s reaction was pure British wit wrapped in humility. “It’s an honor of a lifetime,” he said, before adding with a grin, “And I want to say, Jimmy, thank you so much for turning it down so I could be here.” That quick humor carried through to his People interview, where Bailey called the title “completely absurd,” though he couldn’t deny, “I mean, it’s a huge honor. Obviously, I’m incredibly flattered.”
The news had first reached him earlier this year, right in the midst of performing Shakespeare’s Richard II in London. “The only thing madder than doing Richard II was to be invited into this,” he mused. Then, reflecting more deeply, he added, “And also in 2025, I’m sort of thrilled that People Magazine has invited someone in, to bestow this honor on someone who can really cherish the value of a sexy man.” And when asked if he expects life to change now that he holds the title? Bailey didn’t miss a beat. “I fucking hope so,” he laughed.
From the West End to a Global Phenomenon
Bailey’s journey to becoming People magazine’s 2025 Sexiest Man Alive is a testament to decades of dedication and quiet determination. Born in Oxfordshire, England, he discovered his passion for acting at just five years old after seeing a performance of Oliver! with his grandmother. By seven, he was already performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company, a prodigious start that set the stage for a remarkable career on London’s West End.
While American audiences first fell for his smoldering gaze and sharp wit as the brooding Lord Anthony Bridgerton on Netflix’s Bridgerton, Bailey’s career has always been defined by range and intention. His Emmy-nominated turn as a closeted congressional staffer in the acclaimed limited series Fellow Travelers revealed emotional depth far beyond the Regency romance that made him a household name.
Recently, Bailey has made an effortless leap to the big screen, starring in this summer’s blockbuster Jurassic World: Rebirth and taking on the coveted role of Prince Fiyero in the upcoming movie musical Wicked. Grateful to share the screen with stars like Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Scarlett Johansson, Bailey radiates the same warmth off camera as he does on it. And judging by the joyful behind-the-scenes photos, the admiration is mutual.
A Celebration of Sexy, Chosen by the People
The designation of People magazine’s 2025 Sexiest Man Alive is more than just a headline. It’s the crown jewel in a broader celebration of charm, humor, and heart. This year’s Readers’ Choice poll brought spirited competition across fourteen categories, reflecting the evolving and delightfully unpredictable tastes of People’s audience.
In honor of the franchise’s 40th anniversary, Dancing with the Stars judge Derek Hough danced away with the title of Sexiest 40-Year-Old. In true sibling fashion, his sister Julianne Hough marked the occasion by shaving her head on air—a cheeky tribute after Derek refused to do it himself.
The winners’ list read like a cultural time capsule of charisma. Former Sexiest Man Alive David Beckham claimed Sexiest Soccer Club Owner, while Dave Franco earned Sexiest Cat Dad thanks to his viral faux-acceptance speech and devotion to his tabbies, Max and Otis. Country star Riley Green took Sexiest Country Star, rising actor Mason Thames was dubbed Sexiest New Heartthrob, and Damson Idris stole Sexiest Guy to Take the Plunge for his fearless red-carpet style.
Even the fictional world had its say: The Summer I Turned Pretty’s Conrad Fisher (played by Christopher Briney) officially ended the fandom debate, winning Sexiest “Green Flag” Fictional Character. Over in the podcasting world, Frank Alvarez and Joe Santagato of The Basement Yard were crowned Sexiest Podcasters. Meanwhile, Troye Sivan claimed the Sexiest “Sally” for his viral dance cameo in Role Model’s music video.
Rounding out the eclectic lineup, Dylan Efron earned Sexiest Tattoos, Henry Smith took Sexiest TikTok Star, and NFL player Christian McCaffrey was named Sexiest New Dad in Sports. And for a nostalgic twist, Never Been Kissed heartthrob Michael Vartan received his due as Sexiest Drew Barrymore Costar, proving that some crushes never fade.
More Than Just a Pretty Face
What truly sets Jonathan Bailey apart, and makes his selection as People Magazine’s 2025 Sexiest Man Alive so resonant, is the depth behind the dazzling exterior. In his cover story, he arrives straight from a voluntary plunge into the frigid ocean for a photoshoot, then casually requests a glass of Bordeaux. Within minutes, according to the writer, his effortless charm and quick wit have the entire room flushed and laughing. He is, as the feature aptly puts it, “brimming with charm, wit, and almost unfairly handsome looks,” yet remains disarmingly grounded.
Bailey doesn’t shy away from vulnerability either. “I feel awkward quite a lot of the time. I feel like that state is lifelong for me,” he admits. Indeed, a confession that makes his global fame and new title feel even more relatable. Beneath the charisma is an actor who values the quiet constants: his craft, his close circle of friends and family, and his beloved dog, Benson, who even joined him for one of his two cover shoots.
Now, as he savors a rare moment of calm before the release of Wicked: For Good and the inevitable whirlwind that will follow, Bailey reflects on his journey with humility and awe. “You get to a point where you look back and you go, ‘Wow,’ but you never for a second think that’s where you’re headed,” he says. “You know, to be able to do things that you dream of.”
For Jonathan Bailey, the actor who continues to captivate the world with his talent, warmth, and humanity, being named People’s Sexiest Man Alive of 2025 isn’t just a milestone. It’s another extraordinary chapter in a story that’s still beautifully unfolding.
Featured image: Charlotte Hadden for TIME
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