Jonathan Bailey, who has been winning hearts with his portrayal of Lord Anthony in popular Netflix series Bridgerton, has been adjudged Sexiest Man Alive 2025 by People magazine.
The 37-year-old also captured viewers’ imagination with his role of Prince Fiyero in the film Wicked, receiving positive critic reviews that called his performance charming and charismatic. For Fellow Travelers, he earned an Emmy nomination. The actor’s popularity graph is only soaring and with this latest title, Bailey can’t stop thanking his fans for their love.
What Bailey said about receiving the title
The much-awaited announcement came on Monday night on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. The actor couldn’t stop giggling when quizzed about receiving the title, and said “I’m incredibly flattered”.
“It’s a huge honor. Obviously I’m incredibly flattered. And it’s completely absurd. [Laughs] It’s been a secret, so I’m quite excited for some friends and family to find out,” Bailey told People in an interview.
The past titleholders
While John Krasinski got the title last year, Patrick Dempsey, Chris Evans, Paul Rudd, and Michael B. Jordan have been winners of past years. Mel Gibson was the inaugural Sexiest Man Alive, and he was awarded the title in the year 1985.
The fascinating journey called showbiz
Bailey’s showbiz journey is nothing less than exciting. After Bridgerton’s mass recognition, he shot to cinematic fame with Wicked and Jurassic World: Rebirth. Few people know that Bailey wanted to become an actor ever since he turned 5 after he got inspired watching Oliver! with his grandmother.
By the time he turned 7, he was already performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company in London. Balancing stage and screen with aplomb, Bailey has been perfecting his craft over the years. He made his television debut with ITV’s whodunnit murder drama Broadchurch.
Meanwhile, Bailey is waiting for his friends’ reactions on him winning the title. “They’ll be furious that I haven’t told them. And then they’ll just squeal with delight. 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,” the actor told People.
Coming up next is the sequel of his hit film Wicked: For Good, which will be out on November 21.
