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Jonathan Bailey Named People’s First Openly Gay ‘Sexiest Man Alive,’ Sparking Hilarious Reactions
Actor Jonathan Bailey has officially been named People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2025.
The 37-year-old was revealed as this year’s pick during the Monday, November 3 episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
The choice sparked a wave of hilarious reactions online, as Jonathan became the first openly gay man to hold the title.
Highlights
- Jonathan Bailey was crowned People’s Sexiest Man Alive 2025, becoming the first openly gay man to receive the title.
- The 37-year-old Bridgerton star reacted humorously to the honor during The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, calling it “the honor of a lifetime.”
- Fans took to social media to celebrate the milestone, praising Bailey’s charm and his proud LGBTQ+ representation.
“So gorgeous. Sad he bats for the other team lol,” wrote one female fan of the actor.
RELATED:
Jonathan Bailey crowned the first openly gay man as People’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2025
Image credits: Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty Images
The Bridgerton heartthrob took the title from The Office star John Krasinski, who was the 2024 pick for the honor.
When host Jimmy Fallon announced the news, Bailey was visibly thrilled, grinning from ear to ear.
He sarcastically told the comedian, “It’s the honor of a lifetime. I want to say, Jimmy, thank you so much for turning it down so that I could be here.”
The news of the 37-year-old actor’s latest achievement was announced by host Jimmy Fallon on his talk show
Image credits: People
Further explaining how he first learned about the magazine’s decision, Jonathan shared that it happened a few months earlier this year.
While performing the titular role in the acclaimed play Richard II at London’s Bridge Theatre, he received a call from the publication.
At the time, his reaction was, “You go slightly mad. The only thing madder than doing ‘Richard II’ was to be invited into this.”
“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 s**y man.”
The Wicked star succeeded actor John Krasinski, who held the iconic title last year
Image credits: Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images
This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the annual title, which celebrates the sexiest man in the industry as decided by the outlet.
People’s Sexiest Man Alive feature has been a beloved tradition since 1985, with the first-ever honoree being Mel Gibson.
In a recent interview with People, Jonathan opened up about receiving the “huge honor,” saying, “Obviously, I’m incredibly flattered. And it’s completely absurd.”
Jonathan’s recent win sparked a wave of reactions online, with fans, especially women, playfully celebrating the actor
Image credits: Netflix
Social media was soon flooded with lighthearted comments from admirers who couldn’t stop gushing over Bailey’s charm, good looks, and the fact that he’s proudly and openly gay.
One fan quipped, “The man made me feel things I never felt before with a male. He has earned the title!”
Another commented, “Guess we’re all collectively agreeing that British accents and good bone structure win every time.”
“Gay or not, we’d have a full on makeout session. Because he’s hotttttt!!”
2025 marks the 40th anniversary of the magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive award
Image credits: Universal Pictures
Bailey has appeared in several hit films and TV series, including his breakout role as Lord Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix’s Bridgerton.
He also earned a 2024 Emmy nomination for his performance.
Jonathan’s Wicked co-stars joined the celebration in the most adorable way, through a video compilation featuring familiar faces like Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Bowen Yang, Jeff Goldblum, and more.
Image credits: Orlebar Brown
Showing love to People’s Sexiest Man Alive, Jonathan Bailey 💛 pic.twitter.com/SG17z58afG
— Wicked: For Good (@wickedmovie) November 4, 2025
The group sported matching tees printed with Jonathan’s shirtless People cover photo, cheering him on with love and laughter.
Jeff Goldblum even took it a step further, declaring, “He’s the sexiest man not only on this planet but in the solar system…”
Beyond the screen, Bailey is a strong advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
He founded The Shameless Fund, a charity that supports various LGBTQ+ organizations and initiatives.
“Watch S2 of Bridgerton & you will understand why he is so deserving of the title,” wrote one swooning social media user
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Anyone-for-tea? 1 month ago
He did a sleep story for the Calm app, and honestly, I have only listened to it once, it is more like erotica, and I listened to every single word! It will definitely not help you sleep.
Anyone-for-tea? 1 month ago
He did a sleep story for the Calm app, and honestly, I have only listened to it once, it is more like erotica, and I listened to every single word! It will definitely not help you sleep.
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