By Katy Korstange, Newswire Intern 

“Bridgerton” and “Wicked” star Jonathan Bailey has been named People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2025, making him the first openly gay man to win the title. 

The announcement was made on Monday, Nov. 3 during Bailey’s appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” Last year, the title went to “The Office” star John Krasinski. In previous years, Patrick Dempsey, Chris Evans, Paul Rudd and Michael B. Jordan were some of the men who received the title. 

“I think they finally made a good decision and they actually chose the Sexiest Man Alive,” first-year biological sciences for business major Rae Pfalzer said.

This announcement has been well received by the public, sparking even more excitement for the second “Wicked” movie coming out on Nov. 21, where Bailey will be seen on screen as Prince Fiyero.

“I’m excited for the second ‘Wicked’ to come out and see him in that,” Pfalzer said.

People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” edition started with Mel Gibson in 1985 when an editor jokingly suggested that he was the sexiest man alive. After this, it became a yearly tradition as a result of its popularity and high sales. 

People Magazine chooses its Sexiest Man Alive through polls and many meetings. Ultimately, though, the final choice goes to the editors. The editors consider a person’s public profile, accomplishments and personality – not just physical appearance. 

Bailey began his acting career on stage when he was only seven years old and was a part of Royal Shakespeare Company Productions. At eight, he was performing as Gavroche in a West End production of “Les Misérables.”

Bailey then transitioned to a primarily on-screen role playing in the TV shows “Bramwell,” “The Golden Hour” and “Off the Hook.” He was also in “Alice Through the Looking Glass” in 1998, “Ferrari” in 2003 and “Five Children and It” in 2004. Throughout the 2010s he acted in multiple TV shows such as “Inspector Lewis” and “Campus.” He even appeared in a few episodes of Tom Clancy’s “Jack Ryan.” 

In 2020, Bailey booked his biggest role to date in Netflix’s “Bridgerton.” In the show, he plays Anthony Bridgerton, a character that quickly charmed many fans. In season two, he continued this role in his own focused season where his character found love, increasing fan obsession. 

After Bridgerton, Bailey starred in the thriller TV series “Fellow Traveler” in 2023 alongside Matt Bomer. In “Heartstopper” season three, he made an appearance as Jack Maddox. 

In 2024, Bailey got one of his biggest breaks in the first installment of “Wicked” as Fiyero, which he will continue in “Wicked: For Good.” In 2025 he starred in “Jurassic World: Rebirth” as Dr. Henry Loomis.

After his busy few years on screen, Bailey plans to focus on The Shameless Fund, which he launched in June of 2024 to support and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. 

Bailey’s recognition as People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive not only highlights his growing influence in film and television, but also highlights a broader shift towards inclusion in Hollywood today. Bailey continues to use his platform to promote inclusivity and representation while also showing his versatility as a performer.