Jonathan Bailey just made history with People Magazine’s 2025 announcement. The 37-year-old British actor became the first openly gay man to win the coveted Sexiest Man Alive title. The reveal happened on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Nov. 3, 2025. Bailey’s reaction was pure joy—laughing and calling the honor “completely absurd.”
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Jonathan Bailey is People Magazine’s 2025 Sexiest Man Alive honoree
- First openly gay man to receive the prestigious annual title
- Announcement revealed on The Tonight Show on Monday, Nov. 3
- Bailey starred as Prince Fiyero in the blockbuster Wicked film
- Wicked: For Good sequel arrives in theaters on Nov. 21, 2025
The Historic Breakthrough Moment
Jonathan Bailey shattered a major milestone for People Magazine this week. The English actor becomes the first openly gay man to hold the prestigious Sexiest Man Alive title. The award has been given annually since 1985. Bailey follows John Krasinski, who won in 2024.
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The announcement came during Jimmy Fallon’s late-night show on Monday evening. Bailey was genuinely touched by the recognition. He called it “an honor of a lifetime.” His two-cover shoot featured him in an ocean and shirtless with his dog Benson. The photos capture his charm and magnetic presence.
“It’s a huge honor. Obviously I’m incredibly flattered. And it’s completely absurd.”
Bailey genuinely kept the secret under wraps before the reveal. He joked that he only told his dog about the honor. The British star even credited an NDA for his silence. When asked who would give him grief, Bailey predicted his friends would be furious. They’ll demand to know why he didn’t tell them first.
From Bridgerton to Hollywood Stardom
Bailey’s rise to fame happened fast over the past five years. His breakthrough role came as Lord Anthony Bridgerton on Netflix’s Bridgerton in 2020. The steamy royal drama series catapulted him into immediate spotlight. He earned critical acclaim and a massive fanbase overnight.
But Bailey didn’t stop there—he kept climbing. He earned an Emmy nomination for playing a closeted congressional staffer in Showtime’s Fellow Travelers. Then came his big-screen debut as Prince Fiyero in the musical blockbuster Wicked in 2024. He received a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for best supporting actor.
Most recently, Bailey starred alongside Scarlett Johansson in the summer’s action blockbuster Jurassic World: Rebirth. He’s worked with brilliant talents including Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Matt Bomer. Bailey credits his costars for pushing his craft forward continuously.
The Path to Becoming an Icon (with Table)
Jonathan Bailey’s career milestones paint a remarkable trajectory to stardom. Each role built his reputation and Hollywood credibility. The timing of his Sexiest Man Alive title couldn’t be better.
| Year | Role/Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Age 7 | Royal Shakespeare Company | Early career as child performer in London |
| 2020 | Bridgerton (Netflix) | Lord Anthony Bridgerton—breakthrough role |
| 2024 | Wicked (Film) | Prince Fiyero—SAG nomination for best supporting actor |
| Summer 2025 | Jurassic World: Rebirth | Action blockbuster alongside Scarlett Johansson |
| Nov. 3, 2025 | Sexiest Man Alive | First openly gay honoree in magazine’s 40-year history |
Bailey grew up in rural Oxfordshire with three older sisters, his mom Carole, and dad Stuart. He knew at age 5 he wanted to be an actor. He saw a performance of Oliver! with his grandmother and was hooked. The rest is Hollywood history unfolding before our eyes.
What to Expect Next: Big Projects Ahead
- Wicked: For Good hits theaters on Nov. 21, 2025—the epic sequel conclusion
- Bailey reprise his role as Prince Fiyero for the anticipated finale
- The actor has described it as an “emotional victory lap” for the franchise
- Bailey founded The Shameless Fund in 2024 to support LGBTQ+ organizations
- He’s focused on erasing shame within the LGBTQ+ community through charitable work
Bailey was performing in Shakespeare’s Richard II at the Bridge Theatre when he learned about his Sexiest Man Alive selection. He joked about balancing both commitments. “The only thing madder than doing Richard II was this,” he told Fallon with a laugh. Bailey doesn’t take himself too seriously despite his rising fame.
What Does This Honor Mean for LGBTQ+ Representation?
People Magazine’s decision to honor Jonathan Bailey represents a significant cultural shift. The publication has given Sexiest Man Alive awards annually for 40 years. Bailey is breaking barriers with this historic distinction. LGBTQ+ visibility in mainstream media continues gaining momentum.
Bailey’s genuine humility makes this moment feel authentic and meaningful. He called the title “completely absurd” but appreciated the recognition. He understands his platform matters for younger LGBTQ+ individuals seeing representation. When asked what advice he’d give his 15-year-old self, Bailey said trust your instincts—they’ve got your back.
The British actor founded The Shameless Fund to support LGBTQ+ organizations facing threats. He recognizes people want to “do brilliant stuff” but feel constrained. Bailey is leveraging his newfound status for meaningful social impact. His celebrity opens doors for charitable work benefiting the community.
Can Bailey’s Charm Keep Winning Hearts Beyond This Award?
Bailey has already proven he wins at nearly everything he attempts professionally. Netflix fell for him as Lord Anthony. Hollywood embraced him in Wicked and Jurassic World. Now People Magazine has crowned him. What’s next for this magnetic 37-year-old from Oxfordshire?
The bigger question: can the entertainment industry finally give LGBTQ+ actors the leading roles they deserve? Bailey’s success suggests yes. His roles have been substantial and celebrated. He’s not sidelined as a supporting player—he’s center stage driving narratives forward. That matters tremendously for future generations of actors.
Watch the exclusive Tonight Show reveal below to see Bailey’s genuine reaction to his historic achievement:
The coming weeks will tell us whether this title changes Bailey’s trajectory even further upward.
Sources
- People Magazine – Jonathan Bailey’s full Sexiest Man Alive 2025 interview and cover feature
- Variety – Coverage of Jonathan Bailey’s Sexiest Man Alive announcement
- USA Today – First openly gay Sexiest Man Alive reporting and analysis
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.