LOS ANGELES – English actor Jonathan Bailey, who returns to movie theatres on Nov 20 in the musical film Wicked: For Good, was named Sexiest Man Alive 2025 by People magazine.
The 37-year-old said it was a “huge honour” to receive the pop culture accolade previously awarded to stars including Australian actor Chris Hemsworth and American actor George Clooney.
“Obviously, I’m incredibly flattered. And it’s completely absurd,” Bailey told American magazine People with a laugh. He joked that he had shared the news only with his dog, Benson.
The selection of Bailey, also known for his role as Lord Anthony in the steamy period drama Bridgerton (2020 to present), was announced on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Nov 3.
Bailey played Prince Fiyero in 2024’s blockbuster Wicked, director Jon M. Chu’s adaptation of the hit Broadway musical. He will reprise the role in the coming sequel Wicked: For Good, which also stars Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jeff Goldblum and Michelle Yeoh.
Bailey most recently starred opposite Scarlett Johansson in dinosaur flick Jurassic World: Rebirth in July.
The Office (2005 to 2013) actor John Krasinski was named Sexiest Man Alive in 2024. Other actors and singers who have been given the title by People magazine’s editors include American singers Blake Shelton and Adam Levine, British actor Idris Elba and American actor Channing Tatum. REUTERS