English actor Jonathan Bailey has been named People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” for 2025. The 37-year-old star, best known for playing Lord Anthony in Netflix’s Bridgerton and Prince Fiyero in the upcoming Wicked films, becomes the first openly gay actor to receive the title. In his cover interview, Bailey said the honor was “a huge honor” but admitted he found it “completely absurd,” joking that the only one he told was his dog, Benson.
Bailey’s rise has been steady and impressive. Born in Oxfordshire, England, he started acting at eight years old and built a reputation on the London stage before breaking through internationally with Bridgerton. The Netflix hit transformed him into a household name, and his leading roles in Wicked: For Good and Jurassic World: Rebirth have cemented him as one of the most versatile performers of his generation.
Despite the spotlight, Bailey remains deeply connected to his advocacy work. In 2024, he founded The Shameless Fund, a charitable initiative supporting LGBTQ+ causes. “I know the LGBT sector is under immense threat at the moment,” he told People. “It’s been amazing to meet people who have the expertise and see potential that I could have only dreamed of.”
He also reflected on how his identity shapes his perspective, saying, “I feel incredibly lucky. Life is a ride for everyone no matter who you are, where you come from. It’s just making sure that when you’re in the ride, you’re looking left and right and making sure everyone’s all right.” Bailey spoke with humility about the title, explaining that it means more than appearance to him—it’s about confidence, empathy, and being present in life.
The actor’s humor and honesty made his interview memorable. He said his brain “goes off sometimes like the Fourth of July” when he overthinks things and admitted his idea of a perfect evening is simple: “If it’s like date 100, then like Legos and pizza.” Asked about relationships, he added, “Really cheerleading and watching someone thrive should be a real turn-on.”
Bailey’s candidness and self-awareness have endeared him to fans worldwide. He joked that his friends still don’t know about the award, saying, “They’ll be furious that I haven’t told them. And then they’ll just squeal with delight.”
The honor comes at a pivotal point in Bailey’s career. His role in Wicked: For Good releases later this month, following an Emmy-nominated turn in Showtime’s Fellow Travelers. Through all of it, Bailey continues to represent authenticity and kindness in an industry still learning to value both.
When asked what the title means to him, he said, “I hope it can be a symbol of possibility. For anyone who doesn’t see themselves represented, this might make them feel a little more seen.”
It’s a fitting sentiment from an actor who’s spent his career balancing charm, talent, and purpose—qualities that make Jonathan Bailey not only the Sexiest Man Alive but one of the most grounded.
