Jonathan Bailey Is People’s Sexiest Man Alive 2025

No offense to all the Sexiest Men Alive who came before, but this time, People absolutely nailed it. Jonathan Bailey—actor, singer, dancer, and all-around heartthrob—has officially been crowned the Sexiest Man Alive 2025. And honestly? We can’t think of anyone more deserving. We’ve never been shy about calling him one of our faves here at Q+, but let’s be real, he’s everyone’s fave at this point.

At 37, Bailey has done it all and done it with flair. He’s conquered theatre, television, film, and even the music charts, all while charming the world with his talent, wit, and those unfairly perfect looks. Face card? Never declined. From his breakout as Anthony Bridgerton to his dazzling turn as Fiyero in Wicked, he’s proven he’s not just another leading man, he’s a generational one.

In his People interview, Bailey recalled the exact moment he realized he’d made it internationally, and it sounds straight out of a movie. “I had the radio set for my alarm, and one morning it went off with, ‘Here’s the news at 7. But just before we go, can we talk about Jonathan Bailey?’” he said with a laugh. “I was like, ‘Where is my journal? Is this real?’ It was wild.”

Of course, those of us who’ve followed his career know the success didn’t happen overnight. Jonathan’s been captivating audiences since he was seven, performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company in A Christmas Carol, Les Misérables, and King John before appearing in beloved British TV staples like Doctors and The Bill. Through his teens and twenties, he became one of those familiar faces you couldn’t miss; starring as young Leonardo da Vinci in Leonardo, making us laugh in Campus and Groove High, and earning acclaim for his stage work in South Downs and Othello at the National Theatre.

Then came Broadchurch, Company, and Bridgerton—the holy trinity of Bailey brilliance. His hilarious, gender-swapped role in Sondheim’s Company even earned him an Olivier Award and cemented his status as one of theatre’s brightest stars. And his turn as Anthony Bridgerton didn’t just make him a household name, it made him a global heartthrob. Bridgerton’s second season became Netflix’s most-watched English-language series back then, all thanks to Bailey’s mix of emotional depth, confidence, and pure romantic magnetism.

Since then, he’s only continued to shine. His work in Cock showcased raw vulnerability, while Fellow Travelers, alongside Matt Bomer, earned him a Critics’ Choice Award and an Emmy nomination. In 2024, he brought his signature charm (and enviable dance moves) to the big screen as Fiyero in Wicked, landing rave reviews and even scoring a Billboard hit with Dancing Through Life. Most recently, he’s proved his range yet again, from playing Richard II in Nicholas Hytner’s acclaimed production to his delightful cameo in Heartstopper’s third season, and now stepping into blockbuster territory with Jurassic World: Rebirth.

But beyond the accolades and screen time, Bailey’s impact reaches far beyond entertainment. He’s used his platform to champion important causes close to his heart. In 2019, he joined the National Three Peaks Challenge to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, and in 2024, he ran the Hackney Half Marathon in support of LGBTQ+ youth charity Just Like Us, where he serves as a patron. That same year, he founded The Shameless Fund, a charity “helping members of the queer community across the world live freely and authentically.” Its first collaboration, with Loewe’s Drink Your Milk collection, raised funds through a cheeky fashion campaign, and in 2025 he teamed up with eyewear brand Cubitts to reimagine his Jurassic World: Rebirth glasses, with proceeds benefiting the cause.

From child prodigy to Olivier winner, Netflix darling, and now People’s Sexiest Man Alive, Jonathan Bailey has done it all, with talent, kindness, and a wink that could melt anyone.

But this title means even more than it looks. Bailey is the first openly gay actor to receive the honor, a milestone that feels both overdue and deeply meaningful. In a time when LGBTQ+ communities face growing hostility in both the UK and U.S., seeing an out gay man celebrated as the “sexiest man alive” isn’t just a win for him, it’s a win for all of us.

When asked how it felt to receive the news, Bailey kept it humble (and very him): “It’s a huge honor. Obviously I’m incredibly flattered. And it’s completely absurd. [Laughs] It’s been a secret, so I’m quite excited for some friends and family to find out.”

Well, the secret’s officially out, and we couldn’t be happier to see that charming smile (and yes, that face) get the global appreciation it deserves. Congrats, Jonathan, the sexiest man alive crown suits you.

[Read Jonathan Bailey’s full People interview here.]

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Featured Image: Image via People. Photo by Jason Hetherington.