In an exciting announcement that has captured the attention of fans worldwide, Jonathan Bailey, the 37-year-old British actor known for his captivating performances in Bridgerton and Wicked, has been named PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive 2025. This historic accolade marks a milestone in Hollywood history, as Bailey becomes the first openly gay actor to receive the coveted title.

A Historic Achievement in Hollywood

Bailey, whose rise to fame spans theater, television, and film, expressed his excitement about the honor, telling PEOPLE, “It’s a huge honor. Obviously I’m incredibly flattered. And it’s completely absurd. It’s been a secret, so I’m quite excited for some friends and family to find out.” The actor’s win is a groundbreaking moment, reflecting Hollywood’s growing embrace of diversity and inclusivity.

Bailey’s journey to this moment hasn’t always been straightforward. Reflecting on his personal growth, he said, “At various moments in my life I’ve been like, ‘I’ve got this,’ which is sometimes met by a deep spike of fear and self-doubt. When I was really young, I was very confident about who I was, and maybe I lost that as I grew up. We’re all sort of trying to get back to the origin, aren’t we? But I was swimming in the sea about an hour ago with a good gang, and I felt all right in my skin.”

Star-Studded Praise and Reactions

The announcement of Bailey’s achievement was met with overwhelming support from fellow actors, directors, and fans alike. Shortly after PEOPLE revealed the news on The Tonight Show, the official Wicked Instagram account shared reactions from several of Bailey’s co-stars and director Jon M. Chu, featuring images of Bailey from his steamy PEOPLE cover shoot.

• Jeff Goldblum declared, “He’s the sexiest man not only on this planet, but in the solar system, in the universe, and any multiverse.”
• Ariana Grande added, “But also you’re the kindest, and the most brilliant, and beautiful inside as well.”
• Cynthia Erivo remarked, “Now the world knows what I’ve known all along.”

These accolades reinforce why Bailey has become one of the most admired and celebrated actors of his generation.

Jonathan Bailey’s Career Highlights

Bailey has amassed an impressive list of roles that have showcased his versatility and undeniable charm. His breakout role in Shonda Rhimes’ Bridgerton introduced audiences to Anthony Bridgerton, whose enemies-to-lovers romance with Kate Sharma (Simone Ashley) in Season 2 became an instant fan favorite.

Bailey further captured hearts as Fiyero in the 2024 cinematic adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical Wicked. Fans of the franchise can look forward to seeing him reprise the role in the upcoming sequel, Wicked: For Good, releasing on November 21, 2025.

Beyond these iconic roles, Bailey has also appeared in:

• Fellow Travelers, a gripping political thriller exploring complex themes of love and secrecy.
• Heartstopper, Netflix’s heartwarming queer coming-of-age series, in which his guest appearance delighted viewers.
• Jurassic World Rebirth, sharing the screen with Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali in the summer blockbuster, where his playful portrayal nearly stole the show.

Joining Hollywood Royalty

Jonathan Bailey now joins a distinguished lineup of actors honored as PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive, a tradition dating back to 1985. In recent years, recipients have included David Beckham, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Idris Elba, John Legend, Michael B. Jordan, Chris Evans, Paul Rudd, Patrick Dempsey, and John Krasinski in 2024. Bailey’s win not only cements his status as a Hollywood heartthrob but also represents a meaningful step forward for LGBTQ+ representation in the entertainment industry.

PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive 2025 Issue

Fans can get a closer look at Bailey’s feature in PEOPLE’s annual Sexiest Man Alive issue, hitting newsstands nationwide on Friday, November 8, 2025. The issue promises exclusive behind-the-scenes photos, candid interviews, and insights into Bailey’s life, career, and personal journey to confidence and self-love.

As Jonathan Bailey celebrates this historic moment, it’s clear that his charm, talent, and authenticity have made him not just the sexiest man alive, but also a role model for fans across the globe.