People Names 2025's Sexiest Man Alive, Sparking Mixed Reactions Online

The "Bridgerton" star exudes charm, wit, and undeniable good looks both on and offscreen, traits that have long captivated fans. Now, the coveted title is officially his this year.

The much-anticipated reveal of People's 2025 Sexiest Man Alive took place on November 3. The announcement quickly ignited social media, with many praising the choice as spot-on while others debated that the title should have gone to different stars.

Jonathan Bailey's career has been on an unstoppable rise, and he now adds People's 2025 Sexiest Man Alive to his growing list of achievements. The actor recently earned the title, appearing on the magazine's cover in a sultry, wet-look photo.

People paired the reveal with the cheeky tagline, "We know, we nailed it," a sentiment that many online agreed with — though not everyone was convinced.

Social Media Erupts Over the 'Sexiest Man Alive' Pick

One person celebrated the announcement with heartfelt enthusiasm, "Somewhere a queer kid is seeing this and realizing for the first time that they too can conquer the odds. 👏🏼."

Another user was simply thrilled, declaring, "The absolute right choice was made," while someone else echoed the excitement with, "Omggggggg [sic] they finally got it right."

The praise kept rolling in as one fan gushed, "Most deserved [sic] sexiest man of all time," and another admitted, "You know what, for the first time in years, valid choice."

Cheers continued with an enthusiastic, "Well deserved!!! Bravo 👏👏," and one viewer even confessed, "This is the only time I've ever agreed on their choice!"

Not everyone was completely convinced, though. A more reserved fan shared, "He is Handsome, but not the sexiest." Another person had someone else in mind, saying, "Chris hemsworth [sic] @chrishemsworth is the sexist man alive...he is a total 10."

Someone else concurred with conviction, "@chrishemsworth is the sexiest man alive. Period." But amid the chatter, a voice of dissent wondered, "Why is Charlie hunnam [sic] never chosen. I don't get it."

From Stage Boy Wonder to Global Star

Despite this accolade, Bailey is still adjusting to the fame that has grown with his career's steady rise into the spotlight. The actor spoke of when he first noticed his rising stardom in 2020, shortly after "Bridgerton" made waves on Netflix.

"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 recalled.

The moment left him stunned, reaching for his journal to confirm it was real. He described the experience as surreal and wild, marking the instant he realized how much attention the show had brought him.

Over the past five years, Bailey has won audiences over as Lord Anthony in "Bridgerton" and received an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of a closeted congressional staffer in Showtime's "Fellow Travelers."

His big-screen journey took off with his 2024 debut as Prince Fiyero in the musical sensation "Wicked," followed by his starring role in this summer's blockbuster "Jurassic World: Rebirth."

With such an impressive lineup and a devoted fan base, it's little wonder that he was chosen as People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive — though the news still caught him off guard.

When asked about the recognition, he said, "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."

From Five-Year-Old Dreamer to Shakespeare's Stage

Jonathan Bailey, who grew up in rural Oxfordshire with his parents, Carole and Stuart, and three older sisters, had dreams, but none as imaginable as the life he lives today.

As a child, Bailey was full of energy, always eager, endlessly curious, and admittedly a handful to keep still. "I don't think I ever thought of myself as sexy as I grew up," he acknowledged. Bailey reflected that his sense of self-assurance has come and gone at different stages of life.

In his younger years, he felt completely certain of who he was, though that confidence faded as he grew older. He believes that, in many ways, people spend their lives trying to reconnect with that original sense of self.

Still, recently, while swimming in the sea with friends, he experienced a moment of ease and contentment, a reminder that he's learning to feel comfortable in his own skin again.

Known affectionately as "Jonno" among friends, he discovered his passion for acting at age five after watching a production of "Oliver!" with his grandmother.

By the age of seven, he was already performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company in London and has continued to refine his talent on both stage and screen ever since. As the release of "Wicked: For Good" approaches on November 21, he's taking in the calm before the excitement returns.

"You get to a point where you look back and you go, 'Wow,' but you never for a second think that's where you're headed. You know, to be able to do things that you dream of," he reflected.

The Shameless Fund: Fighting Shame With Pride

When asked what advice he would give his 15-year-old self, Bailey said he would remind his younger self that life has an incredible journey ahead, one filled with unexpected turns and extraordinary people.

He would reassure him that, despite the challenges along the way, everything will work out, and that trusting his instincts will always lead him in the right direction.

That same sense of purpose and belief in authenticity now fuels his work beyond acting. In 2024, Bailey launched The Shameless Fund, a charity dedicated to empowering and uplifting LGBTQ+ organizations that work to eliminate shame within the community he proudly belongs to.

Through the foundation, he channels his success into supporting others with similar experiences and aspirations. He's deeply inspired by those striving to make a difference despite challenges and feels honored to collaborate with people whose expertise and vision go beyond what he once imagined possible.

Walks, Coffee… and Lego?

Bailey isn't all about work; he makes time to enjoy life and meaningful connections. On his days off, he likes to keep things simple, starting with a walk and a cup of coffee. He then catches up with friends or loses himself in music, headphones always close by. His downtime often ends with a good film or a trip to the theater.

When it comes to romance, his idea of a perfect date depends on the occasion. "I love a walk, I do love dinner, theater, films. It depends what number date. You know, if it's like date 100, then like Legos, although we Brits say it singular 'Lego,' and pizza. Some of my best dates have been Lego dates," he divulged.

In relationships, the actor values open communication and honesty above all else. He believes in supporting and celebrating a partner's growth, finding joy in seeing someone he cares for thrive.

His deal-breakers are simply the absence of those traits — poor communication, lack of transparency, and, he joked, anyone who doesn't like Lego. With a laugh, he added that he'd only settle for someone fluent in three languages and holding multiple degrees.

Family, Fatherhood, and Life Today

Away from humor, Bailey admitted he's easily moved by family moments. Watching "Wicked: For Good" brought happy tears, but what truly gets to him are milestones within his family.

"Like my niece was pupil of the week, and I was just so proud of her. And she's the eldest of the next gen of Baileys. And that made me well up. In fact, all my sisters, when they send pictures of their kids — I do find family does make me really emotional," he gushed.

As for the future, Bailey hopes to become a father one day if life allows. He believes today's world could use more guidance and imagines learning alongside his children. He even joked that he might not be the best at helping with university or languages.

Reflecting on his life now, Bailey feels nothing but gratitude. To him, life is a shared adventure — one where it's important to look around, make sure everyone's doing okay, and offer a high-five to anyone who needs it along the way.