It’s official: Jonathan Bailey, the British actor whose fans have long admired his talent and allure, is now recognized as one of the most captivating figures in entertainment. This week, People magazine crowned the 37-year-old star as the Sexiest Man Alive, succeeding last year’s honoree, John Krasinski.

Bailey’s selection for this prestigious title is hardly surprising. With his classic good looks, undeniable charisma, effortless style, and impressive acting skills, he embodies the qualities that make him irresistible. Those who have followed his career can certainly vouch for the magnetic presence he brings both on and off the screen.

While Bailey’s breakthrough role as Viscount Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix’s popular series Bridgerton catapulted him to new heights, his talent had been evident in earlier performances. Prior to this, he had already made a name for himself with acclaimed roles in series like Broadchurch and Crashing, along with notable stage work. However, his portrayal in the steamy romance of Bridgerton, particularly Anthony’s passionate storyline with Kate Sharma, played by Simone Ashley, solidified his status as a heartthrob.

As a besotted Anthony Bridgerton in ‘Bridgerton’

Bailey’s recent accolade is not just a personal triumph but also a significant milestone. He has become the first openly gay man to be named Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine. This achievement stands in stark contrast to the character he portrayed in the 2023 Showtime miniseries Fellow Travelers, where he played Tim, a closeted Congressional staffer. Set against the backdrop of the McCarthy era, the series explores Tim’s intense and poignant love affair with the more seasoned Hawk, portrayed by Matt Bomer. Bailey’s compelling performance in this series earned him an Emmy nomination, highlighting not only his acting prowess but also his impact on representing LGBTQ narratives.

As a closeted gay man in Showtime’s ‘Fellow Travelers’

Bailey made history with his Sexiest Man Alive win, becoming the first openly gay man to get the title. It’s a moment that would have been inconceivable to Tim, the closeted Congressional staffer he played in Showtime’s 2023 miniseries Fellow Travelers. Tim falls for the older and more worldly Hawk (Matt Bomer) while both are working in Washington, D.C., during the height of the McCarthy era. The show traces their passionate and heartbreaking romance over the ensuing decades, while also offering a glimpse into a tumultuous time in LGTBQ history. Bailey was nominated for an Emmy for his work on the show.

In a Loewe suit at the 2024 Met Gala 

Bailey never misses with his red carpet looks, whether it’s nodding to the tin man with a silvery shirt on the Wicked red carpet or paying tribute to famous TV paleontologist Ross Geller at the Jurassic World: Rebirth premiere. But one of his best style moments came at the 2024 Met Gala, when he donned a custom suit by Loewe, with black trousers and a white double-breasted jacket with black lapels. Rather than a traditional tie, he wore a giant metal flower at his neck, a reference to the night’s dress code, “The Garden of Time.”

In an iconic pair of ‘slutty little glasses’ in ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’

What dinosaurs? Bailey proved he could pull off big-screen action in 2025’s Jurassic World: Rebirth, where he played paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis. While the dinos wreaked havoc in the movie, Bailey still managed to steal the show with his character’s “slutty little glasses,” which became the summer’s hottest accessory.

“I’m thrilled that people are, they’re having a hormonal explosion linked to optical supports,” Bailey told Entertainment Tonight. “But I think, yeah, glasses can go a long way, so let’s have the summer of slutty little glasses.”

Every moment on the ‘Wicked’ press tour

Last year, Bailey did the rounds during the Wicked press tour, turning his charm up to 11 as he talked up the movie musical with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. (He plays Prince Fiyero in the hit film.) Whether it was cracking up with Jeff Goldblum during a discussion of the term “zaddy,” donning a pair of short shorts for a photo call, or playing Wicked charades with his co-stars, Bailey made it clear he has what it takes to be a star. And more viral Wicked moments are likely on the horizon. Wicked: For Good opens later in November, which means we should be seeing a lot more of Bailey in the coming weeks.   

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