Jonathan Bailey as the World’s Sexiest Man: What Most People Get Wrong

So, Jonathan Bailey is officially the World’s Sexiest Man. Or, more specifically, People’s 2025 Sexiest Man Alive. Honestly, if you’ve been paying any attention to the cultural zeitgeist lately, this wasn’t just a "maybe"—it was an inevitability. When the news dropped on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in November 2024, the internet basically had a collective meltdown, and for once, the comments section was actually in agreement.

He’s 37. He’s British. And he’s the first openly gay man to take home the crown in the magazine's 40-year history.

That last bit is kind of a big deal. For decades, the "Sexiest Man Alive" title felt like it had a very specific, very traditional template. You know the one: the rugged, straight Hollywood leading man who’s usually named Chris. But with Bailey, the definition of the world’s sexiest man shifted into something more nuanced, more authentic, and—frankly—way more interesting.

Why Jonathan Bailey Isn't Just Another Pretty Face

Look, we can talk about the "slutty little glasses" he wore in Jurassic World Rebirth or the way he fills out a Regency-era waistcoat in Bridgerton. People clearly love looking at him. But the reason he’s currently the world’s sexiest man goes deeper than a gym routine or a good jawline.

There’s this specific kind of vulnerability he brings to his roles. Think about Lord Anthony Bridgerton in Season 2. He wasn't just a heartthrob; he was a mess. He was grieving, he was repressed, and he was desperately trying to do the right thing while falling apart. That’s the "Bailey Effect." He makes "sexy" feel human rather than just a curated Instagram aesthetic.

Then you’ve got Fellow Travelers. If you haven’t seen it, go watch it. He played Tim Laughlin opposite Matt Bomer, and the performance earned him an Emmy nomination. It was raw. It was painful. It showed that he’s not just here to be the "Internet’s Boyfriend"—he’s a heavyweight actor who started with the Royal Shakespeare Company when he was literally seven years old.

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The History of a Very Weird Title

The concept of the world’s sexiest man is, by definition, absurd. Bailey said it himself during his interview: "It’s completely absurd."

It started back in 1985 with Mel Gibson. Since then, we’ve seen a revolving door of the usual suspects.

• Brad Pitt (won twice)
• George Clooney (won twice)
• Johnny Depp (won twice)
• Richard Gere (won twice)

But lately, the picks have felt more intentional. Before Bailey, we had John Krasinski (2024), who represented the "charming dad" energy. Before him was Patrick Dempsey (2023), the ultimate "silver fox" comeback. The magazine is clearly trying to move away from just picking the guy with the biggest blockbuster that year and looking for a specific kind of cultural impact.

Bailey’s win is a massive pivot point. By choosing an out gay man, People acknowledged that sexiness isn't tied to a specific orientation or a performance of traditional heteronormative masculinity. It’s about charisma. It’s about "the aura," as NBA player Dwight Howard once put it.

What Actually Makes Someone "Sexy" Anyway?

It’s not just about the abs. If it were, any fitness influencer could be the world’s sexiest man. The criteria are actually a weird mix of:

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1. The "T-Shirt" Test: Do they look good in basic clothes?
2. The "Nice Guy" Factor: Are they involved in charity? (Bailey started The Shameless Fund to support LGBTQ+ organizations).
3. The Year They Had: Did they have a massive movie? (Bailey had Wicked and Jurassic World Rebirth).
4. The Personality: Are they self-deprecating?

In his cover shoot, Bailey was filmed jumping into a freezing ocean off the coast of England just because it was his idea. That kind of chaotic, unforced energy is exactly what the public is craving right now. We’re tired of the over-polished, PR-managed stars. We want the guy who shares the news of his title with his dog, Benson, before anyone else.

The "Wicked" Momentum

You can't talk about Jonathan Bailey being the world’s sexiest man without talking about Wicked. Playing Fiyero is a rite of passage for heartthrobs, but doing it on the big screen opposite Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo? That’s a different level.

The film's director, Jon M. Chu, and the rest of the cast have been incredibly vocal about why Bailey fits the bill. Jeff Goldblum even joked that he’s the sexiest man in the "multiverse." But the real takeaway is how Bailey used the platform. He didn't just show up and look pretty; he leaned into the theatricality of it. He embraced the "shallowness" of the character while keeping that trademark British wit intact.

The Actionable Reality of Being "Sexy"

If you’re looking for a "lesson" from the current world’s sexiest man, it’s not to go buy a pair of clear-framed glasses (though they do look good). It’s actually about comfort in your own skin.

Bailey has talked openly about the "spikes of fear and self-doubt" he’s felt throughout his career. He’s admitted to feeling awkward most of the time. There’s something incredibly refreshing about the most "attractive" man on the planet admitting he feels like a dork.

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What you can actually take away from the Bailey era:

• Authenticity wins. Trying to be "sexy" is usually the least sexy thing you can do. Bailey is at his best when he’s being a bit of a nerd about Shakespeare or talking about his nieces.
• Longevity matters. He’s been acting for 30 years. This wasn't an overnight success; it was a slow burn.
• Use your platform. Whether it's through The Shameless Fund or just being visible, having a purpose makes the "pretty face" thing actually mean something.

The reign of Jonathan Bailey marks a shift in how we view celebrity. It’s less about the pedestal and more about the person. He’s the world’s sexiest man because he seems like the kind of guy who would actually be fun to have a drink with while complaining about the weather.

If you want to keep up with the current "Sexy" era, start by watching Fellow Travelers for the talent, Bridgerton for the chemistry, and keep an eye on Wicked: For Good to see the conclusion of the Fiyero arc. The title of world’s sexiest man might be a temporary crown, but Bailey’s influence on the industry—and the definition of the term—is likely here to stay.

To really understand the shift, look back at the winners from the early 2000s and compare their "macho" branding to Bailey’s openness. The difference is night and day, and it tells you everything you need to know about where culture is heading in 2026.