People Sexiest Man Alive Explained: Why This 40-Year Tradition Still Drives the Internet Wild

It started with a flippant comment in a 1985 editorial meeting. Someone looked at a photo of Mel Gibson—who was apparently being quite difficult during his interview in the Australian outback—and blurted out, "He’s the sexiest man alive!"

The editors laughed. They put it on the cover. And just like that, a pop-culture juggernaut was born.

Fast forward to today, and the People Sexiest Man Alive title is less of a joke and more of a high-stakes campaign. It’s the Hollywood equivalent of a political election, complete with lobbyists (publicists), platforms (blockbuster movies), and a very specific type of "I’m just a humble guy" victory speech. Honestly, if you think it’s just about who has the best abs, you’re missing the real story.

The 2025 Crown: Jonathan Bailey and the 40th Anniversary

In November 2025, People handed the mantle to Jonathan Bailey. You probably know him as the smoldering Lord Anthony from Bridgerton or the charming Prince Fiyero in the Wicked movies.

His win was actually a massive milestone. Bailey is the first openly gay man to grace the "Sexiest Man Alive" cover in the franchise's 40-year history. For a magazine that has often played it safe with traditional heartthrobs, this felt like a genuine shift.

Bailey’s reaction was classic "Sexy Man" protocol: total disbelief. He told the magazine it was "completely absurd" and "incredibly flattered." He didn't even tell his mom before the news broke; only his cockapoo, Benson, knew the secret. That’s the kind of relatable, slightly chaotic energy that People editors look for.

Why John Krasinski’s 2024 Win Confused (and Delighted) Everyone

Before Bailey, there was John Krasinski. When the news dropped in late 2024, the internet basically broke into two camps.

One group was thrilled to see "Jim from The Office" finally get his flowers. The other group was genuinely confused. Why now? The Office ended over a decade ago.

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But if you look at the strategy, it makes total sense. Krasinski had just directed IF, was coming off the massive success of A Quiet Place, and—perhaps most importantly—he is half of one of Hollywood’s most beloved power couples with Emily Blunt.

Blunt’s reaction was the best part. She joked about wallpapering their entire house with the cover. Krasinski, for his part, predicted the title would mostly just result in him doing more household chores.

That’s the secret sauce. The winner can't actually act like they're the sexiest man alive. They have to act like they’re a dorky dad who just happened to stumble into a tuxedo.

How the Selection Actually Happens (No, It’s Not a Vote)

A lot of people think there’s a public ballot. There isn't.

While People does use reader polls and social media sentiment to see who’s trending, the final decision is a closed-door editorial process. It’s a mix of several factors:

• The Zeitgeist: Who had the biggest year? (Think Travis Kelce in 2023 or Paul Rudd in 2021).
• Availability: The winner has to agree to a cover shoot and a lengthy interview. If a big star says no, they move down the list. Rumor has it Ryan Gosling has turned it down multiple times.
• The "Nice Guy" Factor: Editors look for men involved in charities or those who have a reputation for being kind on set.
• Commercial Appeal: At the end of the day, they need to sell magazines and get clicks.

The "Campaigning" is Real

Some stars don't even hide the fact that they want it. Will Ferrell launched a hilarious mock campaign for the 2024 title, wearing a "sexy villain" tracksuit on red carpets. Rob Lowe has joked for years about "Russian collusion" being the only reason he hasn't won.

It’s a weirdly prestigious club. Once you’re in, you’re in for life.

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A History of Firsts, Seconds, and Snubs

Since 1985, the list of winners has evolved from a "who’s who" of 80s action stars to a much more diverse group, though critics argue it still has a long way to go.

Denzel Washington was the first man of color to win in 1996. It took another 20 years before Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson took the title in 2016. Since then, we've seen more diversity with winners like Idris Elba, John Legend, and Michael B. Jordan.

The Two-Timer Club

Only a handful of men have managed to win twice. It’s a very short, very elite list:

1. Richard Gere (Once as part of "Sexiest Couple" with Cindy Crawford in 1993, then solo in 1999).
2. Brad Pitt (1995 and 2000).
3. George Clooney (1997 and 2006).
4. Johnny Depp (2003 and 2009).

The "Oldest" Record

Sean Connery still holds the record for the oldest winner. He was 59 when he won in 1989. Patrick Dempsey came close in 2023 at age 57, proving that the "Silver Fox" era is very much alive and well in the eyes of the People audience.

The "Sexiest Man Alive" Curse?

Is there a downside to being named the most attractive man on the planet? Some actors think so.

Mel Gibson’s career actually hit a string of box office flops right after his 1985 win. Chris Evans (2022) admitted the title felt like a "weird form of humble bragging" that invited his friends to roast him relentlessly in the group chat.

Then there’s the 1994 gap. People didn't name a winner that year. Decades later, former editor Jess Cagle admitted that if they had, it would have been Keanu Reeves for Speed. They eventually "retroactively" gave it to him, but the mystery of why they skipped a year remains a piece of weird trivia.

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What Most People Get Wrong About the Title

The biggest misconception is that "sexy" only means "physically attractive."

If that were the case, the winner would just be a fitness model every year. In the world of People Magazine, "sexy" is a combination of humor, career momentum, and a squeaky-clean (or successfully redeemed) public image.

It’s about who you’d want to grab a beer with, not just who you’d want to see on a billboard. That’s why Paul Rudd won at age 52. He’s not a gym rat with zero body fat; he’s the guy who doesn't seem to age and makes everyone laugh.

Actionable Takeaways for the Super-Fan

If you’re following the People Sexiest Man Alive cycle, here is how to stay ahead of the curve:

• Watch the Fall Movie Slates: The winner is almost always announced in November to coincide with big holiday movie releases. Look at who has a massive film coming out in Q4.
• Follow the "Vibe" Shift: People is moving toward more inclusive and varied definitions of "sexy." Don't just look at the leading men; look at the character actors and Broadway stars who are crossing over into the mainstream.
• Check the Talk Show Circuit: The reveal is almost always exclusive to a major late-night show (usually Jimmy Fallon or Stephen Colbert). If a certain star is booked for a "top secret" appearance in early November, you’ve likely found your winner.
• Remember the Brand: The magazine is trademarked. They are very protective of the title, which is why you don't see other major outlets using that exact phrasing without getting a legal "please don't" letter.

Whether you find the whole thing a fun tradition or a superficial relic of the past, there’s no denying its staying power. As long as we have celebrities and a desire to argue about who’s the "best," the Sexiest Man Alive will continue to be a cornerstone of the entertainment news cycle.

Next Steps:
To keep your pop culture knowledge sharp, check the official People archives for the full list of all 40 winners. You can also monitor the "Sexiest Man Alive" social media hashtags starting every October to see which stars are currently leading the unofficial fan polls for the next year.