Bailey shared that he first bought the information whereas performing Richard II in London earlier this yr, an expertise he described as “mad” however “thrilling.” Reflecting on the honour, he quipped, “I’m glad that in 2025, Folks Journal is recognizing somebody who can actually admire the worth of a horny man.” When requested whether or not life may change now that he’s earned the title, he laughed, “I hope so!”

Bailey’s path to worldwide fame has been years within the making. Born in Oxfordshire, England, he fell in love with performing at simply 5 years outdated after watching Oliver! along with his grandmother. By age seven, he was performing with the Royal Shakespeare Firm, the beginning of a journey that might finally result in starring roles on London’s West Finish and international recognition on Netflix.

Whereas American audiences know him greatest because the smoldering Lord Anthony Bridgerton, Bailey’s versatility runs far deeper. His Emmy-nominated efficiency in Fellow Vacationers, the place he portrayed a closeted congressional aide, confirmed simply how a lot emotional depth he brings to each function.

Lately, he’s expanded his profession to the massive display screen — starring on this summer season’s Jurassic World: Rebirth and taking over the extremely anticipated function of Prince Fiyero in Depraved, alongside Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and Scarlett Johansson. Off digital camera, Bailey’s attraction and grounded power have made him simply as beloved amongst his friends as amongst followers.

After all, the Sexiest Man Alive title isn’t nearly one individual — Folks additionally launched a sequence of fan-voted winners throughout a number of classes to mark the franchise’s fortieth anniversary. Dancing with the Stars decide Derek Hough was named Sexiest 40-12 months-Previous (his sister Julianne even shaved her head on-air to rejoice), whereas David Beckham earned Sexiest Soccer Membership Proprietor. Dave Franco took house Sexiest Cat Dad, nation star Riley Inexperienced turned Sexiest Nation Star, and rising actor Mason Thames was named Sexiest New Heartthrob.

Even fictional characters minimize: The Summer time I Turned Fairly’s Conrad Fisher (performed by Christopher Briney) received Sexiest “Inexperienced Flag” Character, whereas podcast duo Frank Alvarez and Joe Santagato from The Basement Yard had been topped Sexiest Podcasters. Troye Sivan, Christian McCaffrey, and Dylan Efron additionally earned nods of their respective classes, a testomony to how enjoyable and different this yr’s lineup was.

However again to Bailey, what really makes his win particular is that he’s not simply one other good-looking face. In his Folks cowl story, he arrived straight from a chilly ocean dip for a photoshoot, casually requesting a glass of Bordeaux afterward. Inside minutes, the room was reportedly stuffed with laughter, due to his fast wit and pure attraction.

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Bailey additionally opened up about his insecurities, admitting, “I really feel awkward various the time. I believe that state is lifelong for me.” It’s that vulnerability — mixed with plain expertise — that makes him so relatable and magnetic.

At the moment, as he prepares for the discharge of Depraved: For Good and displays on his journey to this point, Bailey stays grounded. “You get to a degree the place you look again and suppose, ‘Wow,’ however you by no means for a second suppose that’s the place you’re headed,” he mentioned. “To have the ability to do belongings you’ve at all times dreamed of — that’s the true present.”

Jonathan Bailey’s recognition as Folks’s Sexiest Man Alive 2025 isn’t simply one other accolade; it’s a celebration of attraction, authenticity, and a profession constructed on ardour and objective. And for followers world wide, it’s another reason to adore him.

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