Jonathan Bailey has officially been crowned PEOPLE’s 2025 Sexiest Man Alive, and the internet can’t get enough of it. The 37-year-old actor, best known for his roles in Bridgerton and the upcoming Wicked films, called the honor “completely absurd” but also “an honor of a lifetime.” “Obviously I’m incredibly flattered. And it’s completely absurd,” he told PEOPLE. “It’s been a secret, so I’m quite excited for some friends and family to find out.”
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Sexiest Man Alive title, which has previously been held by icons like Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, George Clooney, and most recently, John Krasinski.
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Bailey joins that legendary lineup and his Wicked co-stars made sure to celebrate the news in true Ozian fashion. In a playful reel, the cast and crew showered him with praise while wearing sweatshirts featuring a shirtless photo of the actor.
“He’s the sexiest man not only on this planet but in the solar system, in the universe and any multiverse,” joked Jeff Goldblum, who plays The Wizard. Director Jon M. Chu added, “And all across Oz … as we all know.” Marissa Bode, who plays Nessarose, chimed in, “Clearly look at those abs,” while Ariana Grande, starring as Glinda, said, “You’re the kindest and the most brilliant and beautiful inside as well.”
Bowen Yang, who appears in the film as Pfannee, declared that Bailey “looks best in a singlet while doing gymnastics,” and Ethan Slater, who plays Boq, added, “You’re awesome, you’re a really funny, cool guy. We all know it.” Cynthia Erivo, who stars as Elphaba, wrapped up the video with, “Now the world knows, but I’ve known all along. Congratulations to our boy Jonathan Bailey.”
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Bailey made the big reveal on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, walking on stage in front of a giant version of his PEOPLE cover. He recalled that he learned about the title while performing Shakespeare’s Richard II earlier this year. “At the beginning of the year I was doing Richard II — for those of you who don’t know, it’s not a comedy,” he said, laughing.
“The only thing madder than doing Richard II is being invited into this.” He admitted that keeping it secret was tough, confessing that he tried to tell his friends after a few drinks, but “they didn’t believe me. They were like, ‘Yeah, yeah, yeah, do your affirmations.’”
Bailey’s recognition is also historic — he’s the first openly gay man to be named Sexiest Man Alive since the honor was first awarded in 1985. Cynthia Erivo reaffirmed her pride in the choice, commenting on PEOPLE’s Instagram post, “YEEEEESSSSSSS!!!!! Now the world knows what I’ve known all along 😏 I LOVE YOU! CONGRATULATIONS!!!”
Fans were equally thrilled. One wrote, “I need a bucket and a mop!!!!! Clean up on aisle me,” while another added, “Finally a pick I can get behind!! 🔥🙌🏽” A third quoted his Bridgerton character with, “This man is the bane of my existence and the object of all my desires.” Even the official Wicked movie account joined in, posting: “That’s 👏 our 👏 Fiyero! 👏”
Looks like it’s time for a full-blown celebration down at the Ozdust Ballroom — the Sexiest Man Alive is heading to Oz.
