In a historic moment for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream pop culture, English actor Jonathan Bailey has been officially named People Magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2025.
The 37-year-old star, best known for his roles in Netflix’s Bridgerton and the Showtime political drama Fellow Travelers, is the first openly gay man to receive the honor in the award’s nearly 40-year history.
The announcement, which took place on Monday, November 3, marks a significant breaking of a long-standing barrier, as the title has almost exclusively gone to heterosexual men since its inception in 1985.
Bailey, who is celebrated for his charm and talent across stage and screen, called the recognition a “huge honor,” “incredibly flattered,” and “completely absurd.”
His career has recently skyrocketed with his role as the emotionally complex Lord Anthony Bridgerton, his Emmy-nominated performance as Tim Laughlin in Fellow Travelers, and his turn as Prince Fiyero in the 2024 film adaptation of Wicked, a role he is set to reprise in 2025’s Wicked: For Good.
Beyond acting, Bailey has used his platform as an openly gay man to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, including by founding The Shameless Fund, an initiative supporting LGBTQ+ organizations.
His achievement sends a powerful message of visibility and authenticity to young people, especially considering Bailey has spoken openly about having been cautioned early in his career about the pressure to keep his sexuality secret.
