Jonathan Bailey has officially made queer history—becoming the first out gay man to be named People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive.
The Wicked: For Good and Jurassic World Rebirth star was unveiled as the 2025 titleholder during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, holding up a blown-up version of the cover.
“It’s the honor of a lifetime,” Bailey told Fallon.
A Breakout Year for Bailey
Bailey’s recognition as People’s Sexiest Man Alive caps off a remarkable year. Alongside his blockbuster film roles, he was also named to the Time 100 Next list and has continued raising funds for LGBTQ+ causes through his nonprofit, the Shameless Fund.
Bailey first became a household name playing Anthony Bridgerton in Netflix’s Bridgerton, and more recently starred in the Emmy-nominated miniseries Fellow Travelers—a role that also landed him on the Out100 list and a cover of Out magazine.
“You get to a point where you look back and you go, ‘Wow,’ but you never for a second think that’s where you’re headed,” he told People.
“To be able to do things that you dream of.”
On Confidence, Love, and Lego Dates
Bailey opened up about confidence, vulnerability, and self-discovery in the accompanying People interview.
“At various moments in my life I’ve been like, ‘I’ve got this,’ which is sometimes met by a deep spike of fear and self-doubt,” he said.
“When I was really young, I was very confident about who I was, and maybe I lost that as I grew up. We’re all sort of trying to get back to the origin, aren’t we? But I was swimming in the sea about an hour ago with a good gang, and I felt all right in my skin.”
When asked about his idea of the perfect date night, Bailey offered:
“I love a walk, I do love dinner, theater, films. It depends what number date. You know, if it’s like date 100, then like Lego—and pizza.
Some of my best dates have been Lego dates.”
As for what he values in a partner?
“Communication — and being clear. Transparency is absolutely utmost, utmost, utmost. And really supporting, really cheerleading and watching someone thrive, should be a real turn-on.”
And what’s a dealbreaker?
“Bad communication, lack of transparency. Doesn’t like Lego,” he joked.
“Actually, I’ll only be with somebody who can speak three languages. Yeah, and they’ve got seven degrees and a doctorate. Otherwise they’re just not good enough,” he added with a laugh.
Reflections and First Crushes
Bailey shared that his first celebrity crush was Prince Eric from The Little Mermaid, and offered some heartfelt advice to his younger self:
“Dude, you’re in for a ride. You’re not going to believe where you’re going to end up. It’s all going to be fine. It’ll be bumpy, but you’ll meet some amazing people. And trust your instincts because they’ve got your back.”
On his journey so far, he added:
“I feel incredibly lucky. Life is a ride for everyone no matter who you are, where you come from. It’s just making sure that when you’re in the ride, you’re looking left and right and making sure everyone’s all right.
And give them a high-five along the way if they need it.”
What’s Next?
Bailey’s upcoming turn as Fiyero in the Wicked films is already generating buzz. But right now, he’s taking a well-deserved victory lap—and proving that visibility, vulnerability, and authenticity are incredibly sexy.
