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Jonathan Bailey is once again winning hearts around the world after being named People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” for 2025. The Wicked star made history as the first openly gay man to receive this title. The big reveal happened on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on November 3, 2025, where fans couldn’t stop celebrating the moment online.
Before earning this global recognition, Jonathan had already stolen the internet’s attention a few weeks earlier. Back in October, he attended the wedding of his close friends, actors Anjli Mohindra and Sacha Dhawan, in Italy. His choice of outfit, a silver kurta paired with a teal Nehru jacket, instantly became a viral sensation. The sight of the charming British actor embracing Indian ethnic wear had fans swooning all over social media. People on X (formerly Twitter) couldn’t stop gushing over his look, with one fan writing that Jonathan “went full desi,” while another joked, “The concept of Jonathan Bailey wearing a kurta—oh, that is my husband.”
After the announcement, Jonathan admitted that being called the Sexiest Man Alive felt both surreal and funny. “It’s a huge honour,” he said with a laugh. “Obviously, I’m incredibly flattered. And it’s completely absurd.” He also revealed that he had to keep the news a secret until now, sharing that the first one to hear about it was his dog, Benson, who joined him on the photoshoot. “I told my dog Benson,” he said playfully.
Jonathan’s career has been soaring ever since his breakout role as Lord Anthony Bridgerton in the hit Netflix series Bridgerton. He has since taken on major roles in both film and theatre, proving his range as an actor. His recent portrayal of Prince Fiyero in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Wicked has drawn widespread praise. He also stars in Jurassic World: Rebirth, adding another big project to his growing list of achievements. Fans can look forward to seeing him next in Wicked: For Good, which releases in theatres on November 21, 2025.
Beyond his acting success, Jonathan has been open about his identity and the importance of representation in the entertainment industry. He has spoken about the challenges of being a gay actor playing traditional romantic leads and the responsibility that comes with it. His honesty and courage have inspired many in the LGBTQ+ community.
In addition to his acting work, Jonathan founded the Shameless Fund, a charity that supports LGBTQ+ causes and advocates for visibility and acceptance. His dedication to using his platform for good has made him not only a celebrated actor but also a respected voice for equality.
From charming fans in a kurta to breaking barriers in Hollywood, Jonathan Bailey continues to prove that charisma, talent, and authenticity make for true sex appeal.