People Magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive” 2025 - Jonathan Bailey
Source: People Magazine
Since 1985, People Magazine has been naming “The Sexiest Man Alive” and has been featuring him on the cover and in a beautiful photo spread.
The first was Mel Gibson and through the years we have seen actors, musicians, and athletes across a diverse range of ages and ethnicities. George Clooney has even gotten it twice. My favorites are a toss between Paul Rudd and Idris Elba.
But despite the range of “winners,” we have never seen a gay man in place …
… until now … Jonathan Bailey … reflective of his career high, his popularity, universal appeal, and I do believe our culture.
Jonathan Bailey is “it” right now with a career on fire. As a gay man and actor, his roles transcend both straight and gay characters, which isn’t necessarily common in Hollywood. And his film/television choices span genres as well, also not necessarily common in Hollywood.
I applaud People Magazine for taking this stand, particularly in these times. This move is advancing their brand yet again, showing their place in culture and also reflecting culture as well. As magazines struggle for relevance, this is what relevance looks like at least in one way. Year over year over year.
Yes, the timing is quite good. Representation is a good thing. Having an openly active gay man celebrated right now is almost unimaginable. I for one am very appreciative, especially for all the young folks who are still finding the way.
Not so bad for the magazine either. People Magazine owns this annual event, much like Sports Illustrated owns the Swimsuit Edition, making cultural choices for that cover year over year as well, staying relevant in the process. Martha Stewart was a recent cover model to great acclaim. Both magazines have turned these annual events into big moments, and Jonathan is bigger than it’s been in quite a bit. I’m thankful for that too.
I applaud Jonathan as well, one more career accomplishment as he too grows his brand and as he advances the stature of the LGBTQ+ community for us all.
Thank you, People Magazine. We appreciate you. And we appreciate you too, Jonathan, for all you do.
What’s your experience? JIM