Jonathan Bailey, an England-born actor, has been declared 2025’s Sexiest Man Alive. Bailey is known primarily for his work in the Netflix original period piece, Bridgerton (2020), and also the newly released Wicked (2024).
In Bridgerton, his portrayal of Lord Anthony caught the attention of many women, of all ages and all walks of life. His character received the enemies-to-lovers storyline alongside actress Simone Ashley, as Kate Sharma.
Lord Anthony’s beautiful brown eyes and brunette hair. Kate Sharma’s doll-like eyes and natural golden glow. His serious stature and her stubborn attitude.
On the silver screen, their chemistry was undeniable.
The scene where he fell into the lake, pining after Kate Sharma. The scene where he eventually admits his longing for her, delivering the most Austen-esque line: “You are the bane of my existence … and the object of all my desires.”
Their joint chemistry left fans enchanted both on and off screen. The romance, the subtle sensuality and the English accents of the two created the perfect pair.
Four years later, Bailey appeared in the movie-musical “Wicked” as Fiyero, alongside Ariana Grande as Glinda Upland and Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp; he would serve as the love interest to both of the women.
Fiyero presented more chemistry with Elphaba Thropp, as she is the object of his attraction, unlike the picture-perfect relationship he has with Glinda Upland. Elphaba and Fiyero exhibit playful banter, and Elphaba’s insecurities show admiration from Fiyero.
Aside from their dynamic relationship, people have grown interested in Bailey’s character due to his good looks, charm and musical talent, especially in his number “Dancing Through Life”.
From his most well-known performances to his first performances as a child at the Royal Shakespeare Academy, the public has started to fancy Bailey not only for his looks but also for his raw energy.
Jonathan Bailey has become the object of many fans’ desires.
He is also the first openly gay man to be named People’s Sexiest Man Alive, an incredible milestone for many queer people.
Being openly queer in 2025 is nothing new to the media. For reference though gay marriage was legalized in 2015, just 10 years ago.
In 2017, Barry Manilow, a singer, songwriter and producer famously known for the song “Copacabana,” came out at the age of 73. Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres came out at the age of 39 in 1997. Anderson Cooper, long-time CNN broadcast journalist and member of the Vanderbilt family, came out as gay in 2012 at the age of 45.
One common thread between all of these coming-out stories is, in addition to being queer, societal pressure and political climate led to a later coming out.
With the abundance of political pressure, discrimination, and often hate-based crimes, being openly gay has been proven to be a battle. But sexuality is not the only factor that shapes one’s battle for acceptance.
Denzel Washington, actor and director, was once incomprehensible as People’s Sexiest Man Alive, not because he was too sexy for their cover or that some audiences thought him unattractive, but because he is Black.
In 1986, he was crowned as the Sexiest Man Alive. There have been many arguments, but none seem to underestimate the impact and sensuality of the man Denzel Washington has portrayed to the media.
Since Denzel Washington’s crowning, there have been five other men of color on the cover. Most notable being Idris Elba.
When incomprehensible things finally happen, we see systemic change within the walls of our society. Denzel Washington, being the first Black man on the cover, paved the way for other men of color to be named the Sexiest Man Alive.
This would ultimately lead to Black cinema and culture being more widely accessible and understood. Washington would no longer be a racial stereotype, but rather a dramatic and romantic actor.
Bailey’s nomination and crowning can only lead to more visibility of queer people. His nomination is, in itself, an act of protest in a growing fascist and conservative environment. It leads to open discussion, representation and validation of queer identity.
Shifting the lens of what sexy is and that queer people can indeed be represented in mostly heterosexual circles opens up a layer of discussion for the media.
“Nothing’s sexier than progress,” as Jonathan Bailey said himself.
Karmyn Allen is a columnist. Contact her at [email protected]
