People<\/em>\u2018s Sexiest Man Alive 2025<\/a>.<\/p>\n\u201cIt\u2019s a huge honor,\u201d he told the magazine in the new issue. \u201cObviously I\u2019m incredibly flattered.\u201d<\/p>\n
In a moment of self-ridicule, he added: \u201cAnd it\u2019s completely absurd.\u201d<\/p>\n
(No, Blake Shelton getting that title in 2017 was \u201ccompletely absurd.\u201d This, on the other hand, is a rare win for People<\/em>)<\/p>\nBailey wowed audiences in traditional theater before he ever became a familiar face on the small screen, let alone the big one.<\/p>\n
He had a small role on Broadchurch<\/em> in 2013. The following year, he guest starred on an episode of Doctor Who<\/em>.<\/p>\nFor many, Bailey first rose to their attention as the voice actor for G\u2019raha Tia in Final Fantasy XIV<\/em>, starting with the 2017 expansion, Stormblood<\/em>.<\/p>\nWhen Bridgerton <\/em>premiered on Netflix in late 2020, he portrayed one of the central characters, Anthony Bridgerton.<\/p>\nThis catapulted him to a much more visible on-screen role to broader international audiences. And, of course, put him at the heart of streaming\u2019s steamiest romance series.<\/p>\nActor Jonathan Bailey attends Netflix\u2019s \u201cBridgerton\u201d Season 3 World Premiere at Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center on May 13, 2024. (Photo Credit: Jamie McCarthy\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nJonathan Bailey is a sex symbol<\/h2>\n That was only the beginning of his widespread recognition and stardom.<\/p>\n
In 2023, Jonathan Bailey co-starred in Fellow Travelers<\/em> alongside fellow heartthrob Matt Bomer. To date, they have some of the most authentic <\/em>steamy scenes that you\u2019re likely to see on any show.<\/p>\nThat role earned Bailey a Primetime Emmy Award nomination as well as an actual Critics\u2019 Choice Award.<\/p>\n
He would go on to have a guest role in Heartstoppers <\/em>in 2023.<\/p>\nAnd, of course, Bailey portrays Fiyero in the two-part theatrical release of Wicked<\/em>. This character, too, is a heartthrob, an amalgam of both Fiyero and Avaric from the Wicked <\/em>novel. Wicked: For Good<\/a><\/em> is out November 21.<\/p>\nAfter Bridgerton premiered, Bailey first truly internalized that his fame was growing.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had the radio set for my alarm, and one morning it went off with, \u2018Here\u2019s the news at 7. But just before we go, can we talk about Jonathan Bailey?\u2019\u201d he shared.<\/p>\n
It sounds like Bailey still feels a sense of disbelief.<\/p>\n
He recalled: \u201cI was like, \u2018Where is my journal? Is this real?\u2019 It was wild.\u201d<\/p>\n
It is real. And it is wild.<\/p>\nActor Jonathan Bailey attends the Time100 Next gala at Chelsea Piers in New York City on October 30, 2025. (Photo Credit: CHARLY TRIBALLEAU\/AFP via Getty Images)<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWell done, People!<\/h2>\n The Los Angeles Times<\/em> has described Jonathan Bailey as a sex symbol<\/a> whose fans span \u201call genders and orientations.\u201d They\u2019re not wrong!<\/p>\nNotably, he is also the first openly gay man to hold the title. That is a big deal, as queer actors \u2014 particularly queer men \u2014 are still marginalized and at times discouraged from coming out by agents who worry about their marketability.<\/p>\n
This is also the 40th year that People <\/em>has run this oft-lampooned category. <\/p>\nIt\u2019s wild and refreshing to see that they got it right this time.<\/p>\n
We\u2019ll be seated for Wicked: For Good<\/em>. And we\u2019re being so strong<\/em> by not spoiling what\u2019s coming for his character in the film. You\u2019re welcome!<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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