There are some men whose charm transcends the screen, who manage to make every red carpet, interview, and role feel like an inside joke shared just between you and them.

Jonathan Bailey is one of those men. Whether you first swooned over him as Anthony Bridgerton in Bridgerton or fell for his tender portrayal of Tim Laughlin in Fellow Travelers, one thing’s for sure: Bailey has perfected the art of being effortlessly magnetic.

The U.K. actor’s rise to fame has been steady but unstoppable. After cutting his teeth on British stage and television, he vaulted into global stardom with Netflix’s Bridgerton, where his brooding intensity and rare vulnerability turned the period drama into must-see TV. Then came Fellow Travelers, a deeply emotional queer love story that showed the full depth of his range, and his courage in portraying the complexities of gay life in mid-century America.

Now, Bailey is headed to the big screen again, bringing his signature charm to the role of Fiyero in Wicked: For Good. It’s a part that promises to showcase the very mix of playfulness, confidence, and openheartedness that has made audiences adore him.

But it’s not just on-screen where Bailey captivates. Off-screen, he’s become an icon of queer visibility and warmth. From his witty interviews and affectionate friendships with co-stars to his unpretentious advocacy for LGBTQ+ youth, Bailey embodies what it means to live authentically in the spotlight. He’s a patron of Just Like Us, an organization supporting LGBTQ+ students, and uses his platform to remind fans that kindness and confidence can coexist beautifully.

Jonathan Bailey joins the Jurassic World Rebirth score with a surprise clarinet solo — and it’s a full circle moment you have to hear to believe.
Jonathan Bailey joins the Jurassic World Rebirth score with a surprise clarinet solo — and it’s a full circle moment you have to hear to believe.

And then, of course, there’s the style. Bailey’s fashion sense is bold yet refined — think tailored suits with floral detailing, sparkling shirts that nod to The Wizard of Oz, and the occasional daring pair of “slutty little glasses.” Each look feels like a wink to the queer community: fun, fearless, and unapologetically himself.

Every photo of Jonathan Bailey seems to tell the same story — that joy and sex appeal aren’t opposites, they’re partners in crime. He’s just as captivating in a soaked white shirt (thank you, Netflix) as he is mid-laugh during an interview or running a marathon for charity. Whether he’s posing at a premiere, dancing onstage, or simply existing in good lighting, he radiates a confidence that feels earned, not performed.

Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton in episode 205 of Bridgerton.
Jonathan Bailey as Anthony Bridgerton in episode 205 of Bridgerton. Photo: Liam Daniel/Netflix © 2022

So yes, People may have crowned him 2025’s Sexiest Man Alive, but for us, Jonathan Bailey has been holding that title for years. He’s proof that sexiness isn’t just about looks, it’s about warmth, humor, purpose, and a little bit of sparkle.

(Now, let’s get to the photos — because words only do so much justice.)

Bridgerton… must we say more?

As Anthony Bridgerton, Jonathan Bailey perfected the art of the slow burn — turning longing glances, damp white shirts, and Regency-era restraint into pure, irresistible chemistry.

Jonathan Bailey for 'Bridgerton.' Photo: Netflix
Jonathan Bailey for ‘Bridgerton.’ Photo: Netflix
Jonathan Bailey for 'Bridgerton.' Photo: Netflix
Jonathan Bailey for ‘Bridgerton.’ Photo: Netflix
Jonathan Bailey for 'Bridgerton.' Photo: Netflix
Jonathan Bailey for ‘Bridgerton.’ Photo: Netflix
Jonathan Bailey for 'Bridgerton.' Photo: Netflix
Jonathan Bailey for ‘Bridgerton.’ Photo: Netflix
Jonathan Bailey for 'Bridgerton.' Photo: Netflix
Jonathan Bailey for ‘Bridgerton.’ Photo: Netflix
Jonathan Bailey for 'Bridgerton.' Photo: Netflix
Jonathan Bailey for ‘Bridgerton.’ Photo: Netflix
Jonathan Bailey for Bridgerton. Photo: Netflix
Jonathan Bailey for Bridgerton. Photo: Netflix

Bailey’s role in ‘Fellow Travelers had us in a chokehold

In Showtime’s Fellow Travelers, Jonathan Bailey delivers one of his most powerful performances yet, capturing the tenderness, fear, and courage of queer love in a time when being seen could cost everything.

Jonathan Bailey for 'Fellow Travelers.' Photo: Showtime
Jonathan Bailey for ‘Fellow Travelers.’ Photo: Showtime
Jonathan Bailey for 'Fellow Travelers.' Photo: Showtime
Jonathan Bailey for ‘Fellow Travelers.’ Photo: Showtime
Jonathan Bailey for 'Fellow Travelers.' Photo: Showtime
Jonathan Bailey for ‘Fellow Travelers.’ Photo: Showtime

Just being a media darling on the carpets, behind the scenes and even photoshoots

Whether in a crisp white suit, a glittering top, or a bold floral ensemble, Jonathan Bailey owns every red carpet with effortless charm, proof that confidence and kindness never go out of style.

Jonathan Bailey attends the "Jurassic World Rebirth" New York premiere at Lincoln Center on June 23, 2025 in New York City.
Jonathan Bailey attends the “Jurassic World Rebirth” New York premiere at Lincoln Center on June 23, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/FilmMagic)
Jonathan Bailey attends the "Jurassic World Rebirth" World Premiere at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on June 17, 2025 in London, England. Photo: Joe Maher/Getty Images
Jonathan Bailey attends the “Jurassic World Rebirth” World Premiere at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on June 17, 2025 in London, England. Photo: Joe Maher/Getty Images
LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 20: Jonathan Bailey is seen on August 20, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by MEGA/GC Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – AUGUST 20: Jonathan Bailey is seen on August 20, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by MEGA/GC Images)

Being Named People’s Sexiest Man Alive

People officially crowned him 2025’s Sexiest Man Alive, but let’s be honest, Jonathan Bailey’s mix of talent, warmth, and that devastating smile had us convinced long before the title made it official

Jonathan Bailey has been crowned People’s 'Sexiest Man Alive 2025,' making history as its first openly gay recipient. Read his reaction, quotes, and what this means.
Photo: Jason Hetherington/People Magazine
Jonathan Bailey has been crowned People’s 'Sexiest Man Alive 2025,' making history as its first openly gay recipient. Read his reaction, quotes, and what this means.
Photo: Jason Hetherington/People Magazine
Jonathan Bailey has been crowned People’s 'Sexiest Man Alive 2025,' making history as its first openly gay recipient. Read his reaction, quotes, and what this means.
Photo: Jason Hetherington/People Magazine
Jonathan Bailey has been crowned People’s 'Sexiest Man Alive 2025,' making history as its first openly gay recipient. Read his reaction, quotes, and what this means.
Jonathan Bailey has been crowned People’s ‘Sexiest Man Alive 2025,’ making history as its first openly gay recipient. Read his reaction, quotes, and what this means. Photo: Jason Hetherington/People Magazine
Jonathan Bailey has been crowned People’s 'Sexiest Man Alive 2025,' making history as its first openly gay recipient. Read his reaction, quotes, and what this means.
Photo: Jason Hetherington/People Magazine
Jonathan Bailey has been crowned People’s 'Sexiest Man Alive 2025,' making history as its first openly gay recipient. Read his reaction, quotes, and what this means.
Photo: Jason Hetherington/People Magazine