In honour of Jonathan Bailey being named People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive, here are some of my favourite Jonathan Bailey roles, the ones that I believe made this new title feel inevitable.
Anthony Bridgerton — Bridgerton
Let’s start with the obvious one. Anthony Bridgerton is everything Jonathan does well. He’s proud, stubborn, deeply romantic, and constantly fighting his own emotions. Bailey took what could have been a one-note character and turned him into a Regency-era study in yearning. Season two of Bridgerton felt like a masterclass in slow-burn chemistry, and we all collectively lost it during that “you are the bane of my existence” scene. and let’s not forget this scene.
Prince Fiyero — Wicked
Bailey’s turn as Prince Fiyero in Wicked (opposite Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo) showed that he can be charming without being smug, lighthearted without being shallow. His version of Fiyero feels like someone who genuinely falls in love instead of just flirting his way through Emerald City. It’s his biggest Hollywood role yet, and it proves that his magnetism isn’t limited to historical dramas.
Tim — Crashing
Before the big Netflix money came calling, there was Crashing — a messy, hilarious, and criminally underrated Phoebe Waller-Bridge series. Bailey’s Tim is chaotic, insecure, and painfully relatable. It’s where he first showed that he could juggle humour and heartbreak without breaking a sweat.
Sam — Fellow Travelers
If Bridgerton made him a star, Fellow Travelers made him unforgettable. Playing opposite Matt Bomer, Bailey brought tenderness and rage to a story about love and survival during the McCarthy era. It’s one of those performances that lingers. Watching him in this role feels like seeing someone fully step into their power.
Jonathan Bailey’s career feels like it’s just getting started, which is wild because he’s already done so much. Whether he’s in period clothes, a musical, or a romantic meltdown, he brings the same thing every time: sincerity. That’s what makes him irresistible. And honestly, it’s why he’s not just the Sexiest Man Alive — he’s one of the most compelling actors working right now.
What do you think? And who were your contenders?
Mine was Damson Idris
