People's 'Sexiest Man Alive' title has gone to some of Hollywood's hottest hunks
People magazine has been bestowing the title of 'Sexiest Man Alive' to Hollywood’s most attractive men annually since 1985. Mel Gibson was the first to receive this honor, while Patrick Dempsey is the latest celeb. The title has been held by nearly three dozen celebrities over the years, with Brad Pitt, George Clooney, and Johnny Depp each earning the title twice. Richard Gere also received the title twice, but in 1993, he shared the honor with his then-wife, supermodel Cindy Crawford, as the 'Sexiest Couple Alive'. The announcement of the 'Sexiest Man Alive' has become a much-anticipated event, sparking widespread conversation each year. Let's take a closer look at the complete lineup of Hollywood's most handsome men.
Mel Gibson (1985)
In 1985, Mel Gibson was honored as the inaugural 'Sexiest Man Alive' by People magazine. Prior to this recognition, he had already captivated audiences with his performances in both action and drama genres. He starred in the initial installments of the 'Mad Max' franchise and showcased his dramatic acting skills in films such as 'The Year of Living Dangerously' and 'The Bounty'.
Mark Harmon (1986)
Mark Harmon, who gained fame in the 1980s with his successful TV shows, St Elsewhere and Moonlighting, was honored with the title of 'Sexiest Man Alive' in 1986. "I'd done an interview with People about leaving 'St. Elsewhere' and I went up to play basketball and both backboards on either side of the court were plastered with the (Sexiest Man Alive) cover," he told People in 2015.
Harry Hamlin (1987)
Harry Hamlin, known for his role in the popular drama show 'LA Law', was awarded the 'Sexiest Man Alive' title in 1987. When he received the honor, he humorously remarked to People, "Certainly when I look in the mirror, I don't get turned on. It’s not something I spend a lot of time considering."
John F. Kennedy, Jr (1988)
John F. Kennedy Jr, while pursuing his legal career and amidst his high-profile relationship with his wife, socialite Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, was awarded the 'Sexiest Man Alive' title. Tragically, he, Carolyn, and his sister-in-law, Lauren Bessette, died in a plane crash in 1999.
Sean Connery (1989)
At 59, Sean Connery was honored as the 'Sexiest Man Alive'. The Scottish actor, known for being the first to portray James Bond on the big screen, starred in seven Bond films, including 'Dr No' and 'Goldfinger', from 1962 to 1983. "For once, I'm speechless," Connery told People after winning the honor. "It'll all be downhill from here!"
Tom Cruise (1990)
In 1990, Tom Cruise was named 'Sexiest Man Alive' by People magazine. Before receiving this honor, Cruise had already made a name for himself with a string of box-office successes, including 'Top Gun', 'Risky Business', and 'All the Right Moves'.
Patrick Swayze (1991)
Patrick Swayze was honored as the 'Sexiest Man Alive' in 1991, following his performances in the hit films 'Ghost' and 'Dirty Dancing'. His 'Ghost' co-star, Demi Moore, highlighted his "gentle" nature as one of his most admirable traits.
Nick Nolte (1992)
Nick Nolte, star of 'Cape Fear', was named 'Sexiest Man Alive' in 1992. People magazine described him as a "big-lug Adonis with the heart of gold". Upon learning of his win, the 'Prince of Tides' star humorously questioned, "Are you sure you didn't make a mistake? My personal choice is Walter Cronkite," as reported by the Associated Press.
Richard Gere and Cindy Crawford (1993)
In a shocking twist, People didn't choose a 'Sexiest Man Alive' for 1993. Instead, the magazine chose Richard Gere and Cindy Crawford as the 'Sexiest Couple Alive'. The former couple first met in 1988 and had been married for nearly two years at the time. However, they ultimately filed for divorce in 1995.
Keanu Reeves (1994)
While People magazine didn’t initially name a 'Sexiest Man Alive' in 1994, they later rectified this in 2015 when the magazine's editorial director, Jess Cagle, retroactively awarded the title to Keanu Reeves.
Brad Pitt (1995)
Brad Pitt graced the cover of People's 'Sexiest Man Alive' issue in 1995, following his performances in the hit films, 'Legends of the Fall' and 'Interview with the Vampire'.
Denzel Washington (1996)
In 1996, Denzel Washington was given the 'Sexiest Man Alive' title and shared with People that he didn't take himself too seriously, stating, "I don't stop in the mirror and go, 'Hey, Sexy Man.'"
George Clooney (1997)
George Clooney made his first appearance on the 'Sexiest Man Alive' cover in 1997 while he was starring in the medical drama series, 'ER', which aired from 1994 to 2009. Clooney played the role of Dr Doug Ross for five seasons before leaving the series in 1999.
Harrison Ford (1998)
Harrison Ford, known for his roles in the original Star Wars trilogy and the Indiana Jones franchise, was featured on the cover of People's 1998 'Sexiest Man Alive' issue. However, Ford questioned his selection at the time, asking, "Why this sudden outpouring for geezers?" he asked the outlet, before stating, "I never feel sexy. I have a distant relationship with the mirror."
Richard Gere (1999)
Richard Gere was named the 'Sexist Man Alive' at the age of 50. The title came nearly 10 years after he starred alongside Julia Roberts in the beloved romantic comedy, 'Pretty Woman'.
Brad Pitt (2000)
Brad Pitt received the title of 'Sexiest Man Alive' for the second time in 2000, after he first received it in 1995. At the time, the actor had recently married Jennifer Aniston — making them one of the most beloved couples in Hollywood. However, the pair announced their split in 2005.
Pierce Brosnan (2001)
In 2001, Pierce Brosnan was honored as People's 'Sexiest Man Alive'. The following year, he starred in his fourth and final James Bond film, 'Die Another Day'.
Ben Affleck (2002)
Ben Affleck, who was in a high-profile relationship with Jennifer Lopez at the time, was named 'Sexiest Man Alive' in 2002. Although they ended their engagement in 2004, they rekindled their relationship nearly two decades later and married in July 2022.
Johnny Depp (2003)
Johnny Depp earned his first 'Sexiest Man Alive' title in 2003, shortly after his role in the blockbuster Disney movie, 'Pirates of the Caribbean'. Upon receiving the honor, Depp humorously told People, "Life's pretty good, and why wouldn't it be? I'm a pirate, after all!"
Jude Law (2004)
Jude Law was given the name 'Sexiest Man Alive' in 2004, the same year that he starred as the romantic lead in the American rom-com, 'Alfie'. Before he received the honor from People, the British actor had appeared in several critically-acclaimed films, including 'The Talented Mr. Ripley'.
Matthew McConaughey (2005)
Matthew McConaughey was named 'Sexiest Man Alive' two years after his role in 'How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days' alongside Kate Hudson. In an interview with People about the honor, the actor joked about how the title would impact his career. "Wait until you see the roles I could take after this," he joked. "You're going to see my gut hanging over, plus 22 [lbs]. It'll be a whole new kind of sexy!"
George Clooney (2006)
George Clooney received the 'Sexiest Man Alive' title for the second time in 2006, having first received it in 1997. He humorously commented on how being a two-time title holder had little effect on his dating life, saying, "I don't go on that many dates."
Matt Damon (2007)
Matt Damon was named 'Sexiest Man Alive' after the release of the third Jason Bourne film, 'The Bourne Ultimatum'. He playfully thanked People in 2007, saying, "You've given an ageing suburban dad the ego boost of a lifetime."
Hugh Jackman (2008)
Hugh Jackman was named 'Sexiest Man Alive' by People in 2008, eight years after he gained fame as Wolverine in the 'X-Men' franchise.
Johnny Depp (2009)
Johnny Depp was named 'Sexiest Man Alive' for the second time in 2009. He found out about the news while working with Anne Hathaway on the set of Tim Burton's 'Alice in Wonderland' film.
Ryan Reynolds (2010)
Ryan Reynolds, known for his roles in 'Green Lantern' and 'Deadpool', was named 'Sexiest Man Alive' in 2010. He joked to People about casually dropping the title in his daily conversations.
Bradley Cooper (2011)
In the same year that Bradley Cooper starred in the sequel to 'The Hangover' franchise, he was honored as 'Sexiest Man Alive'. Following his victory, the actor shared with People that his mother would be overjoyed. In a 2011 interview with the outlet, he expressed gratitude for the title, while humorously commenting on his looks. "I think it's really cool that a guy who doesn't look like a model can have this [title]," he stated.
Channing Tatum (2012)
Channing Tatum was awarded the 'Sexiest Man Alive' title in 2012, coinciding with the premiere of the first 'Magic Mike' film. He shared a light-hearted anecdote about how he and his then-wife, Jenna Dewan, reacted to the news during an interview with People.
Adam Levine (2013)
Adam Levine, Maroon 5's lead vocalist, was named 'Sexiest Man Alive' in 2013. He revealed in a People interview that he didn't anticipate receiving the title, given his music industry background. "As a musician, you have fantasies that you want to win Grammys, but I didn’t really think that this was on the table," he stated.
Chris Hemsworth (2014)
Chris Hemsworth, who debuted as Thor in the Avengers franchise three years prior, was named 'Sexiest Man Alive' by People. He shared that both he and his wife, Elsa Pataky, found the title amusing when they first heard the news.
David Beckham (2015)
David Beckham, the former football star, was honored as the 'Sexiest Man Alive' in 2015. He told People that he considered the title a "huge honor" and was "very pleased to accept" it.
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson (2016)
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, after starring in the popular Disney film Moana, was named 'Sexiest Man Alive' by People. He described the title as "awesome" but joked about its implications for his career.
Blake Shelton (2017)
Blake Shelton, while serving as a coach on 'The Voice', received the 'Sexiest Man Alive' title. He humorously commented to People about the honor, saying, "Y'all must be running out of people. Like: 'Wow, we’re down to somebody who is somewhat symmetrical.'"
Idris Elba (2018)
Idris Elba, who gained fame in the early 2000s drama series, 'The Wire', was named 'Sexiest Man Alive' by People. However, Elba expressed surprise upon hearing that he'd received the title. "I was like: 'Come on, no way. Really?'" he stated to People in 2018.
John Legend (2019)
John Legend, a year after achieving EGOT status – winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award – was named 'Sexiest Man Alive' for 2019. Legend, who has been married to model Chrissy Teigen since 2013, reportedly admitted to having mixed feelings about the title.
Michael B. Jordan (2020)
Michael B Jordan, a few years after his roles in the blockbuster films Creed and Black Panther, was named 'Sexiest Man Alive'. In a 2020 interview with People, he described receiving the honor as a "cool feeling."
Paul Rudd (2021)
Paul Rudd, who first gained popularity in 1995 with his role in the hit romantic comedy, 'Clueless', was named 'Sexiest Man Alive' in 2021 after a successful Hollywood career. Upon receiving the title, Rudd humorously commented on how his life would be undergoing significant changes.
Chris Evans (2022)
Chris Evans was honored as the 'Sexiest Man Alive' last year. He jokingly remarked that it was "tough to be interviewed about" the title when he received the honor.
Patrick Dempsey (2023)
Patrick Dempsey, the 'Sexiest Man Alive' for 2023, reportedly admitted to being "completely shocked" initially but then "started laughing" about the honor. His fans, who have been captivated by his performances over the years, feel that this honor has been long overdue.
