So, Who’s the Sexiest Man Alive? A History of Eye Candy and Charisma!
Every year since 1985, PEOPLE magazine picks one bloke to wear the flashy crown of “Sexiest Man Alive,” and boy, at first it was a bit of a lark! The first man to strut into that title was none other than Mel Gibson. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the same man who had us yelling “Hooah!” in Braveheart before it was kinda cool to be Scottish, was seen as the picture of male beauty. Now, fast forward to 2024, and the spunky John Krasinski has taken up that honour. Looks like Jim from The Office has really upgraded from pranks to a place in the hearts of many!
Who Was PEOPLE’s First Sexiest Man Alive?
Let’s take a trip back in time! It was 1985, the Rubik’s cube was hot, and the world was introduced to its first-ever sex symbol from PEOPLE magazine: Mel Gibson. Famed for his rugged charm and Australian accent that could make even a cup of tea seem thrilling, Gibson set the bar pretty high — but he wasn’t alone for long! The sexiness squad has seen its fair share of heartthrobs.
Hot Shots in the 30-Year Line-Up
Since Mel kicked off the tradition, PEOPLE has combined good looks with fancy job titles like actors, musicians, and politicians. We’ve seen names like Johnny Depp, Richard Gere, and even John F. Kennedy Jr. join the ranks of this sizzling list. Talk about talent and charm!
Modern-Day Icons
Fast forward a few decades, and they’ve crowned a new wave of studs. In 2023, Patrick Dempsey took home the title, while the *oh-so-charming* Chris Evans was named the sexiest in 2022. Let’s be honest, with his Captain America vibes, most of us wouldn’t mind ‘saving the day’ with him on our arm, would we?
Here’s the FULL List of Recent Sexy Honorees:
- 2024 – John Krasinski
- 2023 – Patrick Dempsey
- 2022 – Chris Evans
- 2021 – Paul Rudd
- 2020 – Michael B. Jordan
- 2019 – John Legend
- 2018 – Idris Elba
- 2017 – Blake Shelton
- 2016 – Dwayne Johnson
More Lookers from People’s Archive
- 2015 – David Beckham
- 2014 – Chris Hemsworth
- 2013 – Adam Levine
- 2012 – Channing Tatum
- 2011 – Bradley Cooper
- 2010 – Ryan Reynolds
- 2009 – Johnny Depp
- 2008 – Hugh Jackman
- 2007 – Matt Damon
- 2006 – George Clooney
- 2005 – Matthew McConaughey
- 2004 – Jude Law
- 2003 – Johnny Depp (again?! Must be that pirate charm!)
- 2002 – Ben Affleck
- 2001 – Pierce Brosnan
- 2000 – Brad Pitt
- 1999 – Richard Gere
- 1998 – Harrison Ford
- 1997 – George Clooney
- 1996 – Denzel Washington
- 1995 – Brad Pitt (a repeat performance!)
- 1993 – Richard Gere (he’s like the fine wine of sexiness)
- 1992 – Nick Nolte
- 1991 – Patrick Swayze
- 1990 – Tom Cruise
- 1989 – Sean Connery
- 1988 – John F. Kennedy Jr.
- 1987 – Harry Hamlin
- 1986 – Mark Harmon
- 1985 – Mel Gibson
Will the Crown Ever be Dethroned?
As our hearts flutter over these suave selections, one must wonder, can the Sexiest Man Alive title ever really mean anything? It’s basically just bragging rights, isn’t it? Like, “Hey, guess what? I’m not just good looking; I’m also officially sexy!” Meanwhile, we’re all guzzling pizza in the corner thinking, ‘Well, at least I’m handsome to my mum!’
But, who wouldn’t want to be included in a legacy that includes such magnificently handsome guests? And one day, who knows? Maybe we’ll see the likes of you on this list! Good luck, and remember: beauty is subjective — and it’s all about the charisma!
Every year since 1985, the renowned North American magazine PEOPLE has curated a prestigious list, famously designating one individual as the sexiest man alive, a title that has sparked much discussion and public intrigue. Mel Gibson held the honor as the inaugural recipient of this coveted title, setting a benchmark for charisma and charm, while John Krasinski took over the distinguished appointment in 2024, marking a new chapter in this ongoing celebration of male allure.
Who was PEOPLE’s first Sexiest Man Alive?
Across more than three decades, the influential magazine PEOPLE has crafted a definitive list recognizing the sexiest men on the planet, each year capturing the essence of attractiveness in various figures from entertainment and beyond. In 1985, Mel Gibson became the first man to earn the title of “World’s Sexiest Man Alive,” captivating audiences with his rugged good looks and magnetic presence, establishing a legacy that would influence many selections to come.
The illustrious roster of past honorees includes prominent personalities from various fields, such as distinguished actors, celebrated musicians, influential politicians, and talented athletes. Among these esteemed figures are Johnny Depp, Richard Gere, John F. Kennedy Jr., David Beckham, and John Legend, each contributing their unique appeal to the ongoing narrative of sexiness.
PEOPLE Magazine’s Sexiest Men Through the Years
The latest to be honored with the title of sexiest man alive in PEOPLE is John Krasinski, who brings a refreshing charm to the position for the year 2024. Prior to Krasinski, Patrick Dempsey held the crown in 2023, captivating eyes with his being. Marvel actor Chris Evans was celebrated in 2022, while Paul Rudd, well-known for his role in Ant-Man, received this esteemed title in 2021. The talented Michael B. Jordan, recognized for his performances in ‘Black Panther,’ graced the cover in 2020, illustrating the diverse representation over the years. Additionally, the charismatic Chris Hemsworth was selected as the sexiest man alive in 2014, further showcasing the blend of charm and on-screen presence that captivates audiences.
Among those who received this prestigious distinction before Krasinski are John Legend, Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, Bradley Cooper, Idris Elba, Adam Levine, Channing Tatum, David Beckham, and many more, each bringing their own unique flair to the title and further enriching the legacy of PEOPLE‘s annual tradition.
- 2024 – John Krasinski
- 2023 – Patrick Dempsey
- 2022 – Chris Evans
- 2021 – Paul Rudd
- 2020 – Michael B. Jordan
- 2019 – John Legend
- 2018 – Idris Elba
- 2017 – Blake Shelton
- 2016 – Dwayne Johnson
Sexiest Men Alive in the World by PEOPLE
- 2015 – David Beckham
- 2014 – Chris Hemsworth
- 2013 – Adam Levine
- 2012 – Channing Tatum
- 2011 – Bradley Cooper
- 2010 – Ryan Reynolds
- 2009 – Johnny Depp
- 2008 – Hugh Jackman
- 2007 – Matt Damon
- 2006 – George Clooney
- 2005 – Matthew McConaughey
- 2004 – Jude Law
- 2003 – Johnny Depp
- 2002 – Ben Affleck
- 2001 – Pierce Brosnan
- 2000 – Brad Pitt
- 1999 – Richard Gere
PEOPLE Magazine’s Sexiest Men Through the Years
- 1998 – Harrison Ford
- 1997 – George Clooney
- 1996 – Denzel Washington
- 1995 – Brad Pitt
- 1993 – Richard Gere
- 1992 – Nick Nolte
- 1991 – Patrick Swayze
- 1990 – Tom Cruise
- 1989 – Sean Connery
- 1988 – John F. Kennedy Jr.
- 1987 – Harry Hamlin
- 1986 – Mark Harmon
- 1985 – Mel Gibson
Elling the magazine’s reputation for showcasing individuals who embody both beauty and charisma. The storied tradition of annually naming the Sexiest Man Alive has become a cultural touchstone, eagerly anticipated by readers and fans alike.
This enduring celebration of attractiveness manages to reflect the evolving standards of masculinity and appeal through changing times. Whether it’s the rugged good looks of Mel Gibson or the modern charm of John Krasinski, each honoree brings their distinct flair to the title, serving as idols for many and captivating the hearts of fans around the world.
As we look back through the years, the fascination with the Sexiest Man Alive title continues to be steeped in our cultural narrative. With each year’s selection, we find not only physical beauty but also the talents, accomplishments, and personalities of these celebrated individuals, highlighting the multifaceted nature of attraction and what it means to be deemed “sexy” in today’s society.
In anticipation of future selections, we’re left wondering – who will be next to join this illustrious list? Will one of our contemporary favorites continue the trend, or will an unexpected newcomer steal the spotlight? Whatever the outcome, one thing is for certain: the charisma and talent of these individuals will continue to inspire admiration and applause from fans around the world.
