Jonathan Bailey lauds ‘progress’ after winning People’s Sexiest Man Alive

Jonathan Bailey has hailed “progress” after he was named as People magazine’s first openly gay Sexiest Man Alive.

Jonathan Bailey believes “nothing’s sexier than progress” after being crowned People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive.

The Wicked actor became the first openly gay man to claim the publication’s annual honour and accepted the accolade “without a second thought” as he knew it would benefit the LGBTQ+ community.

In an interview with Forbes, Jonathan said: “There’s nothing sexier than progress.

“Of course, there was no way I wasn’t going to step into that corner this year when the opportunity arose.

“There’s something about knowing when that invitation came in, it’s amazing to be able to accept it without a second thought, knowing that it’s meaningful and impactful, as well as just an incredible and hilarious honour. It’s not lost on me at all.”

Bailey is keen to see how the title can help other LGBTQ+ individuals.

The 37-year-old star said: “I know what it means, you know, for me – for little me – and also, for a lot of people out there. It’s a celebratory moment for a lot of people.”

Jonathan had described how he was “incredibly flattered” to be named as the year’s hunkiest male celebrity and confessed that it was difficult to keep the news under wraps.

He told People: “It’s a huge honour. Obviously I’m incredibly flattered. And it’s completely absurd. It’s been a secret, so I’m quite excited for some friends and family to find out…

“I told my dog Benson. But no, I haven’t [told anyone else]. How do you spell… NDA?”

Bailey continued: “I feel incredibly lucky. Life is a ride for everyone no matter who you are, where you come from. It’s just making sure that when you’re in the ride, you’re looking left and right and making sure everyone’s all right. And give them a high-five along the way if they need it.”

The Jurassic World Rebirth star did admit that his friends will be “furious” that he hasn’t told them about winning.

Jonathan said: “They’ll be furious that I haven’t told them. And then they’ll just squeal with delight. They’ve seen me grow up. Behind the mask of being identified as a sexy man are other truths that they know and they’ve witnessed. They know the secrets.”