Skip to main contentSkip to main content
You have permission to edit this collection.
Edit
The Franklin News Post
52°
  • Log In
  • Subscribe
  • user icon Guest
  • Logout
Read Today's E-edition
  • News
    • Local
    • Crime
    • State & Regional
    • Education
    • Government
    • Business
    • Nation & World
    • Markets & Stocks
    • News Tip
    • Business
  • Obituaries
    • Share a Story
    • Recent Obituaries
    • Find an Obituary
  • Opinion
    • Submit a Letter
    • Letters
    • Editorials
    • Columns
  • Sports
    • High School
    • College
    • Professional
    • Betting
  • Lifestyles
    • Event Calendar
    • Music
    • Movies & TV
    • Food & Cooking
    • Home & Garden
    • Health
    • Parenting
    • Fashion
    • People
    • Pets
    • Travel
    • Faith
    • Puzzmo
    • Games & Puzzles
    • Comics
    • Play
  • Public Notices
  • Brand Ave. Studios
  • Print Edition
    • E-edition
    • Public Notices
  • Buy & Sell
    • Place an Ad
    • Jobs
    • Marketplace
    • Public Notices
    • Cars
    • Shop Local
  • Shopping
  • Customer Service
    • Manage Subscription
    • Activate Digital Subscription
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletter Sign-up
    • Contact Us
    • Help Center
  • Gift Subscriptions
  • Weather: Live radar
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
© 2026 Lee Enterprises
Terms of Service | Privacy Policy
The Franklin News Post
News+
Subscribe
Read Today's E-edition
The Franklin News Post
News+
Subscribe
  • Log In
  • user icon
    Welcome, Guest
    • My Subscription
      Help Center
    • My Account
    • Dashboard
    • Profile
    • Saved items
    • Logout
  • E-edition
  • News
  • Obituaries
  • Opinion
  • Sports
  • Puzzmo
  • Puzzles
  • Lifestyles
  • Public Notices
  • Jobs
  • 52° Clear
Share This
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • SMS
  • Email
This is every 'Sexiest Man Alive' winner since 1985
0 comments
Share this
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • SMS
  • Email
  • Print
  • Save

This is every 'Sexiest Man Alive' winner since 1985

  • Lee Digital Content Center
  • Nov 3, 2025
  • Nov 3, 2025 Updated Nov 21, 2025
  • 0

People magazine has been naming a "Sexiest Man Alive" each year since 1985. Here's a look at every winner, including the latest — Patrick Dempsey.

1985: Mel Gibson

1985: Mel Gibson

In 1985, Mel Gibson was named as People magazine's first "sexiest man alive." He's shown here at the 40th Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France, May 11, 1987.

AP Photo/Gilbert Tourt

1986: Mark Harmon

1986: Mark Harmon

Mark Harmon, 1986's "sexiest man alive" according to People magazine, is shown here with Pam Dawber at the Golden Globe Awards in Los Angeles on Jan. 31, 1987. 

AP Photo/Avery

1987: Harry Hamlin

1987: Harry Hamlin

Harry Hamlin was named the 1987 "sexiest man alive" by People magazine. He's shown here with Laura Johnson at the 1987 Emmy Awards.

Photo by Alan Light

1988: John F. Kennedy, Jr.

1988: John F. Kennedy, Jr.

John F. Kennedy, Jr. was chosen as People's 1988 "sexiest man alive." He's shown here as guest on a talk show at WVOX radio in New Rochelle May 16, 1989.

AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

1989: Sean Connery

1989: Sean Connery

Sean Connery was named 1989's "sexiest man alive." At age 59, he is People magazine's oldest choice for the designation.

He's shown here discussing an upcoming scene with director Fred Schepisi and Michelle Pfeiffer during a break in filming in Moscow of "The Russian House," based on the spy novel by John Le Carre, Oct. 13, 1989.

AP Photo/Boris Yurchenko

1990: Tom Cruise

1990: Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise was chosen as People's 1990 "sexiest man alive." He's shown here with Michelle Pfeiffer at the 47th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif., Jan. 21, 1990. 

AP Photo/Doug Pizac

1991: Patrick Swayze

1991: Patrick Swayze

Patrick Swayze, 1991's "sexiest man alive," is shown here with singer Mariah Carey on the set of Saturday Night Live during rehearsal Thursday, Oct. 25, 1990.

AP Photo/Richard Drew

1992: Nick Nolte

1992: Nick Nolte

Nick Nolte was chosen as 1992's "sexiest man alive" by People magazine. He's shown here with Thandie Newton, left and Greta Scacchi, second left, at the festival Palace in Cannes, French Riviera on Saturday May 20, 1995.

AP PHOTO/Remy de la Mauviniere

1993: Richard Gere and Cindy Crawford

1993: Richard Gere and Cindy Crawford

People magazine changed it up in 1993 and awarded a "sexiest couple alive" rather than "sexiest man alive." The honor went to Richard Gere and Cindy Crawford, who are shown here as they enter Lincoln Center in New York on May 2, 1994 for the 1994 Humanitarian Award from T.J. Martell Foundation for Leukemia, Cancer, and AIDS Research.

AP PHOTO/Dyane Leight

1994: Keanu Reeves

1994: Keanu Reeves

People magazine originally did not choose a "sexiest man alive" in 2004. However, the magazine retroactively awarded the honor to Keanu Reeves in 2015.

AP Photo/Justin Sutcliffe

1995: Brad Pitt

1995: Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt was named 1995's "sexiest man alive" by People magazine. He's shown here with the award he received for best performance by an actor in a supporting role in a motion picture for "12 Monkeys" at the Golden Globe Awards, Sunday, Jan. 21, 1996. 

AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

1996: Denzel Washington

1996: Denzel Washington

Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington laughs as he watches a group of Harvard University students spoof a scene from one of his movies Saturday, Feb. 24, 1996. Washington was named People magazine's "sexiest man alive" for that year.

AP Photo/Peter Lennihan

1997: George Clooney

1997: George Clooney

George Clooney and girlfriend Celine Balitran are cheered by the crowd as they arrive at the world premiere of  "Batman & Robin," Thursday, June 12, 1997. Clooney was chosen as People magazine's "sexiest man alive" that year. He received the honor for a second time in 2009. 

AP Photo/Chris Pizzello

1998: Harrison Ford

1998: Harrison Ford

"Six Days, Seven Nights" stars Anne Heche and Harrison Ford pose together at the premiere of the film, Monday, June 8, 1998, in the Westwood section of Los Angeles. Harrison was chosen as the "sexiest man alive" by People magazine for 1998.

AP Photo/Chris Pizzello

1999: Richard Gere

1999: Richard Gere

Actor Richard Gere shows his hands to the crowd after putting them in wet concrete Monday, July 26, 1999 in front of the Mann's Chinese Theatre in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. The star of "Pretty Woman," "An Officer and a Gentleman," and "American Gigolo" was chosen as 1999's "sexiest man alive" by People magazine. It was his second time receiving the honor.

AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes

2000: Brad Pitt

2000: Brad Pitt

Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt arrive at the 52nd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2000. Pitt was chosen as that year's "sexiest man alive" by People magazine.

AP Photo/Michael Caulfield

2001: Pierce Brosnan

2001: Pierce Brosnan

Actor Pierce Brosnan speaks at a news conference Thursday, April 26, 2001, in Santa Monica, Calif. Brosnan was chosen as People's "sexiest man alive" for 2001. 

AP Photo/Reed Saxon

2002: Ben Affleck

2002: Ben Affleck

Actor Ben Affleck, left, is joined by his co-star from the film "The Sum of All Fears" Bridget Moynahan as they pose for photographers after arriving at the MTV Movie Awards in Los Angeles, Saturday, June 1, 2002. Affleck was chosen as People's "sexiest man alive" for 2002.

AP Photo/Reed Saxon

2003: Johnny Depp

2003: Johnny Depp

Actor Johnny Depp poses for a portrait June 21, 2003, in Los Angeles. Depp was named People's "sexiest man alive" for 2003. He would later receive the honor for a second time in 2009.

(AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes

2004: Jude Law

2004: Jude Law

British actor Jude Law, nominated for best actor in a drama for his work in "Cold Mountain," arrives for the 61st Annual Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2004, in Beverly Hills, Calif. Law was named People's "sexiest man alive" for 2004.

AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian

2005: Matthew McConaughey

2005: Matthew McConaughey

Actor Matthew McConaughey arrives at the premiere of "Two for the Money" in Los Angeles, Monday, Sept. 26, 2005. He was named People's "sexiest man alive" for 2005.

AP Photo/Matt Sayles

2006: George Clooney

2006: George Clooney

Actor George Clooney wears a crown and "Sexiest Man Alive" sash presented to him by NBC "Today" television show co-host Matt Lauer, during the taping of an interview, in New York, Friday Dec. 1, 2006. Clooney was promoting his new movie "The Good German."

AP Photo/Richard Drew

2007: Matt Damon

2007: Matt Damon

Actor Matt Damon arrives to the premiere of "The Bourne Ultimatum" in Los Angeles, in this, July 25, 2007, file photo. Damon was named the 2007 "sexiest man alive" by People magazine. Damon said the honor came as a surprise. 

AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, file

2008: Hugh Jackman

2008: Hugh Jackman

Actor Hugh Jackman presents during the CNN Heroes: An All Star Tribute awards show, Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008, in the Hollywood area of Los Angeles. He was named People's "Sexiest Man Alive" for 2008.

AP Photo/Gus Ruelas

2009: Johnny Depp

2009: Johnny Depp

In this Nov. 17, 2009 file photo, actor Johnny Depp attends The Museum of Modern Art's film benefit tribute to Tim Burton in New York. Depp was named People magazine's "Sexiest Man Alive" on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009. 

AP Photo/Evan Agostini, File

2010: Ryan Reynolds

2010: Ryan Reynolds

Ryan Reynolds arrives during the 82nd Academy Awards Sunday, March 7, 2010, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. Reynolds was chosen as People Magazine's 2010 "Sexiest Man Alive."

AP Photo/Matt Sayles

2011: Bradley Cooper

2011: Bradley Cooper

In this Sept. 6, 2011 file photo, actor Bradley Cooper arrives for the GQ Men of the Year Awards in London. Cooper was named People Magazine's sexiest man alive for 2011. 

AP Photo/Jonathan Short, file

2012: Channing Tatum

2012: Channing Tatum

People Magazine named Channing Tatum, star of films such as "21 Jump Street" and "Magic Mike," the Sexiest Man Alive in November 2012.

Charles Sykes/Invision/AP

2013: Adam Levine

2013: Adam Levine

In this Feb. 7, 2013 file photo, recording artist Adam Levine attends the launch of "Adam Levine Signature Fragrances" at Macy's Westfield Century City, in Century City, Calif. Levine was named Sexiest Man Alive 2013 by People magazine announced Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013. He is a coach on the NBC's hit series, "The Voice."

Photo by Paul A. Hebert/Invision/AP, File

2014: Chris Hemsworth

2014: Chris Hemsworth

In this July 26, 2014 file photo, Chris Hemsworth attends the Marvel press line at Comic-Con International in San Diego. People magazine named Chris Hemsworth the “Sexiest Man Alive” of 2014, cheering the Australian actor’s rise as hammer-wielding, bona fide hunk in the “Thor” films.

Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File

2015: David Beckham

2015: David Beckham

In this Monday, Sept. 28, 2015, file photo, David Beckham poses for photographers upon arrival at the Pride of Britain Awards 2015 in London. Despite his nearly two decades as an international sex symbol, British soccer star Beckham said he's still flattered to be named People magazine's 30th-anniversary Sexiest Man Alive. 

Joel Ryan/Invision/AP, File

2016: Dwayne Johnson

2016: Dwayne Johnson

In this June 10, 2016 file photo, Dwayne Johnson attends the premiere of his film, "Central Intelligence" in Los Angeles. Johnson was named "Sexiest Man Alive" by People magazine on Nov. 15, 2016. 

Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP

2017: Blake Shelton

2017: Blake Shelton

FILE - This June 7, 2016 file photo shows Blake Shelton performing at the 12th Annual Stars for Second Harvest Benefit at Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tenn. Shelton was named as People magazine's 2017 "Sexiest Man Alive."

Amy Harris/Invision/AP, File

2018: Idris Elba

2018: Idris Elba

In this Jan. 21, 2018, file photo, actor-director Idris Elba poses for a portrait to promote his film "Yardie" at the Music Lodge during the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. On Monday, Nov. 5, 2018, Elba was named Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine.

Photo by Taylor Jewell/Invision/AP, File

2019: John Legend

2019: John Legend

This Feb. 24, 2019 file photo shows John Legend at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, Calif. People magazine has named Legend as the sexiest man alive in their special double issue on newsstands nationwide on Nov. 15.

Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File

2020: Michael B. Jordan

2020: Michael B. Jordan

Michael B. Jordan has been crowned as 2020's Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine. Known for his critically-acclaimed performances in "Fruitvale Station," "Creed" and "Black Panther," he was revealed as this year's winner Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2020, on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"

Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File

2025: Jonathan Bailey

2025: Jonathan Bailey

“Wicked” star Jonathan Bailey is People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2025. He's shown here at the premiere of the film "Wicked" on Nov. 18, 2024, in London.

Millie Turner, Invision
0 comments

Related to this collection

Michael B. Jordan is 2020's 'Sexiest Man Alive.' Here's a look at every winner since 1985

Michael B. Jordan is 2020's 'Sexiest Man Alive.' Here's a look at every winner since 1985

"You know, everybody always made that joke, like, 'Mike, this is the one thing you're probably not going to get,'" Jordan said. "But it's a good club to be a part of."

Why Michael B. Jordan was chosen as People's Sexiest Man Alive

Why Michael B. Jordan was chosen as People's Sexiest Man Alive

People's annual "Sexiest Man Alive" issue was released last week. Also included on the list was Dr. Anthony Fauci, Dwayne Johnson, Paul Mescal, Maluma, Chris Rock, Paul Rudd, Dan Levy and more.

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson admits fans convinced him to consider presidential run

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson admits fans convinced him to consider presidential run

Johnson admitted he isn't sure if he has "the patience" for the role, but he was flattered to discover that 46 percent of Americans would back him for the White House.

'Dancing With the Stars' Season 30 cast revealed

'Dancing With the Stars' Season 30 cast revealed

An Olympian, a "Bachelor" and an influencer will try to dance their way to your votes. Here's the full lineup.

People magazine names Paul Rudd as 2021's Sexiest Man Alive

People magazine names Paul Rudd as 2021's Sexiest Man Alive

Rudd, 52, said his wife was initially "stupefied" after he told her the news. "I figure I'll be on a lot more yachts," he added.

Paul Rudd FaceTimes 12-year-old boy after classmates refuse to sign his yearbook

Paul Rudd FaceTimes 12-year-old boy after classmates refuse to sign his yearbook

The actor reached out to a Colorado boy after learning the boy was being alienated at his middle school.

Sexiest Man Alive? A new star has the title

Sexiest Man Alive? A new star has the title

The selection was announced Monday night on Stephen Colbert's late night show and on the magazine's website. Clue: Marvel Avengers actor.

Here's a look at every 'Sexiest Man Alive' winner since 1985

Here's a look at every 'Sexiest Man Alive' winner since 1985

People magazine has been naming a "Sexiest Man Alive" each year since 1985. Here's a look at every winner, from Mel Gibson to Chris Evans.

Matthew McConaughey and Mila Kunis are among People magazine's 'People of the Year'

Matthew McConaughey and Mila Kunis are among People magazine's 'People of the Year'

The magazine unveiled its annual list Wednesday with Editor in Chief Wendy Naugle explaining this year's honorees were selected because of their efforts to help others. 

Man accused of killing 22 women killed in prison, rapper Jeezy files for divorce, and more news from the week

Man accused of killing 22 women killed in prison, rapper Jeezy files for divorce, and more news from the week

From the prison killing of a man who was accused of killing almost two dozen women, to Hunter Biden suing the IRS, here are the top national n…

Patrick Dempsey named Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine

Patrick Dempsey named Sexiest Man Alive by People magazine

People magazine has named Patrick Dempsey as its Sexiest Man Alive. The actor and race car driver takes the mantle from "Captain America" star Chris Evans, who was 2022's selection.

John Krasinski named People magazine's 2024 Sexiest Man Alive

John Krasinski named People magazine's 2024 Sexiest Man Alive

Let the office debates begin — John Krasinski is People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive for 2024.

Austin Stowell traces Mark Harmon's tracks for 'NCIS: Origins'

Austin Stowell traces Mark Harmon's tracks for 'NCIS: Origins'

“Mark created a very specific cadence with Gibbs ... I know that I will never be Mark Harmon, but I’m giving it my best shot.”

Jonathan Bailey named People magazine's 2025 Sexiest Man Alive

Jonathan Bailey named People magazine's 2025 Sexiest Man Alive

Something has changed for "Wicked" star Jonathan Bailey, something is not the same — he is People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive for 2025.

The Franklin News Post
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Sites & Partners

  • Place an Ad
  • Event Calendar
  • Newsletter Signup
  • Join Our Team

Services

  • Manage Subscription
  • Contact Us
  • Rack Locations
  • Personnel
  • Licensing
  • Shopping
  • Dealer Returns
© Copyright 2026 Franklin News Post, P.O. Box 250 Rocky Mount, VA 24151
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Advertising Terms of Use | Do Not Sell My Info | Cookie Preferences
Powered by BLOX Content Management System from bloxdigital.com.

You are logged in
 Switch accounts
Secure transaction. Cancel anytime. Have an account? Log In

Sign Up

Account processing issue - the email address may already exist

User information
This is the name that will be displayed next to your photo for comments, blog posts, and more. Choose wisely!
Your email address will be used to confirm your account. We won't share it with anyone else.
Create a password that only you will remember. If you forget it, you'll be able to recover it using your email address.
Confirm your password.
Have an account? Log In

You're all set!

Thank you .

Your account has been registered, and you are now logged in.

Check your email for details.

OK

Log In

Invalid password or account does not exist

Forgot your password?
Email me a log in link
Admin login Subscribe
Need an account? Sign Up

Reset Password

Submitting this form below will send a message to your email with a link to change your password.

Forgot Password

An email message containing instructions on how to reset your password has been sent to the email address listed on your account.

Email me a log in link

Promotional Offers

No promotional rates found.

Purchase Gift Purchase Access

An error occurred

Secure & Encrypted

What's your email address?
What's your name?
Who is this gift for?
Who is this gift from?
Delivery date
What's your billing location?
What's your delivery address?
Subtotal:
Total:
How would you like to pay?
Add New Card

Secure transaction. Secure transaction. Cancel anytime.

You're all set!

Thank you.

Your gift purchase was successful! Your purchase was successful, and you are now logged in.

A receipt was sent to your email.

OK

An error occurred

This offer is currently unavailable.