PEOPLE Magazine is gearing up for the highly anticipated announcement of its annual Sexiest Man Alive title, an event steeped in nearly four decades of tradition. Editor-in-Chief Charlotte Triggs and former Executive Editor Elizabeth Sporkin shared insights into the iconic franchise during a PEOPLE VIP Live Chat on 22 October, moderated by Senior Editor Ana Calderone. The discussion shed light on the origins of the title and revealed intriguing stories from its history.
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The inception of the Sexiest Man Alive franchise dates back to 1985, and surprisingly, it emerged from what can only be described as a fortuitous accident. Triggs shared that the first cover star was none other than Mel Gibson, whose feature went awry due to an unusable interview. Instead of scrapping the entire piece, the editorial team decided to pivot, opting to declare Gibson as the “Sexiest Man Alive” based solely on his stunning photos. This impromptu decision would ultimately lead to the establishment of a beloved annual tradition for PEOPLE.
Over the years, the recognition has not only elevated the chosen celebrities but has also evolved into a comprehensive celebration of various aspects of attractiveness. Sporkin reminisced about her own experience with the franchise; she recalled being involved in the 1997 issue featuring George Clooney, during which the concept of sexiness began to take on a broader scope, encompassing multiple covers that explored diverse interpretations of allure.
Occasionally, the title elicits mixed feelings from its recipients. A notable anecdote involved Matt Damon, who initially declined the title when it was offered to him in 2007. Rather than simply stepping back, Damon surprised the magazine’s team with a generous gesture: he sent a case of high-end red wine to each editor who worked on the issue. Sporkin described the wine as elegant, representing Damon’s thoughtful response to the award.
The Sexiest Man Alive shoots have also led to some heartwarming surprises. Sporkin recounted a memorable experience with Ryan Reynolds during his 2010 photoshoot on a farm in Atlanta. The crew encountered a stray dog in desperate need of care, which they could not ignore despite warnings. Reynolds not only endeared himself to the crew by engaging in the rescue but also facilitated the adoption of the dog, further showcasing the softer side of this celebrated titleholder.
Jonathan Bailey, acclaimed for his role in the series “Bridgerton,” brought a unique flair to his shoot as the 2025 Sexiest Man Alive. Not only did he arrive with a clear vision for the shoot, which took place at a picturesque beach in southern England, but he also actively participated in the creative direction. Triggs described him as a “very creative person,” highlighting how Bailey’s input contributed to a series of memorable photographs that featured him in playful yet artistic poses.
As the excitement builds for the upcoming Sexiest Man Alive announcement, Triggs has hinted at what fans can expect from this year’s issue. The forthcoming edition promises to feature six distinct photo shoots, each encapsulating a unique type of sexiness while also including a centrepiece. Triggs articulated her enthusiasm, asserting that they had found an “epic” cover star this year. She anticipates that the choice will resonate powerfully with audiences, reflecting the spirit of the times.
Beyond the cover star’s reveal, PEOPLE has capitalised on reader involvement through its annual Readers’ Choice Poll, which has celebrated notable figures across various categories this year. The poll’s winners range from favourite fictional characters to the “Sexiest Morning Show Host,” emphasising the evolving conversation around what constitutes sexiness in contemporary culture.
As anticipation grows for the Sexiest Man Alive issue, Triggs remains poised in maintaining the high standards associated with the title. She asserted the importance of selecting someone who embodies the ethos of the current year while also promising to excite and inspire fans with the upcoming reveal.
Subscribers to PEOPLE VIP can expect an early glimpse of the issue before its public release. The VIP programme not only provides exclusive content, but it also includes opportunities for members to engage directly through real-time chats with celebrities and editors. New members who join before the end of October 2023 will receive exclusive welcome gifts, including a limited-edition tote bag and a unique beach towel celebrating the Sexiest Man Alive.
In summary, as PEOPLE Magazine gears up to unveil its latest Sexiest Man Alive, the editors reflect on the franchise’s storied past while eagerly anticipating the future. This ongoing celebration offers a captivating lens through which society can explore and appreciate sexiness in all its varied forms.