Who’s Been Crowned Sexiest Man Alive? Here’s the Ultimate List from 1985 to Now

People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive title has become an annual tradition, celebrating Hollywood’s biggest heartthrobs and icons since 1985.

Tonight, on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the magazine will unveil 2024’s honoree, with current speculation swirling around contenders like NFL star Travis Kelce, actor Glen Powell, and Hollywood favorites Pedro Pascal, Jeremy Allen White, and Ryan Reynolds.

The first Sexiest Man Alive winner was Mel Gibson in 1985, setting a high bar for A-list appeal. Since then, iconic names like George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Johnny Depp have each claimed the title twice. Some notable outliers include John F. Kennedy Jr. (1988), who brought a touch of political legacy to the title, and David Beckham (2015), whose recognition represented a crossover from sports to celebrity.

The editorial staff at People selects each winner, drawing from a mix of rising stars and established names. Patrick Dempsey, famed for Grey’s Anatomy, currently holds the title (2023), while past winners like Idris Elba (2018), Chris Hemsworth (2014), and Michael B. Jordan (2020) highlight the range of talent recognized. With names spanning generations and diverse industries, the Sexiest Man Alive list reflects evolving ideals of charm, style, and charisma across decades.

Here’s the full list from 1985-2023:

• 1985: Mel Gibson

• 1986: Mark Harmon

• 1987: Harry Hamlin

• 1988: John F. Kennedy Jr.

• 1989: Sean Connery

• 1990: Tom Cruise

• 1991: Patrick Swayze

• 1992: Nick Nolte

• 1993: Cindy Crawford & Richard Gere (Sexiest Couple Alive)

• 1994: Keanu Reeves (retrospective)

• 1995: Brad Pitt

• 1996: Denzel Washington

• 1997: George Clooney

• 1998: Harrison Ford

• 1999: Richard Gere

• 2000: Brad Pitt

• 2001: Pierce Brosnan

• 2002: Ben Affleck

• 2003: Johnny Depp

• 2004: Jude Law

• 2005: Matthew McConaughey

• 2006: George Clooney

• 2007: Matt Damon

• 2008: Hugh Jackman

• 2009: Johnny Depp

• 2010: Ryan Reynolds

• 2011: Bradley Cooper

• 2012: Channing Tatum

• 2013: Adam Levine

• 2014: Chris Hemsworth

• 2015: David Beckham

• 2016: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson

• 2017: Blake Shelton

• 2018: Idris Elba

• 2019: John Legend

• 2020: Michael B. Jordan

• 2021: Paul Rudd

• 2022: Chris Evans

• 2023: Patrick Dempsey

As fans tune in to find out who will claim this year’s coveted title, the Sexiest Man Alive list continues to honor those who captivate audiences with talent, charm, and undeniable appeal.