People Magazine ‘s “Sexiest Man of the Year Award” is one of the most coveted titles in all of Hollywood. As hard as it is to believe, they’ve been polling this segment for more than 35 years.
In that time, some incredibly talented actors have had the title bestowed upon them. So for a bit of fun, have a look at what People ‘s “Sexiest Men Alive” looked like when they got chosen and how they look now.
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Ben Affleck, 2002.
Back in 2002, Ben was still practically a kid. I mean, just look at that face! There isn’t a wrinkle in sight.
Have you seen the recent photos that show how he’s back in Batman shape? It’s impressive.
Pierce Brosnan, 2001.
I feel like just being tapped to play James Bond should automatically secure your nomination for “Sexiest Man Alive.”
No disrespect to Daniel Craig, but Pierce will always and forever be my Bond. He may have a bit more gray than before, but he’s still got it.
Richard Gere, 1999.
Of course, I can understand the appeal of Richard Gere, but do I think he’s the sexiest man on Earth? No, I do not.
But as you’ll see, the ’90s had a very obvious affinity for older men with gray hair.
Harrison Ford, 1998.
Well it goes without saying that Harrison Ford could be named “Sexiest Man of the Year” every year, but I suppose that wouldn’t be fair to the rest of Hollywood.
I also loved his beard in Call of the Wild .
George Clooney, 1997.
Speaking of silver foxes and magnificent man-manes, isn’t George Clooney just the best? I’ll go to my grave defending his casting as Bruce Wayne in Batman & Robin .
That’s right, I said it. Come at me, bro!
Denzel Washington,1996.
Very few things on this earth can match the intensity of a Denzel Washington stare-down. Just look at those eyes: It’s as if he’s staring straight through you and right into your very soul.
No argument here, Denzel is a sexy beast.
Brad Pitt, 1995.
So can we all agree that Brad Pitt looks like he fell from heaven in Legends of the Fall ?
It’s been more than 25 years since Brad was first awarded the crown, and he’s still as gorgeous as he ever was.
Nick Nolte, 1992.
I don’t get it. I’m sorry, Nick, I’m not trying to be rude.
But up until now, you could argue that there’s a certain objectivity that exists among the winners. With Nick’s victory, clearly, this was a subjective choice.
Patrick Swayze, 1991.
Let’s not beat around the bush, shall we? Patrick Swayze in Point Break is absolutely beautiful.
So beautiful that he makes Keanu Reeves, one of the most handsome men on Earth, look like a bowl of dog food.
Tom Cruise, 1990.
You have to give Tom credit: He’s unquestionably the most legit action star of his generation — maybe of all time.
I have to say, I’m definitely not a fan of the mullet/hockey hairdo he’s rocking in Days of Thunder .
Sean Connery, 1989.
Like I mentioned earlier: When you play James Bond, your “sexy” never expires. I’m not saying that Sean wasn’t a handsome older man, but he was more than 60 years old at the time!
How was Sean sexier than Michael Jordan? Explain that to me.
Harry Hamlin, 1987.
Harry Hamlin is a bit of a relic from the past. He’s had his share of semi-successful TV bits, but nothing that can compare to the early days of his career.
Most recently, you may recognize him from his work on Shooter , the TV series.
Mark Harmon, 1986.
Once again, another name that had me scratching my head. I’m largely unfamiliar with Mark Harmon, other than his character, Gibbs, from NCIS .
I’ve never really watched the show myself, is it any good? I need a new series to burn through…
Mel Gibson, 1985.
Finally, we arrive at the inaugural winner of People ‘s “Sexiest Man Alive”: Mel Gibson! It’s not hard to understand why Mel was chosen to be the first. he was at the height of his Lethal Weapon fame and already had two Mad Max sequels under his belt.
Johnny Depp, 2003.
I’m a child of the ’90s so I still remember vividly when Johnny Depp was all the rage. I was always a fan of his long hair if I’m being honest.
I’ve yet to see him in Waiting for the Barbarians , but I can’t wait!
Jude Law, 2004.
It’s been nearly two decades since Jude Law wore the crown and he’s still looking as sexy as he ever was.
Hopefully, we’ll get to see him sporting a full beard again for his role as Dumbledore in the upcoming sequel to Fantastic Beasts .
Matthew McConaughey, 2005.
Alright, alright, alright — let’s talk about Matthew McConaughey for a moment. At one point in time, Matthew was little more than a prop, a pretty face who always found a reason to take his shirt off.
Now, he’s an Oscar-winning actor and one of the most respected leading men in Hollywood.
Matt Damon, 2007.
How do you like them apples? Around the time that Matt Damon took home the honors for “Sexiest Man Alive,” he was putting the final touches on The Bourne Ultimatum .
Most recently, Matt starred opposite Christian Bale in Ford v Ferrari .
Hugh Jackman, 2008.
Taking a peek at Hugh’s picture on the left, it’s pretty easy to understand why he was given the nod. His ruggedly handsome good looks could set your teeth on edge.
I far more prefer Hugh with a beard, what about you?
Ryan Reynolds, 2010.
This isn’t meant to be taken as a slight toward Ryan, but back in 2010 he still had plenty of boyish charm. That face looks like it doesn’t know the meaning of the word blemish.
Over the last decade, Ryan has become distinguished and even more handsome.
Bradley Cooper, 2011.
Bradley Cooper in Limitless looks like he just climbed over the south side of The Wall; those icy-blue eyes are chilling.
Which look do you prefer: the suited-up professional or the boozy busted cowboy? I know which way I’m leaning…
Channing Tatum, 2012.
What in the heck happened to Channing Tatum? I feel like for a period of time I couldn’t turn on my TV or walk past a magazine stand without seeing his face plastered all over.
Do my eyes deceive me or does Channing have a little snow on the roof?
Adam Levine, 2013.
Adam Levine most certainly has the moves like Jagger. He’s been a sex icon ever since Maroon 5 first burst onto the scene with “This Love.”
I can’t say that I’m a huge fan of Adam’s choice of toque though.
Chris Hemsworth, 2014.
I always manage to forget that Chris Hemsworth is in Rush , which is really a credit to his talent as an actor.
By the way, have you seen the most recent pictures of Chris now that he’s begun bulking up for Thor: Love and Thunder ? It’s shocking.
David Beckham, 2015.
I’m not going to come right out and say that vampires exist. But if they do, then David Beckham is without question a vampire.
How else would you explain how he’s able to remain so beautiful and youthful? Because he isn’t human.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, 2016.
Speaking of not being human, how is it even possible that The Rock has managed to get even bigger than he was in Central Intelligence ?
A day in the life of Dwayne Johnson’s t-shirts must be the most terrifying existence imaginable.
Blake Shelton, 2017.
Blake Shelton is sexy in a more classical or traditional sense. He exudes masculinity and good old-fashioned southern charm.
He even somehow manages to look good while drinking a pomegranate martini in full camo gear, not an easy feat.
Idris Elba, 2018.
As you can see, not a lot has changed when it comes to the physical appearance of Idris Elba. Aside from the fact that he has a little more white in his beard, you’d think these photos were taken within days of one another.
John Legend, 2019.
If this past year has taught us anything, it’s that John Legend looks better with a beard.
Also, is his little girl not the most adorable kid you’ve ever seen in your life? She’s making me re-think my “no children” philosophy.
Michael B. Jordan, 2020.
Anyone who has read my work knows that I am a Michael B. Jordan truther. This young man possesses a wealth of talent and hasn’t even begun to reach his full potential.
You heard it here first: Michael B. Jordan will be the next Superman.
John F. Kennedy Jr., 1988.
The son of former President John F. Kennedy was People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” all the way back in 1988. Doesn’t he kind of look like a young Henry Cavill?
Sadly, John lost his life in a tragic plane crash a little more than a decade later.
