How the former People's Sexiest Man Alive winners look now as The Pitt's Noah Wyle, 55, scoops the 2026 title

Noah Wyle was announced as People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive on Tuesday, following in a long line of other Hollywood hunks. 

The Pitt actor, 55, is the recipient of the 2026 prize, taking over from reigning champion, Wicked star Jonathan Bailey, 38, who was bestowed the honour in 2025 amid the magazine's 40th anniversary celebrations.

After being crowned, he quipped: 'I thought that sounded like a prank – just not in a million years did I think that this would be an honour bestowed on me.' 

Since its inauguration over four decades ago, a plethora of dishy males have graced the cover of People magazine, with everyone from actors, singers, sports stars and even a president's son winning the fun title. 

Some of the past winners are still widely considered the biggest heartthrobs around – such as George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Denzel Washington and Ben Affleck.

With the light-hearted competition closed for another year, here's a look back at the other Sexiest Man Alive winners throughout the years and what they look like now...

Noah Wyle was announced as People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive on Tuesday, following in a long line of other Hollywood hunks

Noah takes over from reigning champion, Wicked star Jonathan Bailey (seen), who was bestowed the honour in 2025 amid the magazine's 40th anniversary celebrations

Mel Gibson was People magazine's first ever Sexiest Man Alive in 1985, winning the title at the height of his career

1985 MEL GIBSON

Mel Gibson was People magazine's first ever Sexiest Man Alive in 1985, winning the title at the height of his career.

At the time, the now 70-year-old was hugely popular, with films such as the Lethal Weapon and Mad Max franchises dominating the box offices.

However, he suffered a fall from grace in the 2000s, with a string of public controversies involving racist, homophobic and antisemitic tirades.

1986 MARK HARMON

Mark Harmon won the honour 40 years ago and hasn't lost his handsome looks

Mark Harmon won the honour 40 years ago and hasn't lost his handsome looks.

The actor, 75, is well known for his role in 2003's Freaky Friday, his most successful film to date, with his other major films including The Presidio, Summer School and Stealing Home. 

1987 HARRY HAMLIN

While his model daughters Amelia Gray and Delilah Belle are more likely to be making headlines today, Harry was all the rage in 1987 thanks to his leading role in legal series LA Law

While his model daughters Amelia Gray and Delilah Belle [and arguably his Real Housewives star wife Lisa Rinna] are more likely to be making headlines today, Harry was all the rage in 1987 thanks to his leading role in legal series LA Law.

The actor, 74, is also known for his defining film role as Perseus in 1981 fantasy, Clash of the Titans. 

1988 JOHN F KENNEDY JR

John F. Kennedy Jr. won in 1988 at the age of 27. He sadly died 11 years later when the light aircraft he was piloting crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts

John F Kennedy Jr won in 1988 at the age of 27. He sadly died 11 years later when the light aircraft he was piloting crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts.

The late son of President John F Kennedy and Jackie O remains the youngest ever recipient of the award.

1989 SEAN CONNERY

Sean Connery meanwhile was the oldest recipient of the prize, having been bestowed the title at age 59 in 1989

Sean Connery meanwhile was the oldest recipient of the prize, having been bestowed the title at age 59 in 1989. 

The Scottish actor, famous for his role as British secret agent James Bond, passed away in October 2020 aged 90. 

1990 TOM CRUISE

Tom Cruise won the award in 1990, and 36 years later, he still retains his youthful good looks 

Tom Cruise won the award in 1990, and 36 years later, he still retains his youthful good looks.

Following success in breakout roles Top Gun and Risky Business, by the time of the 90s, the Hollywood hunk, 64, was one of the biggest and most popular movie stars in the world.

His big box office hits in the 90s included Days Of Thunder, The Firm and A Few Good Men. 

1991 PATRICK SWAYZE

Dirty Dancing star Patrick Swayze was named Sexiest Man Alive in 1991

Dirty Dancing star Patrick Swayze was named Sexiest Man Alive in 1991.

The popular actor, who earned three Golden Globe nominations throughout his career, died following a battle with pancreatic cancer in 2009.

1992 NICK NOLTE

Nick Nolte, is now 85, but won the title in 1992 when he was 51

Nick Nolte is now 85 but won the title in 1992 when he was 51.

The Academy Award-nominated actor, known for roles in Cape Fear and 48 Hrs, has stepped away from the spotlight in recent years and lives a quiet life in Malibu. 

1993 RICHARD GERE [WITH CINDY CRAWFORD]

There was no official Sexiest Man Alive named in 1993 [nor 1994], however, Richard Gere was given the honour of Sexiest Couple Alive alongside Cindy Crawford in 1993, in lieu of the usual title

There was no official Sexiest Man Alive named in 1993 [nor 1994], however, Richard Gere was given the honour of Sexiest Couple Alive alongside Cindy Crawford in 1993, in lieu of the usual title.

The Hollywood heart-throb, 77, and the supermodel, 60, were married in 1991, before going on to split four years later in 1995.

1995 BRAD PITT

Still one of Hollywood's favourite heartthrobs, it's unsurprising that Brad Pitt has won twice - his first being in 1995 

Still one of Hollywood's favourite heartthrobs, it's unsurprising that Brad Pitt has won twice – his first being in 1995.

At the time, the hunk, now 62, became a major pop-culture icon thanks to his handsome good looks as well as roles in big name films such as Se7en, 12 Monkeys and Legends of the Fall. 

1996 DENZEL WASHINGTON

With starring roles in movies such as The Preacher's Wife and Courage Under Fire, Denzel Washington was one of the hottest tickets in 1996

With starring roles in movies such as The Preacher's Wife and Courage Under Fire, Denzel Washington was one of the hottest tickets in 1996.

Now aged 71, the film star is still ruggedly handsome and is still acting, though he's recently expressed an interest in completing certain dream projects before taking a gradual step back from on-screen acting. 

1997 GEORGE CLOONEY

George is another Hollywood star who is still just as much regarded as a heartthrob today than he was in his younger years

George is another Hollywood star who is still just as much regarded as a heartthrob today than he was in his younger years.

After his breakout role as Dr Doug Ross in medical drama ER, George, 65, has continued to leave women swooning wherever he goes.

Once regarded as one of Hollywood's most eligible bachelors, the hunk has since settled down, marrying Amal Alamuddin in 2014, with whom he shares two children. 

1998 HARRISON FORD

28 years after winning Sexiest Man Alive, Harrison Ford has maintained his charming Hollywood looks 

28 years after winning Sexiest Man Alive, Harrison Ford has maintained his charming Hollywood looks.

The 84-year-old is regarded as a cinematic cultural icon and is still winning big today, having recently been awarded the SAG-AFTRA Life Achievement Award.

1999 RICHARD GERE

Six years after winning with ex Cindy, Richard bagged the top prize for himself this time 

Six years after winning with ex Cindy, Richard bagged the top prize for himself this time.

No doubt his success partly stemmed from the fact that he'd just reunited with Pretty Woman co-star Julia Roberts on another box office hit, Runaway Bride, further cementing his heartthrob status. 

2000 BRAD PITT 

Having married fellow 90s icon Jennifer Aniston in 2000 and becoming the golden couple of the early 2000s pop-culture, it's little wonder why popular Brad bagged the prize once again 

Having married fellow 90s icon Jennifer Aniston in 2000 and becoming the golden couple of the early 2000s pop-culture, it's little wonder Brad bagged the prize once again. 

2001 PIERCE BROSNAN

Pierce Brosnan may no longer be James Bond, but he is still has the license to thrill as one of the sexiest men alive

Pierce Brosnan may no longer be James Bond, but he still has the license to thrill as one of the sexiest men alive. 

Having already wowed fans in 007 movies GoldenEye, Tomorrow Never Dies and The World Is Not Enough, Pierce was at the time gearing up to star in his fourth outing as Bond in 2002's Die Another Day.

2002 BEN AFFLECK

With his romance with Jennifer Lopez in full swing at the time, Ben, 54, was hot property in 2002 

With his romance with Jennifer Lopez in full swing at the time, Ben, 54, was hot property in 2002.

His high profile romance, big film roles, recent Oscars success – as well as his dashing good looks of course – made Ben a worthy winner of the accolade. 

Having carved out a successful acting career, Ben is also making great strides as director and writer – though these days his baby-faced, clean-cut visage has evolved with a handsome, rugged beard.

2003 JOHNNY DEPP

Johnny, 63, is another star to have earned People's annual top honour twice, his first being in 2003 

Johnny, 63, is another star to have earned People's annual top honour twice, his first being in 2003.

While he's been marred by controversies in recent years, Johnny was hot property 23 years ago thanks to his huge mainstream role as Jack Sparrow in the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie. 

2004 JUDE LAW

Jude Law was the 'It Guy' in 2004, when he took home the title, having featured in several major cinema releases that year, leading to the term the 'Jude Law Effect' being coined 

Jude Law was the 'It Guy' in 2004, when he took home the title, having featured in several major cinema releases that year, leading to the term the 'Jude Law Effect' being coined.

His films at the time included Alfie, Closer, Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow, Aviator, and I Heart Huckabees. 

2005 MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY

As one of Hollywood's premiere leading men at the time, it seemed only right that Matthew bagged the honour that year 

As one of Hollywood's premiere leading men at the time, it seemed only right that Matthew bagged the honour that year.

With a big screen role in action-adventure film Sahara alongside Penelope Cruz, Matthew, 56, was hugely popular and still is to this day. 

2006 GEORGE CLOONEY

It was a good year for George, having won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in Syriana, as well as Sexiest Man Alive 

It was a good year for George, having won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in Syriana, as well as Sexiest Man Alive.

The star had great success at that year's Oscars, having also been nominated for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay for Good Night, and Good Luck. 

2007 MATT DAMON

Matt Damon received the honour in 2007, just under a year after he got married and a few months after he welcomed his first of three children into the world 

Matt Damon received the honour in 2007, just under a year after he got married and a few months after he welcomed his first of three children into the world. 

The actor, 56, known for Saving Private Ryan and the Bourne franchise, told People at the time: 'You've given an aging suburban dad the ego-boost of a lifetime.' 

2008 HUGH JACKMAN

Hugh Jackman's role as sexy Wolverine in the X-Men movies no doubt contributed to his win 

Hugh Jackman's role as sexy Wolverine in the X-Men movies no doubt contributed to his win.

The Australian actor, 58, has maintained his rugged good looks over the years and continues to wow with his screen work, with his next project seeing him star in Ridley Scott's adaptation of Treasure Island in 2027.

2009 JOHNNY DEPP

Twenty-five years after making his film debut in horror film A Nightmare On Elm Steet, Johnny proved he was still just as popular as he bagged the prestigious title once again 

Twenty-five years after making his film debut in horror film A Nightmare On Elm Street,  Johnny proved he was still just as popular as he bagged the prestigious title once again. 

2010 RYAN REYNOLDS

Ryan, 49, bagged the honour in 2010 and the Deadpool star was very pleased about it 

Ryan, 50, bagged the honour in 2010 and the Deadpool star was very pleased about it.

He told People: 'The most difficult part is going to be organically working this title into a conversation with random strangers'.

2011 BRADLEY COOPER

Unlike Ryan, Bradley, 51, was rather humble as he won the accolade 15 years ago 

Unlike Ryan, Bradley, 51, was rather humble as he won the accolade 15 years ago. 

The Hangover actor shared with People: 'I think it's really cool that a guy who doesn't look like a model can have this [title]. I think I'm a decent-looking guy. Sometimes I can look great, and other times I look horrifying.'

2012 CHANNING TATUM

Channing, 46, left millions of women swooning thanks to his sexy role as a stripper in Magic Mike, which was loosely based on his own real life experiences 

Channing, 46, left millions of women swooning thanks to his sexy role as a stripper in Magic Mike, which was loosely based on his own real life experiences. 

Having pulled off his own stunts and dance moves, without the use of a body double, his Sexiest Man Alive title was well deserved. 

2013 ADAM LEVINE

As the first musician to bag the prize, Adam was rather bashful when it came to accepting the popular title 

As the first musician to bag the prize, Adam was rather bashful when it came to accepting the popular title.

The Maroon 5 singer, now 47, said at the time to People: 'You feel like you owe it to be kind of self-deprecating about it because it is an iconic thing, but also silly. 

'It's going to hit me when I'm constantly the butt of every joke every friend and family member makes for the next 20 years of my life, but I'm ready to handle it.'

2014 CHRIS HEMSWORTH

The Thor star, 43 [or should we say phwoar star!] bagged the top spot in 2014 and it's easy to see why 

The Thor star, 43 [or should we say phwoar star!] bagged the top spot in 2014 and it's easy to see why.

The Australian hunk, fresh from his popularity-boosting role in 2013's Thor: The Dark World, noted at the time that he'd have 'bragging rights' to avoid chores at home.

2015  DAVID BECKHAM

While the former football player, 51, has long been a sex symbol in the UK, David proved his devilishly good looks translated across the pond too as the American weekly magazine awarded him the honour in 2015 

While the former football player, 51, has long been a sex symbol in the UK, David proved his devilishly good looks translated across the pond too as the American weekly magazine awarded him the honour in 2015.

While David humbly said at the time: 'I never feel that I'm an attractive, sexy person,' it seems that the People magazine readers – and indeed his wife Victoria – were in disagreement.

2016 DWAYNE 'THE ROCK' JOHNSON 

It's been 10 years since Dwayne Johnson scooped the accolade, but discussing the title in recent years, he revealed he still feels just as handsome

It's been 10 years since Dwayne Johnson scooped the accolade, but discussing the title in recent years, he revealed he still feels just as handsome. 

The Rock joked: 'I’ve been saying it since birth: I am, in fact, the sexiest man alive. I’m actually the only one who has it in perpetuity!'

People magazine's Sexiest Man Alive poll has also seen a variety of worthy winners in more recent years. 

They include: 2017: Blake Shelton, 2018: Idris Elba, 2019: John Legend, 2020: Michael B Jordan, 2021: Paul Rudd, 2022: Chris Evans, 2023: Patrick Dempsey, 2024: John Krasinski, and 2025: Jonathan Bailey. 

Join the discussion

Who do you think truly deserved the Sexiest Man Alive title but never got it?