People's Sexiest Men Alive, from Mel Gibson to Patrick Dempsey

Ever since 1985 (with the exception of 1993 and 1994), People Magazine has chosen the most attractive man in contemporary showbiz. Check out all the covers to see if your favorite actor or musician ever got the title.

Born January 3, 1956, Mel Gibson was the first 'Sexiest Man Alive' for People Magazine. He was 29 years old, had just made a hit with 'Mad Max,' and his blue eyes melted fans all over the world.

Mark Harmon, born on September 2, 1951, was 35 years old when he got People's honor, but he looked much younger. Harmon never understood the choice, as he only saw "a handful of teeth and football scars" in the mirror.

Harry Hamlin (October 30, 1951) was 36 years old and a big star in 'L.A. Law'. Despite being People's 'Sexiest Man,' he claimed that he didn't feel so hot when he looked at his reflection.

John F. Kennedy Jr. (November 25, 1960) was 28 years old when People appointed him 'Sexiest Man'. His sad aura made him interestingly attractive. In 1999, he died tragically in a plane crash.

Sean Connery (August 25, 1930) was 59 years old at the time. His moustache gave him a distinct look which some may have considered sexier than others. The actor had just released 'The Immortals', 'Elliot Ness' and 'The Name of the Rose.'

Tom Cruise (July 3, 1962) was 28 years old and a big star thanks to 'Risky Business' and 'Top Gun.' His eyes made everyone fall in love with him: ''not the color, but the way he looks at you." Such were the exact words of Valeria Golino, his girlfriend in 'Rain Man.'

Patrick Swayze, born August 18, 1952, was 39 years old when People named him 'Sexiest Man Alive'. He had "a sweet and kind heart but also a robust and animal-like physique," Demi Moore said. She was his co-star in 'Ghost', the film that elevated his status even further than 'Dirty Dancing'.

Born 8 February 1941, Nick Nolte was 51 years old when People named him 'Sexiest Man Alive.' His was the first controversial election. People considered him an Adonis with a heart of gold, but not everyone agreed that he was the sexiest guy on the planet.

Born in August 1949 and February 1966, Richard Gere and Cindy Crawford were elected the 'Sexiest Couple Alive' over the course of two years. People Magazine didn't choose the 'Sexiest Man' in those years.

Brad Pitt (December 18, 1963) was 32 years old and had just appeared in 'Legends of the Fall' with is beautiful long hairdo. It was the beginning of the legend of Brad Pitt.

Denzel Washington (December 28, 1954) was 42 years old and the first African-American man to win this award. Regina Taylor defined him in three words: "Ingenuity, style and intelligence."

George Clooney (May 6, 1961) was 36 years old and had been a big star as Dr. Ross in the series 'E.R'. Laura Innes, a co-star in the series, said he was "endearing, like family."

Harrison Ford (July 13, 1942) was 56 years old when People bombarded him 'Sexiest Man Alive.' His response: "I don't like looking in the mirror." At that point, he was the oldest man to have been named the world's sexiest.

Richard Gere (August 31, 1949) was 50 years old and there was no better choice than him to close the 20th century. He was thé Mr. Handsome of the 80s and 90s. Divine justice.

Brad Pitt was elected for the second time when he was 37 years old. He opened the 21st century and was also the first man to repeat the award. At the time, he was with Jennifer Aniston and living a very good life.

Pierce Brosnan (16 May 1953) was 48 years old and not only attractive but also a beautiful father. Or, at least, that's what co-star Julianna Margulies said about his performance in 'Everlyn': "there was nothing sexier than Pierce Brosnan holding hands with his wife and baby."

Ben Affleck (August 15, 1972) was 29 years old when they chose him as 'Sexiest Man'. He was the new golden boy of Hollywood and also engaged to Jennifer Lopez. They called him "talkative, magnificent, handsome and intelligent."

Johnny Depp (June 9, 1963) was 40 years old and his Jack Sparrow had just landed in Hollywood. Depp's bohemian look and features elevated him to a legend of seduction.

Jude Law (December 29, 1972) was 32 years old, looking 10 years younger, and Naomi Watts even said of him that "he is the most beautiful man who ever walked the earth. An absolutely perfect oil painting."

Matthew McConaughey (November 4, 1969) was 36 years old when People picked him as Sexiest Man. He had that mischievous air that we love so much about him, a spectacular physique, and an attractive southern style.

George Clooney (May 6, 1961) was 45 years old when he was once again named the Sexiest Man Alive. It was nine years since his previous award. More mature, confident and settled in Hollywood, the actor was now a reference point for sensuality, elegance and beauty all over the planet.

Matt Damon (October 8, 1970) was 37 years old and played the impactful Jason Bourne. His boyish face was complemented by a loveable humility.

Hugh Jackman (October 12, 1968) was 40 years old when People named him the Sexiest Man Alive. He could sing, dance, talk with an Australian accent, he had some steel muscles, and he was Wolverine. Hollywood loved it.

Johnny Depp got his second 'Sexiest Man Alive' title when he was 46 years old. In this instance, there was more controversy surrounding the election. His star had begun to fade.

Ryan Reynolds (October 23, 1976) was 34 years old when selected by People. He was one of the most underrated attractive men: handsome, funny and with a beautiful body. At the time, he was married to Scarlett Johansson. Two years later, he would meet his next wife: Blake Lively.

Bradley Cooper (January 5, 1975) was 36 years old when he featured on the cover of People. "Sometimes I look great and sometimes I look terrible," he said. His loving smile, tremendous talent, and humor (in 'The Hangover' for example) make him one of Hollywood's favorites. He should always play together with Jennifer Lawrence.

Channing Tatum (April 26, 1980) was 32 years old and a logical choice after the release of 'Magic Mike.' He showed muscles, a great dancing talent, and charisma. He was also one of the hottest couples in Hollywood with Jenna Dewan.

Adam Levine (March 18, 1979) was 34 years old and the first non-actor to emerge as the world's Sexiest Man. His raw look, tattoos, muscles and party image won him the award. The singer of 'Maroon 5' expected that his family would laugh at him about it for the next 20 years.

Chris Hemsworth (August 11, 1983) was 31 years old and a great choice for 'Sexiest Man.' When a 300 million dollar movie devotes part of the plot to praising your features, you must be perfect. The god Thor found in the goddess Elsa Pataky his better half. They are the envy of Hollywood.

David Beckham (2 May 1975) was 40 years old when they selected him. He is perhaps the most handsome and media-friendly footballer in history. Victoria Beckham saw the diamond he was and polished it to perfection. Every, absolutely every, look suits him.

Dwayne Johnson (May 2, 1972) was 44 years old at the time. The Rock was the hottest actor in Hollywood but this award caught him by surprise. "We've hit the ceiling. I don't know where we'll go from here," he said.

Blake Shelton (June 18, 1976) was 41 years old and surely handsome. He had conquered the heart of Gwen Stefani. Yet, some critics believed it was time for Leonardo DiCaprio to get the award some time.

Idris Elba (6 September 1972) was 46 years old when he appeared on this cover of People. He had always been near or at the top of this type of lists. When they told him about the 'Sexiest Man' title, he looked in the mirror and said to himself: "Yes, you look a little sexy today..."

John Legend, born December 28, 1978, was the Sexiest Man Alive in 2019. The African-American singer had been known for his sensual performances on stage. His wife Chrissy Teigen could not stop joking about it on social media. "My secret is out," she said on Twitter. "I have fulfilled my dream of having b***d People's Sexiest Man Alive! An honor!!!!"

Michael B. Jordan (February 9, 1987) was the 'Sexiest Man Alive' in 2020. The 33-year-old actor and producer is known from his roles in 'The Wire' (Wallace), 'Friday Night Lights' (Vince Howard), and 'Black Panther' (N'Jadaka / Erik Killmonger). The club of Sexiest Men "is a good club to be part of," he told People. In fact, Jordan's late grandmother used to collect the 'Sexiest Man' covers, so she must be looking down at him from heaven with great pride.

Paul Rudd (April 6, 1969) is older than the last ten Sexiest Men Alive, and media like NBC News are saying "it's about time" he got the title. The New Jersey native started acting in 1991 and became famous for his role as Phoebe's husband Hannigan in 'Friends.' He was also Alicia Silverstone's love interest in the 1995 cult hit 'Clueless,' and in more recent years stole the hearts of superhero fans as Ant-Man. So it was only logical that Rudd would eventually end up on the cover of People's 'Sexiest Man Alive' issue.

Chris Evans (2022) - 13 June 1981 - Just when the world thought he couldn't look any better than in the Captain America suit, he appeared in the movie 'Knives Out' wearing a jumper that took the world by storm and crowned him as an unintended influencer. Evans is handsome, likeable, acts well, and has great style. He could just as well be the perfect son-in-law, which is not a bad label either.

Patrick Dempsey (2023) - January 13 1966. Long before he became Dr. McDreamy in 'Grey's Anatomy,' this actor had already a booming career, and it was about time that People magazine named him the Sexiest Man Alive.  In addition to acting, Dempsey loves racing cars and he recently opened his own Dempsey Center to treat cancer patients. About his new title, he told People: "I'm glad it's happening at this point in my life... It's nice to have the recognition, and certainly my ego takes a little bump, but it gives me the platform to use it for something positive."

Photo: Instagram / @patrickdempsey