Aaron Pierre Was Named People Magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive 2025” — Why It’s a Moment

According to People magazine’s November 5, 2025 cover story, British actor Aaron Pierre has been featured in the publication’s Sexiest Man Alive issue.

Pierre, 31, trained at London’s LAMDA and has built an international career with standout roles in Rebel Ridge and as the voice of Mufasa in Mufasa: The Lion King. He told People:

“I’m working on things that I’m passionate about … and I’m just so very grateful.”

What makes this moment noteworthy: Pierre’s roots (Jamaican, Curaçaoan and Sierra Leonean heritage) and his rising status make him a symbol of new-generation talent breaking into global visibility.

Yet there’s a twist. While People confirms he is featured in the “Sexiest Man Alive” issue, other media outlets report that Jonathan Bailey was actually named Sexiest Man Alive 2025. That discrepancy raises questions about editorial clarity and how the label is being presented.

For African-diaspora audiences and global film watchers, the buzz around Pierre underscores a broader shift: attraction, charisma and star-power are no longer defined by Hollywood alone — they’re increasingly global, inclusive and diverse. His selection (or feature) signals that the conversation around what “Sexiest Man Alive” looks like has evolved — and deserves the nuance it’s getting.

“I just want to look back and be like, ‘I tried, and I did my best — and know I couldn’t have done any more."

— In conversation with People about his approach to his craft.