Jonathan Bailey on Embracing the Spotlight—With His Dog by His Side
The “Wicked: For Good” Star Reflects on a Surreal Honor and the Joy of Sharing It with Benson
At the London premiere of Wicked: For Good, actor Jonathan Bailey lit up the red carpet not just with his signature charm, but with a new title in tow—People magazine’s Sexiest Man Alive. The honor, which Bailey describes as “wild” and “hysterical,” has been met with both humility and humor by the acclaimed star.
In a lighthearted interview with Extra, Bailey opened up about the surreal experience of being named Sexiest Man Alive, a title he now shares—quite literally—with his beloved dog, Benson. The duo graced one of the magazine’s covers together, a moment Bailey called “necessary,” adding with a grin, “He’s a hot dog.” Bailey recounted how some of his friends showed up to the photo shoot unaware of its purpose. “They’re like, ‘You’ve got your dog involved,’” he laughed. “It’s like, ‘Yeah, it’s necessary, actually, for this one.’ He is a very handsome boy.”
When asked if Benson rules the household, Bailey didn’t hesitate. “Yes. He is always full of energy. He’s always inspiring and he’ll eat anything, which itself is kind of sexy,” he joked, showcasing the playful bond between man and pup. Despite the glitz of the title, Bailey remains grounded. “I don’t think you can possibly take it in your stride,” he admitted. “I take it very seriously, but also with an absolute out-of-body sort of, hysterical… You know, I’m gonna have a drink tonight with my family and friends and sort of celebrate how wild and ridiculous it is.”
Bailey’s rise to international fame has been marked by standout performances and a reputation for authenticity, both on and off screen. As he prepares for the release of Wicked: For Good, hitting theaters November 26, fans are celebrating not just his talent, but the warmth and wit that make him so beloved.
In a world often defined by image, Jonathan Bailey reminds us that true charisma lies in joy, humility, and the love we share—with people and pets alike.
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