This article will review some of People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” cover choices, which will take you back in time.
Chris Evans was named the People’s Magazine Sexiest Man Alive for the year 2022 after Stephen Colbert made the announcement on his late-night show.
The magazine had seen iconic personalities such as George Clooney (twice), Tom Cruise (1990), Adam Levine (2013), and Idris Elba (2018) grace their front covers and be dubbed the “Sexiest Man Alive” since 1985 when Mel Gibson was its inaugural pick; before that, to quote Drake in spin bout u, off his Her Loss Album with 21 Savage, everyone was just “crusty, musty, dusty, rusty.”
Chris possesses a rather remarkable career as well as one hell of a year, starring as the lead voice in the Disney animation “Lightyear” as well as the dapper yet tragically sociopathic Lloyd Hansen alongside Ryan Gosling in “The Gray Man.”
It’s no surprise that Marvel’s Captain America alumni have made the cover this year, although it is interesting to note how much buzz his tattoos have been creating even though he’s been subtly showing them off as far back as 2011 in the film, Puncture.
This is why I agree with Olivia Singh of Insider when she says this might be because “Evans typically dons full designer suits or casual long-sleeved shirts during public appearances, and it’s often difficult to see his ink.”
Either way, this is new information to me, and I hadn’t particularly noticed. Another reason to be pleased with the cover, eh?
When asked about his thoughts on being chosen, Evans, the chill dude that he is, joked to People that “this will just be a point of bullying,” saying, “It’s ripe for harassment.”
And like a proper momma’s boy, he went on to add, “My mom will be so happy.” “She’s proud of everything I do, but this is something she can really brag about.”
His mum, Lisa, in turn, happily echoed this sentiment, saying, “I am not surprised at all,” going on to tell people that “our family will be beside themselves.”
If you’re wondering why Chris, allow me a few minutes of your time to reel you in on the selection process, directly from the words of the magazine’s editor-in-chief, Dan Wakeford.
The Selection Process
According to him, the concept of the “sexiest man alive” has evolved over the years, but the selection process encompasses more than just simply identifying a celebrity who is attractive or possesses excellent physical features. “We think about it constantly,” Wakeford said.
The day after the last one is published, we start thinking about who might be next year’s “Sexiest Man.”
“There are so many different variables and approaches,” Wakeford went on to explain. “When we want to make a decision, a common starting point is to consider the zeitgeist, or what is sexy at the time.” “What are people interested in right now?”
The next step is to ascertain what concepts constitute a visual appeal.
“Do we think they’re sexy?” Wakeford emphasized.
His team then conducts polls, which they meticulously evaluate before making a selection for the “SMA.”
“We looked at data,” Wakeford disclosed. “With over 90 million consumers visiting the People brand each month, we have a lot of data at our disposal.”
Sexiest Man Alive Choices before Chris
Without further ado, we’re going to dive into the sexiest men that have graced the covers of the magazine with an astounding number of readers. How about we get into it and grab a paper towel to wipe that drool off your chin? Your thirst is showing. 👀🤤
As much as I am a big Deadpool fan and I think The Hangover trilogy is one of the great comedies of the mid-2010s, I’m afraid I have to skip over Ryan Reynolds and Bradley Cooper, not just because I want to keep this article snack-sized, but because I’m a big numbers guy and I think keeping the listing at 7 is a much better way to keep it 💯
2015: David Beckham
If we don’t include The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015) or King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017), among a few other short films and television shows (I have reasons to believe his agent probably has a thing for films with relatively long titles, but that’s beside the point).
David is one of the few people to be inducted into the Sexiest Man Alive list without a predominantly acting career.
He started his illustrious career as a professional football player in the 1990s, donning a Manchester United uniform.
After a 21-year career as a midfielder, David retired from professional football in 2013. He later went on to co-own Inter Miami CF and Salford City.
David is incredibly ambitious and is the first English player to win league titles in four different countries: England, Spain, the United States, and France.
Known for his exquisite style and sophistication, he is regarded as a British cultural icon as well as a fashion icon sought after by high-end fashion houses.
It is therefore no surprise that he was named the sexiest man alive in 2015.
2016: Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Another larger-than-life character I’ve been following since his days as a professional wrestler at WWE has a multi-threat of singing, acting, and good old-fashioned ass whooping, among other talents that make him one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars.
Fresh off a wrestling career that earned him a solid nickname, he made his film debut in The Mummy Returns with Brendan Fraser. He recently starred as the titular character in DC’s Black Adam.
Known for his cheerful demeanour and go-getter attitude, he has starred in roles alongside action legend Jason Statham and has gone on to become a household name and a force in the movie industry.
Charging up to $20 million per motion picture, his movies have grossed over $3.5 billion in North America and over $10.5 billion worldwide, making him one of the world’s highest-grossing and highest-paid actors.
The fact that he is a custodian of his Samoan culture as his philanthropic endeavour only adds to his appeal, from showering his daughters with love and ample affection to donating a gym to a military base in Oahu, Hawaii. People say the Rock is a big guy with a big heart, and we couldn’t agree more!
2017: Blake Shelton
Shelton rose to prominence with the release of his song “Austin,” which was released more than 20 years ago and has since become a musical force to be reckoned with.
He is one of the rare occasions when, as I previously stated, a non-actor has a chance to be named the sexiest man alive, and with more than 25 #1s on the charts, a feat that is not easy to achieve, it all comes into perspective.
Black was encouraged by his then-girlfriend Gwen Stefani to embrace the title, which he did, saying he couldn’t wait to shove it up to his co-voice coach and 2013 SMA, Adam Levine.
The 41-year-old joked to People, “That y’all must be running out of people,” going on to say, “Like, wow, we’re down to somebody who is somewhat symmetrical.”
With a playful sense of humour, the down-to-earth country star is a testament that hard work, persistence, and a little bit of humour can get you just about anywhere.
2018: Idris Elba
Although he was surprised to be chosen, the veteran actor described it as an ego boost, becoming the People’s Choice immediately after Blake, the 33rd to be crowned.
He got his breakthrough in the US playing Russell “Stringer” Bell on HBO’s hit series The Wire as a drug kingpin, eventually going on to take on the role of the Norse god and Asgardian gatekeeper Heimdall in Marvel’s Thor franchise.
Idris was 46 at the time and a British heartthrob loved as well across the Pacific.
“Being witness to the birth of my children is the biggest and best thing ever,” says Elba, who has a 16-year-old daughter, Isan, and a 4-year-old son, Winston (both from previous relationships).
“I’m super doting, big hugs, kisses, lots of love-yous. I’m sure my daughter’s like, ‘All right Dad, chill out.” “My son is still at that age where he loves a cuddle,” he replied when asked about the happiest moment of his life, exuding a rare breed of masculinity and the heartwarming joy of fatherhood.
It’s easy to see why he was chosen as the Sexiest Man Alive!
2019: John Legend
To quote People, “He’s got an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony, and now John Legend—one of the nicest guys in Hollywood—has been crowned this year’s Sexiest Man Alive.”
But seriously, is there anything this man cannot do? The epitome of black excellence, named the 34th Sexiest Man Alive at age 40, just one year after receiving his EGOT, is married and a devoted father to his children.
He doesn’t let success keep him from being a father to his children or showering his wife with love, making Mr Right seem feasible.
He is noted for being kind, citing his father, Ronald, a factory worker, as inspiration for his endearing humility, saying, “My father taught me about character.” He taught us by example. “He always conducted himself with such grace and dignity,” he told People’s Magazine.
“My parents always taught me that if you’re going to succeed in life, part of success is having humility.” “It’s a good way to live life, treating other people the way you want to be treated.” You hear that, Chads? Humility is endearing.
His confidence and vocal and writing prowess coupled with his kindness is what, if you ask me, give him that edge to stand out!
2020: Michael B. Jordan
Michael is one of those men that other men look up to, displaying discipline throughout his strenuous physical regimen to carry on Apollo Creed’s boxing legacy as his son Adonis to the beloved villain Killmonger in Marvel’s Black Panther.
Michael has a chiselled body, a caramel complexion, and a compassionate character. Michael has had a fascinating career, but his business, Outlier Society Productions, has done more than just make movies. It was the first to adopt an “inclusion rider,” which requires that filmmakers hire a diverse cast and crew.
According to reports by People.com, nothing short of inspiring the change he wants to see in the world, he told People’s Magazine that the secret to his confidence is “fully realizing that you can’t make everybody happy,” going on to say, “You could have all the good intentions in the world, and you’ll still get controversy or some type of negativity thrown your way.”
Besides his physical attributes, you can see how much confidence plays a vital role, and Michael clearly has all the confidence he needs to fit the description.
2021: Paul Rudd
“I have an awareness, enough to know that when people hear that I’d be chosen for this, they would say, ‘What?'” said the 52-year-old actor of his selection. Telling People during their interview that “This is not false humility” “There are so many people that should get this before me,” the actor said. But eventually getting around to accepting it, “I’m going to lean into it hard,” Paul said. “I’m going to own this.”
Like most of the people crowned on this list, Paul is a renowned family man, insisting that he’s most happy at home with his wife, Julie, and their kids.
Known for his signature green eyes and easy grin, the actor rose to fame following his role as Josh in the 1995 film Clueless alongside Alicia Silverstone.
Before that, he had a few small roles, including one in the short-lived sitcom Wild Oats as Brian Grant. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in July 2015.
Who was your favourite SMA pick? Let us know in the comments.
