Overview
- The selection was unveiled Nov. 3 on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where Bailey called the honor flattering and "completely absurd."
- People released two covers featuring Bailey, including a beach image and a shot of him shirtless holding his dog, Benson.
- GLAAD praised the choice as a pop culture milestone for LGBTQ visibility, while Bailey’s Wicked co-stars, including Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, publicly celebrated him.
- Bailey’s recent run includes Bridgerton, an Emmy-nominated turn in Fellow Travelers, Jurassic World: Rebirth, and a return as Fiyero in Wicked: For Good on Nov. 21.
- The 37-year-old succeeds 2024 honoree John Krasinski and continues philanthropic work through The Shameless Fund supporting LGBTQ+ organizations.