Overview
- The announcement was made on The Tonight Show, where Jimmy Fallon revealed Bailey as this year's pick.
- In an interview with People, Bailey called the recognition “the honour of a lifetime” and said the moment felt “completely absurd.”
- The reveal dovetails with his turn as Fiyero in Wicked: Part 2, which is slated to reach theaters in mid-November alongside Ariana Grande.
- Bailey, who is open about his sexuality, launched the Shameless Fund in 2024 to support LGBTQ+ organizations.
- People has bestowed the designation annually since 1985, with John Krasinski named last year and multiple two-time honorees including Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, George Clooney, and Richard Gere.