George Clooney, Paul Rudd and other past ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ winners offer advice for the newest titleholder

Is it getting hot in here? With People magazine about to reveal its newest “Sexiest Man Alive” on Nov. 12, past honorees have one thing to say to the new guy: Enjoy the ride!

Since 1985, the exclusive club has crowned men including George Clooney, Paul Rudd and last year’s winner, Patrick Dempsey, all of whom captured our hearts not just with looks but also with humor, confidence and joie de vivre. For these winners, the title is about more than just a handsome face — it’s a chance to embrace the fun and maybe learn to laugh at yourself.

This year’s honoree, whoever he may be, might just find these tips useful. Here’s what past Sexiest Men Alive have had to say about wearing the crown.

Don’t be shy, ‘seize this opportunity’

For some titleholders, the best approach is simply to be comfortable in your own skin. Idris Elba, who received the title in 2018, insists that it’s all about being natural.

“Just enjoy it,” he advised his successor, John Legend, in a 2019 interview with People, encouraging him, “try not to be sexy, just be you.” That appears to come easily for Elba, who added with confidence, “I don’t have to try to be sexy — I am sexy.”

Even on the toughest days, Elba explained, “[It] doesn’t matter if I woke up in the morning and looked crazy, people would say, ‘Oh, the sexiest man!’ I told myself, ‘Yes!’ No matter what I do, I’ve been given the title, I’m feeling very good about myself.”

Ryan Reynolds, awarded the title in 2010, also believes in not downplaying the honor, advising fellow honoree Rudd in 2021 to embrace it all.

“Don’t blow this, Rudd,” he joked on Today, adding that it’s all about making the most of it, with no apologies. “He’s going to play it shy. He’s going to play it bashful, humble,” adding, “I wouldn’t do that. You got to seize this opportunity.”

As for Rudd, he openly admitted he’s “the wrong guy” to offer advice about the title, but he’s just as eager as anyone to see who takes the crown next.

“I can’t wait to see who it is,” he told People. “I am very excited to stand on the sidelines and just bask in their sexiness.”

Clooney, who took home the title in 1997 and 2006, says that being the “Sexiest Man Alive” takes extra dedication.

“There’s a lot of responsibility for a full year, you have to wear that sash. It’s very uncomfortable after a while,” he recently joked to People, noting that he’s eager to see how this year’s winner will handle it.

“Let’s see what kind of a campaign he’s running. You know what I mean? I want to see how good a campaigner he is,” he teased, adding, “I’m sure they’ll do a great job.”

Enjoy the ride — and wear some denim

Matthew McConaughey, who snagged the title in 2005, believes confidence and authenticity are what make the title stick.

As he told People in April, “If you’re named it, and you’re still alive, you’re still Sexiest Man Alive,” joking that even after all these years, he’s got the bragging rights. As for style advice, it’s simple: “Go denim.”

Reflecting on his 2005 cover, he said, “I noticed that the go-to on any photo shoot, especially for this, was denim. Go denim. Blue catches the eyes; denim, all-American. It was a good call. Denim still works for me today.”

Dwayne Johnson’s 2016 cover for People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” issue. (People)

Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson, crowned in 2016, brings his trademark humor to the club.

“My conversations with fellow [Sexiest Men Alive] are always the same,” he told People. “I say, ‘Listen, just so you know, here’s the thing with Sexiest Man Alive, I’m actually the only one who has it in perpetuity. So you guys have it for a year — but I have it for life.’”

The Moana 2 star delivered a playful jab when he welcomed 2022’s honoree, Chris Evans, during a segment on The Late Show, encouraging him to embrace the role and “say something sexy.”

Have perspective: ‘You can’t take yourself too seriously’

For others, a big part of the honor is knowing when to tune out the noise.

Blake Shelton, whose 2017 title received mixed opinions, knows from experience that the announcement isn’t always met with universal approval. His advice? Lay low for a bit.

After breaking the news of Legend’s 2019 title live on The Voice, Shelton gave his fellow coach a tip. “I said, ‘Hey, man, listen. After this announcement comes out, wait about two weeks before you look at social media, because everybody that ever hated you is gonna have something to say about it,’” he recalled to Entertainment Tonight.

Blake Shelton’s 2017 cover for People’s “Sexiest Man Alive” issue. (People)

Legend himself shared humble advice, reportedly telling Meredith’s Blackprint in 2020, “It’s been funny, it’s been humbling, it’s been all those things.”

He continued, “I’ve truly enjoyed just making fun of myself throughout it because you can’t take yourself too seriously when someone calls you the Sexiest Man Alive.”

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