Is it getting sizzling in right here? With Folks journal about to disclose its latest “Sexiest Man Alive” on Nov. 12, previous honorees have one factor to say to the brand new man: Benefit from the journey!

Since 1985, the unique membership has topped males reminiscent of George Clooney, Paul Rudd and final 12 months’s winner, Patrick Dempsey, all of whom captured our hearts not simply with seems but in addition with humor, confidence and joie de vivre. For these winners, the title is about greater than only a good-looking face — it’s an opportunity to embrace the enjoyable and perhaps study to snicker at your self.

“There are some exceptional males who’ve performed unbelievable issues, so it is good to be part of that,” Dempsey mentioned on this week’s problem of Folks, noting that the title does include a heavy crown.

“It makes me extra anxiety-ridden. I wanted to remain in form, to coach extra,” he joked.

This 12 months’s honoree, whoever he could also be, may simply discover the following tips helpful. Right here’s what previous Sexiest Males Alive have needed to say about carrying the crown.

Do not be shy, ‘seize this chance’

For some titleholders, the very best strategy is just to be comfy in your personal pores and skin. Idris Elba, who obtained the title in 2018, insists that it’s all about being pure.

“Simply take pleasure in it,” he suggested his successor, John Legend, in a 2019 interview with Folks, encouraging him, “strive to not be attractive, simply be you.” That seems to return simply for Elba, who added with confidence, “I don’t need to attempt to be attractive — I’m attractive.”

Even on the hardest days, Elba defined, “[It] doesn’t matter if I wakened within the morning and seemed loopy, folks would say, ‘Oh, the sexiest man!’ I instructed myself, ‘Sure!’ It doesn’t matter what I do, I’ve been given the title, I’m feeling excellent about myself.”

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

“Don’t blow this, Rudd,” he joked on In the present day, including that it’s all about taking advantage of it, with no apologies. “He’s going to play it shy. He’s going to play it bashful, humble,” including, “I wouldn’t do this. You bought to grab this chance.”

As for Rudd, he overtly admitted he’s “the improper man” to supply recommendation in regards to the title, however he’s simply as keen as anybody to see who takes the crown subsequent.

“I can’t wait to see who it’s,” he instructed Folks. “I’m very excited to face on the sidelines and simply bask of their sexiness.”

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

“There’s lots of accountability for a full 12 months, you must put on that sash. It’s very uncomfortable after some time,” he lately joked to Folks, noting that he’s desperate to see how this 12 months’s winner will deal with it.

“Let’s see what sort of a marketing campaign he’s working. You realize what I imply? I need to see how good a campaigner he’s,” he teased, including, “I’m positive they’ll do an amazing job.”

Benefit from the journey — and put on some denim

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

As he instructed Folks in April, “In the event you’re named it, and also you’re nonetheless alive, you’re nonetheless Sexiest Man Alive,” joking that even in spite of everything these years, he’s bought the bragging rights. As for fashion recommendation, it’s easy: “Go denim.”

Reflecting on his 2005 cowl, he mentioned, “I seen that the go-to on any photoshoot, particularly for this, was denim. Go denim. Blue catches the eyes; denim, all-American. It was a very good name. Denim nonetheless works for me at the moment.”

Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson, topped in 2016, brings his trademark humor to the membership.

“My conversations with fellow [Sexiest Men Alive] are at all times the identical,” he instructed Folks. “I say, ‘Pay attention, simply so you already know, right here’s the factor with Sexiest Man Alive, I’m really the one one who has it in perpetuity. So that you guys have it for a 12 months — however I’ve it for all times.’”

The Moana 2 star delivered a playful jab when he welcomed 2022’s honoree, Chris Evans, throughout a phase on The Late Present, encouraging him to embrace the function and “say one thing attractive.”

Evans has additionally celebrated with humor, joking with Folks this week, “It is all downhill after Folks’s Sexiest Man Alive. That is what I’ve discovered.”

Nonetheless, it is vital to stay within the second. “All of it goes by too fast,” mentioned Evans. “You are going to get up in the future and also you’re simply going to have these crow’s ft which can be simply there completely.”

Have perspective: ‘You may’t take your self too severely’

For others, a giant a part of the respect is figuring out when to tune out the noise.

David Beckham, the 2015 titleholder, advises future Sexiest Males Alive to not get “carried away” and to “maintain your ft on the bottom,” in accordance with Folks.

Blake Shelton, whose 2017 title obtained blended opinions, is aware of from expertise that the announcement isn’t at all times met with common approval. His recommendation? Lay low for a bit.

After breaking the information of Legend’s 2019 title stay on The Voice, Shelton gave his fellow coach a tip. “I mentioned, ‘Hey, man, pay attention. After this announcement comes out, wait about two weeks earlier than you take a look at social media, as a result of all people that ever hated you is gonna have one thing to say about it,’” he recalled to Leisure Tonight.

Legend himself shared humble recommendation, reportedly telling Meredith’s Blackprint in 2020, “It’s been humorous, it’s been humbling, it’s been all these issues.”

He continued, “I’ve really loved simply making enjoyable of myself all through it as a result of you’ll be able to’t take your self too severely when somebody calls you the Sexiest Man Alive.”

As for Dempsey, he agrees that being attractive is subjective.

“There are such a lot of great males which can be on the market which can be enticing in some ways, both simply bodily or simply who they’re as an individual,” Dempsey instructed Folks, advising the subsequent honoree to “take it severely sufficient to be grateful, however don’t take it too severe, although.”

Up to date, Nov. 12, 2024, at 12:35 p.m. ET. (The piece has been up to date with quotes from Patrick Dempsey, Chris Evans and David Beckham.)