Jonathan Bailey had a charming and playful reaction when a fan called him “Sexiest Man Alive” at the premiere of Wicked: For Good in New York City. The fan, Francis Dominic, shouted the title as Bailey walked the red carpet, prompting the actor to turn around with a flirty smile, which was captured on video and shared widely on social media.
The moment caused excitement among the nearby crowd, with Dominic filming himself enthusiastic about the interaction. In his social media caption, Dominic celebrated the exchange, writing, “ME CASUALLY FLIRTING WITH @jbayleaf AKA THE SEXIEST MAN ALIVE?!?!?!?! Yeah, my night is insane.. Y’ALL SEEN THAT SMOLDER HE GAVE ME?!?!? Oh what are Mister Bailey..”
Bailey, who stars as Fiyero in Wicked: For Good, received a Lego mini-figure of himself at the premiere. The miniature resembled his cover look on PEOPLE magazine where he was crowned Sexiest Man Alive. He expressed delight, saying, “That is so good. Oh my goodness me.”
In his PEOPLE cover story, Bailey shared his fondness for Lego, calling building Lego sets one of his perfect date ideas. He even humorously listed “doesn’t like Lego” as a deal-breaker in romantic partners.
Bailey expressed gratitude for being named Sexiest Man Alive, telling PEOPLE the honor felt both incredible and absurd. As the first openly gay man to receive the title, he told Forbes, “There’s nothing sexier than progress.”
Wicked: For Good continues the story from the original musical, with Bailey playing the romantic lead opposite Cynthia Erivo’s Elphaba and Ariana Grande’s Glinda. The film is now in theaters.
Bailey’s quick wit was on display during a São Paulo premiere interview, where he playfully adapted a famous Wicked line about being “born sexy” or having “sexy thrust” upon you, echoing the musical’s theme. Fans can catch him in Wicked: For Good to see more of his charismatic performance.
