The Truth Behind How 'People' Picks the "Sexiest Man Alive" Every Year

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

After being known as "McDreamy" for the last 15+ years, actor Patrick Dempsey has officially been promoted to a more elevated title — "Sexiest Man Alive." Early on November 8, People Magazine announced they had selected the Greys Anatomy alum as their choice for "Sexiest Man Alive" for 2023 — a title that other Hollywood heartthrobs like Brad Pitt, George Clooney and Chris Evans have held prior to him.

But the choice this year has many fans wondering how the entertainment magazine goes about picking the winner year after year — especially since Patrick has stayed off the radar for the most part since leaving his long-standing role as Dr. Derek Shepherd back in 2015, and didn't seem like an obvious choice for many.

So how does the "Sexiest Man Alive"earn their title? Well, here's what we know.

People has been granting the "Sexiest Man Alive" title every year since 1985, where actor Mel Gibson was the first recipient.

Due to competition from other entertainment outlets and TV personalities trying to capitalize off of People's success, the magazine even registered a trademark for the franchise in 2002, according to Vanity Fair, which prevents any other media outlets of creating their own.

Back in 2012, editor Julie Jordan told USA Today that they pay attention to comments and what the general public says on celebrity coverage throughout the year, but shockingly enough they also talk to other celebrities. "... we also ask female celebrities — we ask them who their vote would be for sexiest man alive," she told them.

They also "consult focus groups, which inform discussions among higher-ups in the magazine" and the editorial staff is asked to give their own input. Dan Wakeford, who was Editor-in-Chief from 2019 through 2022, shared that looks aren't just what the candidates are judged by. He shared the example of Michael B. Jordan, who clinched the title in 2020, and whose activism in the Black Lives Matter movement and passion for fighting for women's rights, played a large role in him being chosen.

And of course, enthusiasm for the title also plays a part, since they want their "Sexiest Man Alive" to not only be comfortable "owning" the title but also be willing to participate in the accompanying interview and photoshoot.

As to how the actual title of "Sexiest Man Alive" came to be? A former People Magazine staff member Michelle Green wrote a feature about Mel Gibson. The last line of her feature reads, "And then the sexiest man alive slouches away, alone." People Magazine used that line for the cover, and thus the "Sexiest Man Alive" title was born.

You Might Also Like

• 67 Best Gifts for Women That'll Make Her Smile

• The Best Pillows for Every Type of Sleeper