George Clooney, Paul Rudd and other past ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ winners offer advice to the newest title holder

Does it get hot in here? As People magazine is about to unveil 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 i.a George ClooneyPaul Rudd and last year’s winner, Patrick Dempsey, who all captured our hearts not only with looks, but also with humour, confidence and zest for life. For these winners, the title is about more than just a pretty face — it’s a chance to embrace the fun and maybe learn to laugh at yourself.

This year’s honoree, whoever he is, might just find these tips helpful. Here’s what former Sexiest Men Alive 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 it’s all about being natural.

“Just enjoy it,” he advised his successor, John Legend, in a 2019 interview with People, encouraging him, “don’t try to be sexy, just be you.” It seems to be easy for Elba, who confidently added, “I don’t have to try to be sexy — I am sexy.”

Even on the hardest days, Elba explained, “(It) doesn’t matter if I woke up in the morning looking crazy, people would be like, ‘Oh, the sexiest man!’ I said to myself, ‘Yes!’ No matter what I do, I got the title, I feel very good about myself.”

Ryan Reynolds, who was awarded the title in 2010, also believes in not downplaying the honor and advises his colleague 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, unapologetically. “He’s going to play it shy. He’s going to play it shy, humble,” adding, “I wouldn’t do that. You have to take this opportunity.”

As for Rudd, he openly admitted that he is “the wrong guy” to offer advice on 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’m very excited to stand on the sidelines and just bask in their sexiness.”

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

“There’s a lot of responsibility for a whole 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 deal with it.

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

Enjoy the ride – and wear some denim

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

As he told People in April, “If that’s your name and you’re still alive, you’re still the sexiest man alive,” joking that even after all these years, he has 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 one, was denim. Go denim. Blue catches the eye; denim, all-American. It was a good call. Denim still works for me today.”

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

“My conversations with other (Sexiest Men Alive) are always the same,” he shared People. “I’m like, ‘Listen, just so you know, here’s the thing about Sexiest Man Alive, I’m actually the only one who has it forever. So you have it for a year — but I have it for life.’

The Moana 2 star delivered a playful jab as he welcomed 2022 honoree Chris Evans during an episode of The Late Showthat encourages him to embrace the role and “say something sexy.”

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

For others, knowing when to turn down the noise is a big part of the honor.

Blake Shelton, whose 2017 title received mixed reviews, knows from experience that the announcement isn’t always met with universal approval. His advice? Lie down a little low.

After break the news of Legends 2019 title lives on The voiceShelton 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 everyone who’s ever hated you will have something to say about it,” he recalled Entertainment tonight.

The legend shared some humbling advice himself, reportedly telling Meredith’s Blackprint in 2020, “It’s been fun, it’s been humbling, it’s been all those things.”

He continued: “I’ve really enjoyed just making fun of myself throughout, because you can’t take yourself too seriously when someone calls you the sexiest man alive.”