So, McDreamy is People’s Sexiest Man Alive for 2023. No, it’s not a dream. It’s a nightmare! Ben Franklin said it best, “The only thing you can be sure of is death, taxes, and Jason Greene complaining about not being the Sexiest Man alive.” The first time I wrote about the Sexiest Man Alive was in 2013. That year was given to Adam Levine. How did that age? Among other Sexiest Men Alive are Nick Nolte, Johnny Depp (twice), and Mel Gibson. Clearly, People Magazine occasionally gets it wrong. People need to choose a man with sexy staying power. One that’s eternally sexy and not a flash in the pan. Not a shiny new object, if you will.
I admit, when I found out at midnight who the new Sexiest Man Alive was, I was shocked. I thought, really?!? Patrick Dempsey? Maby if it was 1987, and he was the nerd who stole the hearts of his school in Can’t Buy Me Love. Then I saw the photos, and wow! Hello Mr. Dempsey! There he sat, reclining in a chair with a wide smile and silver streaks lining his hair. Then I learned he’s been married for 24 years and has 3 kids. I see now that my bid to be the Sexiest Man Alive for 2023 must’ve been a close one.
So here we are again. Like in past years, I’m sharing why I deserve to be the Sexiest Man Alive. (Side note – this blog post might be the easiest thing I write every year because I only have to make a few edits to something I started writing 10 years ago.) The decision for 2023 Sexiest Man Alive has come and gone and I have to look again toward the future.
Women have been stating that men who clean and take care of kids are top of the hot list. And yet, we’ve been overlooked again. Just recently, and this is a true story, I was out with my daughter when a woman said, “Your daughter is so beautiful. Just like her daddy.” And I could not agree with her more. If only she was the editor of People Magazine.
Here’s why I’m sexier than all the other covers.
2023: Patrick Dempsey
I see you Patrick Dempsey. I see you. Yes, you are sexy. All those years on Grey’s Anatomy, making all those women on screen and behind them fall in love with you. You’ve aged gracefully and your eyes twinkle now more than ever. Can you guess who else has aged and has a twinkle in their eye? Me! That’s right! I deserve to be 2023’s Sexiest Man Alive. I have not appeared in Grey’s Anatomy, but my Anatomy is becoming more grey. And if being peppered with grey hair is sexy, I’ll also throw in a bald spot. Because if aging is hot, I’m on fire.
And Mr. Dempsey has 3 kids. Well, congratulations Dreamy! Got you beat there. I’ve got 4 of them. And I don’t have a team of people taking care of them. There are no cooks, nannies, or housekeepers. I do it all. Someone did not strategically comb my grey hair into place. It was earned by years of running my kids around to all their activities, doctor visits, games, practices, parties, school, events, teen drama moments, helping with homework I don’t understand, cooking food they won’t eat, cleaning vomit, and wiping noses. If wiping kids’ noses isn’t the sexiest thing in the world, then I don’t know what is.
So, congratulations Patrick. You’re 2023 People’s Magazine Sexiest Man Alive. Consider yourself lucky editors from People Magazine aren’t wondering the streets of New York City looking for dads corralling their children into the subway.
2022 Chris Evans:
Captain America himself is the newly crowned Sexiest Man Alive. I love how he uses his platform to champion social causes, and he has a great laugh during his interviews. But are we even sure he’s the sexiest Chris, let alone the Sexiest Man Alive? Sure, he’s got an impressive body and is a talented actor, but it’s easy to get a great body and jobs when you aren’t dressing up like an Avenger with your kids. My children take up so much of my time that I barely have enough time to eat a Crunch bar (my favorite bars) let alone do crunches. If I were to be named Sexiest Man Alive, I would celebrate by taking my kids out for ice cream. How’s he celebrating? Not with his kids. And we all know being a good dad is sexy.
2021 Paul Rudd:
Is Paul Rudd sexy? Of course, he is! Paul Rudd has been the object of affection since, well, Since Clueless, Friends, and The Object of My Affection. I’ve seen Paul Rudd up close. Even though I’m much taller, I admit the two of us are close in sexiness. But I think I’ve got the edge in the “Sexy” department. Besides being an all-around good guy, he’s a good dad and a wonderful family man. That’s hot. Do you know who’s hotter? The dad sitting in a room full of kids doing virtual lessons while trying to keep his sanity.
2020: Michael B. Jordan:
I’ve been a fan of Michael Jordan since he was the GOAT at shooting guard for the Chicago Bulls. What kid didn’t have a poster with Jordan’s tongue hanging out while delivering a thunderous dunk? Then there was the documentary about Jordan and his Bulls that showed he was actually a jerk. And a book by Scottie Pippen shows how hard it was to be his teammate.
Oops, sorry, we’re talking about Michael B. Jordan. My bad. Yeah, that man is sexy. I’ve been a fan of Jordan’s acting since he was a kid on one of the greatest shows of all time, The Wire. And then he showcased his range as an adult in movies like Creed, Black Panther, and Just Mercy. Not only is he a great actor, he’s got a superb physique. Is he sexier than me, though? Nah, he isn’t a dad and everyone knows dads are the real sexiest men alive. I should change my name to Jason B. Sexy and get some respect.
2019 John Legend:
Shakespeare asked, “What’s in a name?” I’ll tell you what’s in John Legend’s name, a pseudonym. Legend is not his real name. Shocking, I know. Maybe I should change my name to “Jason Greatness” and everyone will go along with it and say, “yes, now that you pointed that out, he is great.” I agree, John seems like he has his stuff together and his priorities right. And he seems like a nice guy. We should hang out sometime, John. I’ve got an EGOT too, but mine stands for “Everyone get out today!” (That’s what I say when I need to use the bathroom and my kids are getting ready.)
I like John Legend. He’s super talented, has a great marriage with Chrissy Tegan, and is an involved dad. Those should qualify him to be the Sexiest Man Alive. But I have a problem. Nobody is seeking us normal everyday dads that also show up every day. Maybe I could be even more involved than I already am if I had a team of people taking care of every need imaginable. Also, there is clearly a Voice conspiracy. How many judges from the Voice can People squeeze into the magazine?
2018 Idris Elba:
Okay, maybe the coolest guy on the list. The Wire, Luther, Thor, and Space Precinct, all outstanding performances. And he’s got a sweet English accent. But is his accent as cool as my Midwestern, Southern, New York combination? Y’all come back now, or fawgetaboutit.
2017 Blake Shelton:
He seems like a nice guy and he’s married to my 1996 crush, Gwen Stefani, so he’s got something going on. But sexier than me? Come on! I can sing too. Just stop by the local karaoke dive bar and you’ll be wanting to hear my voice on prime-time TV.
2016 The Rock:
Okay, I’ll admit right off the bat that the Rock is sexy. I am set in my heterosexual ways, but even former Vice-President Pence has to admit the Rock is sexy. Here’s the thing, the Rock is super busy. How often is he away from home? How much can he help around the house? You know what women want? I do. They want a guy that takes care of things at home every night/day. I might not have the biceps and pecs like the Rock, but does he have my dishpan hands? Wait, dishpan hands are sexy, right? And a guy like that has to eat 5 or 6 protein bars a day. Have you eaten a protein bar? What did that do to your digestive system? I guarantee that after 5 or 6 protein bars, everyone can smell what the Rock is cookin’.
2015 David Beckham:
I’ve seen Beckham’s abs on gigantic billboards in Times Square. He’s a ripped middle-aged dude. I can’t out crunch him, but I bet I can challenge him to how many times he has carried a coaching clipboard at his kids’ games. He may have named his kid Brooklyn, but I have coached kids in Brooklyn. I’ve spent thousands of hours training and teaching kids how to play soccer and trying to be a positive male role model. And again, those abs? I ain’t got time for sit-ups. I’m too busy cooking, cleaning, and making sure my kids’ breakfast isn’t on their faces when they leave for school.
2014 Chris Hemsworth:
Thor joked after he landed the cover that he wouldn’t have to change diapers or do the dishes for a while. Do you know what isn’t sexy son of Odin? Smelling a poopy diaper.
2013 Adam Levine:
Hmm, with Shelton and John being named; Voice conspiracy tell you! Is someone from NBC paying People off? This Magazine has taken its toll on me. I can’t take it no more. Also, that whole naming of his kid thing. Not cool or sexy.
2012 Channing Tatum:
I got moves too. It’s called, “The Bob.” It’s where I take a screaming baby and soothe it by bouncing back and forth. And instead of dollar bills stuffed into my pants, I have a pacifier, baby bottle, and a folded diaper (hopefully clean).
2011 Bradley Cooper:
He played a chef, but can he cook for a family of 6 and make sure picky eaters are satisfied? I do it three times a day, every day.
2010 Ryan Reynolds:
Reynolds seems like he is a great dad and that’s sexy. So we might be equal in the sexy dad department. But can he take a backseat so his wife can further her career? Boom! Sexy points go to the stay-at-home dad.
2009 Johnny Depp:
He always looks like he needs a mega pint of soap and wears too many scarves. Also, you know… the drugs and stuff.
2008 Hugh Jackman:
Okay, another great dad choice. You got me with this one. I’ll consider it a tie.
2007 Matt Damon:
Here’s another dad cover I can’t argue with. He seems like he is a good father and husband and is trying to make the world a better place. Kudos to Damon. I’ll give 2007 a pass.
2006 George Clooney:
Do you think he does dishes? Or can unclog a toilet? Or can change a diaper in a bathroom that doesn’t have a changing table? I’ll have a sexy off with Clooney any day.
2005 Matthew McConaughey:
All right, all right, all right. He might be a better bongo player than me, but would you want this guy buckling your kid into a car seat? Seems easily distracted.
2004 Jude Law:
More like Jude Unlawful. Am I right? Up high. Was Hugh Grant busy that year? That was also the year I became a dad and could be seen pushing a stroller around NYC. You didn’t have to look far People.
2003 Johnny Depp:
Twice? Twice? Showers, drugs, and scarfs; that’s all I’m saying.
2002 Ben Affleck:
Talented and beautiful women love him, but he always seems to mess up. Not sexy.
2001 Pierce Brosnan:
He is a great-looking guy who loves his family. Kind of reminds me of myself.
2000 Brad Pitt:
I’m still on Team Anniston. And I get it, flying with kids can be stressful. I’ve taken my kids all over the world and I get it. But… well… you know.
1999 Richard Gere:
Sure, if we ask grandmas.
1998 Harrison Ford:
Han Solo, Indiana Jones, and Rick Deckard are fictional characters. Do you know who isn’t? Me.
1997 George Clooney:
Another double-cover guy. Who would you want manning the grill? A guy who is afraid to get grease on his clothes or the guy who is wearing his favorite shirt that has grease stains?
1996 Denzel Washington:
Okay, another great choice. Good dad, a good husband, and great looking. Denzel and I have a lot in common.
1995 Brad Pitt:
Again Brad? And again, you know… plane rides and stuff.
1994: No Sexiest Man Alive that year. They were waiting for me. Hey People, I’m the one waiting now.
1993 Richard Gere and Cindy Crawford shared the Sexiest Couple cover. Come on, we all know who the sexiest one was on that cover.
1992 Nick Nolte:
Really People? We’ve seen the mug shot. Let me repeat that. Nick Nolte was once named the Sexiest Man Alive. Way to knock the cover out of the park in 1992 People.
1991 Patrick Swayze:
If there is one person in the history of Sexiness that could out sexy me, it is Swayze. It is Swayze who was out of our league.
1990 Tom Cruise:
You will not find a World’s Greatest Dad mug on his desk. Controlling is not a sexy trait.
1989 Sean Connery:
Can you picture Sean running around the playground with kids? Or having a water balloon fight? Or sitting on the floor playing with toddlers? Or wearing a dress because his daughters want to play dress-up?
1988 John F. Kennedy, Jr:
He founded George Magazine and in Feb/Mar 2000, Donald Trump was on the cover with the title, ‘The Secret Behind Trump’s Political Fling’. This means it is JFK Jr.’s fault Trump envisioned himself as president. Not sexy Junior!
1987 Harry Hamlin:
He’s been married for over 20 years and that is sexy. Seems like a wonderful dad, but has he ever scrubbed a toilet? Has he scrubbed one today? I have and I’ll do it again tomorrow. And everyone knows scrubbing a toilet is ultra-sexy.
1986 Mark Harmon:
You know him from NCIS, but I know him from Summer School and he was way sexier in Summer School. What made him sexier? He was funny. He lost his silly edge and making people laugh is sexy. By the way, I’ve got a dad joke for you.
1985 Mel Gibson: Do I need to explain?
Now you have my reasons I should be the Sexiest Man Alive. Sure, stay-at-home dads can be equaled in sexy, but we can’t be passed. The world has asked men repeatedly to step up and make the home a priority. And I am proud to be one that has. We cook, clean, change diapers, go to PTA meetings, make lunches, and provide partners with support so they can take charge of their careers. We are leaders in gender equality, teach sons to treat women respectfully, and show our daughters they can take any road they want. We are community activists, volunteers, coaches, and babysit kids when other parents need a break.
If putting others first is sexy, and being a good dad is sexy, then stay-at-home dads are the sexiest men alive.
I’m ready for next year’s cover.
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